EXPLAINED: School closures in Toowoomba region

MOST Toowoomba schools will be open tomorrow, according to the latest information.

MOST Toowoomba schools will be open tomorrow, according to the latest information.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced on social media today that schools in south-east Queensland would be closed tomorrow.

But Toowoomba schools fall into the Darling Downs South West Region, so will not be automatically closed like some other regions.

The department had said all schools that were closed today due to severe weather events would again be closed tomorrow.

But schools in the Toowoomba region were closed due to a public holiday and therefore are not impacted.

Any schools in the region that were impacted by weather will be closed, as a department spokesman explained: "A number of schools in the Darling Downs region which closed due to severe weather warnings today will be closed again tomorrow, in the interests of public safety."

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Safety appears to be the main concern and parents are urged to check the department's website, which is continually being updated.

As yet no Toowoomba region schools have been listed, but that could change.

"Parents should continue to check the website for school closures this afternoon as it is updated regularly - closures.det.qld.gov.au," the spokesman said.

"The Department is strongly urging parents to check local weather conditions and road access, and put their safety - and that of their children - above all else."

Some schools have taken the measure of announcing they will be open on social media.

Toowoomba State High posted, "As you would be aware there have been announcements of school closures in South East Queensland, due to the recent weather events and forecasts of more severe weather and given that today is a public holiday for schools in Toowoomba Regional area there has been no impact on our school.

"I understand that there is some uncertainty about what may be occurring tomorrow, as such I will endeavour to keep all informed. At this stage, school will be open as usual on Friday for last day of term One. The safety of your children and our students is our highest priority, and due to weather conditions and the associated potential risks, I am advising the following:

• Should parents have any concerns about the safety of their children travelling to and from school on Friday, I would encourage you to err on the side of caution and not risk sending your children to school.
• The practice QCS test for students in Year 11 & 12 has been postponed to the first week in Term 2
• Should there be an update from Queensland Emergency Services regarding further school closures, I will send more information
• At this point we have not been advised on any changes to school bus services, again I will advise should there be any updated information

"I trust that all remain safe and dry during the next 24 hours," the spokesman said. 

Originally published as EXPLAINED: School closures in Toowoomba region