The last of SA’s school students return to the classroom on Monday

Thousands of temporary teachers have been asked to stand by in case anyone goes down with Covid, as part of measures ahead of students’ full return to school.

Temporary teachers are on standby to fill gaps as all students return to classrooms on Monday.

Drawn from the more than 4000 temporary teachers in the Education Department system, they will be needed if Covid-19 cases rise.

“The next few weeks are going to be challenging, particularly with staffing,” ­department chief executive Rick Persse said.

“We have set the system up to be nimble and responsive, with a pool of staff on standby to respond quickly to local issues.”

Students, Alex, 8, Amelia, 3, and Jack, 10, will be going back to school on Monday. Picture: Matt Loxton

The most recent Education Department data, from Thursday, showed 206 teachers and 174 support workers from the 30,000-strong staff were absent due to Covid because they were infected, isolating or caring for someone.

Among students there was a 0.9 per cent absentee rate due to Covid – equating to about 1500 of the 173,000 students in government schools.

Since school lessons started on February 2, students in reception and years 1, 7, 8 and 12 have been on campus, with the rest taught remotely.

The staggered start aimed to reduce risks while Covid cases peaked statewide.

When cases occur in a classroom, students are now encouraged to continue going to school unless they have symptoms.

(L-R) Felix Jericho, Year 4, Max Jericho, Year 11 and Sam Jericho Year 8, walking to get the bus from their Riverland home. Picture: Karen Jericho

Remote learning lessons will now stop.

Students who are isolating, but not sick, will be expected to work at home using the Our Learning SA website under guidance from their school.

“Reception to year 10 students can access a minimum of three learning-at-home lessons online each day,” a department spokesman said.

“Schools will continue to check in on students who are isolating to ensure their wellbeing is supported.”

Teachers who are classroom contacts are being provided with rapid antigen test kits to use daily and must go to work if the test is negative.

Felix and Max Jericho home schooling with dad Paul. Picture: Karen Jericho

For the Jericho family in the Riverland, having all students going to school will make things simpler.

The Jerichos, who are grape growers, have had one son, Sam, going to Loxton High School to start year 8 while his brothers, Max, in year 11 at Loxton, and Felix, in year 4 at Barmera Primary School, stayed home.

“Felix actually liked wearing his school uniform at home,” mother Karen Jericho said. “Max got through his schoolwork really quickly; he hardly took a lunch break.”

Jack and Alex Galkowski are looking forward to returning to Blackfriars today to catch up with friends and meet their teachers and classmates in person. Their sister, Amelia, will attend the school’s early learning centre.

Originally published as The last of SA’s school students return to the classroom on Monday