Data reveals two-thirds of NT students turned up for start of Term 2 as schools reopen

TWO-THIRDS of all NT kids attended school in the first week of term two, as the Territory remained the only jurisdiction in Australia to return to the physical classroom

TWO-THIRDS of all Territory kids attended school in the first week of term 2, as the Territory remained the only jurisdiction in Australia to return to the physical classroom amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Preliminary NT Government data, seen by the NT News, revealed 20,550 students, or about 61.5 per cent of total enrolments attended school on the first day of term 2. The number rose to 22,600, or about 67.6 per cent, by Thursday.

Full access to our journalism – just $1 for the first 28 days

In comparison, average attendance in government schools in 2018/19 was about 76 per cent.

Education Minister Selena Uibo. Picture: Che Chorley

Staff attendance was 91.7 per cent, on par with normal non-pandemic levels.

The NT Government has maintained, based on Australian Health Protection Principal Committee advice, that schools are safe to remain open and if Territory students don’t attend a ‘please explain’ would be asked of their parents.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Brendan Murphy on Friday declared classrooms posed no risk of spreading the coronavirus, prompting Prime Minister Scott Morrison to urge the other states and territories to urgently reopen schools.

MORE CORONAVIRUS NEWS:

Restrictions on ‘outdoor activities’ could be lifted in NT in time for long weekend

Gunner reveals NT’s nation-leading lockdown exit plan

Emergency coronavirus-related laws pass NT parliament during fiery special sitting

Education Minister Selena Uibo said families continued to have the choice to educate their kids at home.

“That’s OK – we trust that parents and carers know what is best for their children,” she said. “However, for the vast majority of NT students who have returned to school, and for their families, their lives have a routine which is supported by dedicated Principals, teachers and school staff.”

It is understood schools in the Territory are supporting about 1,100 students that have been identified as vulnerable by their families, who had informed their school their child would be learning from home.