Messaging around NT schools’ Term 2 as ‘clear as mud’, says top Darwin school principal

THE messaging around Term 2 for schools from the federal, state and territory governments is as clear as mud, says top Darwin school principal

The messaging around Term 2 for schools from the federal, state and territory governments is as clear as mud, former Leanyer Primary School principal Henry Gray says

THE messaging around Term 2 for schools from the federal, state and territory governments is as clear as mud, former Leanyer Primary School principal Henry Gray says.

Mr Gray — who was also the president of the NT School Principals Association — says he expects the current school holiday break will include a lot of discussion between parents and their children about the best way forward as the coronavirus fears continue.

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In an opinion piece in the Sunday Territorian, Mr Gray says the problem has been compounded by statements from Education Minister Selena Uibo and Chief Minister Michael Gunner.

He pointed to Ms Uibo’s statement: “All children are expected to attend school from day one, Term 2 – Monday, 20 April … you should plan for your child to physically attend school.”

Mr Gray suggested confusion was created when Ms Uibo said home schooling exceptions could be made.

In her statement on April 9 Ms Uibo said: “I understand that families, parents, students and school staff require clarity about school attendance for Term 2.

“Education in the Northern Territory next term is compulsory. All students are expected to attend school from day one, Term 2 – Monday, 20 April.

“Unless your school contacts you directly with alternative arrangements, you should plan for your child to physically attend school.

“Exceptions can be made for parents who have informed the school their child will be learning from home.”

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Mr Gray says the Chief Minister is also at fault, suggesting that home schooling is a viable option but stressing that learning must happen and that Term 1 leniencies will not extend into Term 2.

Mr Gray says education has been muddied by everything happening around coronavirus and the “muddiness” plays on children, their parents and their teachers.

“They need reassurance and must not be caught in a vacuum of misunderstanding,” he says. “It is critically important that students should understand what is happening educationally.”