James Merlino reveals school shutdowns will be ‘a thing of the past’ in 2022

The Education Minister has offered a glimpse of school life in 2022, revealing he’s confident of avoiding repeat Covid shutdowns.

Deputy Premier James Merlino reveals school shutdowns will be a thing of the past when pupils return in 2022. Picture: NCA NewsWire/David Crosling

Education Minister James Merlino has said school shutdowns will be “a thing of the past” when pupils return to school in 2022.

The Deputy Premier told the Herald Sun if teachers weren’t fully vaccinated by November 29, they would not be permitted to work in schools and mandatory vaccinations for children were not being considered by the state government.

He said classrooms would have Covid safety measures including air purifiers, with every low-fee non-government school receiving shade sails to bring more classes outside.

“Critically, we need as many students over 12 and staff vaccinated, because that’s the biggest way to both reduce transmission and reduce serious illness in everyone,” he said.

“Speaking both as a Minister and as a father of school aged kids, I think what students can look forward to most next year is just more quality time.

“Time with their friends at school, time in front of their teachers, time playing sport – just living a normal life, and being able to enjoy being a kid. I think that’s what everyone should look forward to next year.”

Mr Merlino said he was confident of avoiding schools having to repeatedly close their doors next year.

“Of course, if there is potential transmission at a school, the school will be closed for a deep clean and while close contacts are identified,” he said.

“As we’ve seen this week with multiple schools, that process normally only takes one day, and students who are not close contacts will be able to get back to school quickly.”

A voluntary EduPay survey has seen more than 53,000 teachers respond, with 98.9 per cent of all respondents revealing they were vaccinated.

“Just as all teachers are required to have a Working with Children Check, they need to be vaccinated – because that’s the most important thing they can do to keep their school communities safe,” Mr Merlino said.

VCE students Connor, 18, and sister, Annie, 17, are hopeful of avoiding any more remote learning. Picture: Jason Edwards

“Mandatory vaccinations for children aren’t being considered – but we strongly encourage every single student over 12 to get the jab and protect themselves, their peers and their communities to make sure 2022 and beyond looks much more normal at school.”

When asked about students taking mental health days, Mr Merlino said principals at government schools could “absolutely approve” student absence for a mental health day with a note from a parent or carer.

“We committed to the mental health practitioners in 2018, but since the pandemic began we’ve fast-tracked it, so every single government secondary school and specialist school now has access to these mental health experts,” he said.

Mr Merlino also said he wanted to remind students sitting their VCE exams that they would be subject to the Consideration of Educational Disadvantage process.

“This gives students certainty that the only thing counting towards their score is their effort and hard work, not the disruptions they’ve had to face in this unprecedented year,” he said.

“My advice to all students – but particularly those that are entering their final year next year, is that the world has already thrown everything at you, and you’re showing extraordinary grit and resilience and determination in the face of all these challenges.”