NT schools to stay open despite widespread calls for closure during coronavirus crisis

TERRITORY schools will remain open for the foreseeable future despite growing concerns students should stay home during the coronavirus crisis

Territory schools will remain open for the foreseeable future despite growing concerns students should stay home.

TERRITORY schools will remain open for the foreseeable future despite growing concerns students should stay home.

Speaking on Thursday, Chief Minister Michael Gunner said every effort was being made to keep schools informed.

“We’ve been talking about other things we need to do in the education space, making sure people are well, principals are informed, teachers are informed, parents are informed about what we’re doing and how we manage it, working through that,” he said.

“At no point have I been flagged or had anything flagged to me about an exodus of kids or parents so it’s not, as far as I’m aware, an issue.

“The advice remains the same, from our chief health officer and chief medical officer that schools are really safe … that’s where the safest place is for them and the grounds (on) which we make this (closure) decision will be the health and safety of our kids.”

MORE TOP NEWS

Gunner looking into legality of securing NT borders

Darwin pubs brace for economic fallout from new events limit

Mindil Markets opening night to be postponed

In an emergency situation, the Chief Minister can close all government and non-government schools, however Mr Gunner said any such decision would need to be in consultation with other states.

“At this stage, at a national Cabinet level we know no push to close schools,” he said.

“I think we’ve heard that very clearly from the Prime Minister who is the first voice out after national Cabinet meetings, we’re not looking at that option.”

Association of Independent Schools of the Northern Territory (AISNT) chief executive Gail Barker said all independent schools were following advice from the Australian Government and were not planning closures at present.

The Essington International School Darwin principal Brian Kennelly said the school was preparing in case it needed to close but said there were no current plans to do so.

“We’re preparing for online, remote learning and the decision for that will be made once either the authorities tell us to, or we determine that from the health status from our own community,” he said.

AMAZING NT News subscription offer: Only $1 for first 28 days

Mr Kennelly said it was crucial students continued to be educated.

“School closures, what it does is send a message to everyone that everything has stopped,” he said.

“We don’t want to send that message.”

“Students have a responsibility to keep learning and our teachers to keep teaching.”