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Editorial: messaging around schools for Term 2 is as clear as mud

THE messaging around schools for Term 2 from the federal, state and territory governments is as clear as mud.

Education Minister Selena Uibo needs to show some leadership and make decisions for the sake of students, teachers and parents
Education Minister Selena Uibo needs to show some leadership and make decisions for the sake of students, teachers and parents

THE messaging around schools for Term 2 from the federal, state and territory governments is as clear as mud.

Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan came out yesterday saying he expected most students around the nation to be schooled online for the entirety of Term 2.

But within hours, Territory Education Minister Selena Uibo came out saying she expected most students would be attending school in person for Term 2.

We understand this is an unprecedented situation but someone — and it has to be Ms Uibo — has to show some leadership so students, parents and teachers know exactly what’s going on for Term 2.

Attending school is either compulsory or it’s not in Term 2. A decision has to be made.

Right now, everyone is confused. Are schools open? Are they closed? Are students being taught online? Are students being taught in a classroom? Or are teachers expected to run two classrooms at once?

These are crucial questions that need to be answered because once we come out of Easter, Term 2 is on our doorstep. Parents need to know whether they have to make plans to send their kids to school or stay at home with them.

The coronavirus situation is changing rapidly but what we do know is it seems to be relatively under control in the Territory.

School needs to be compulsory for Term 2.

The finer details of how that looks must be sorted out as a matter of urgency.

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Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/opinion/messaging-around-schools-for-term-2-is-as-clear-as-mud/news-story/126551152bd70dd2688ef2cff6851dc9