Term 2 to take place mostly at home in Tasmania, Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff says

With confusion still surrounding the plans for next term, Education Minister and Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff wants to make things clear.

WITH confusion still surrounding the plans for next term, Education Minister and Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff wanted to make things clear.

Term 2 will commence on April 28, he said, and the set-up will be exactly as it was on Friday: “in other words, most of the learning will be at home.”

Four professional learning days next week for all government school staff will look at the best ways to deliver alternative learning packages both online and offline.

Tasmanian Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

“Principals are still the principal of the school, the school’s still open as a school, and teachers are still a teacher of particular classroom,” he said.

“We recognise that not everyone is able to access learning at home for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons may well be they're very hardworking, dedicated front line service staff within our health system.”

“School sites will always be open unless the public health advice changes, so learning can continue at the school site if it is needed.”

Mr Rockliff said the average physical school attendance rate last week was about 8 per cent, a significant drop from the previous 80 to 90 per cent.

Switching to his other role as Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister, Mr Rockliff reminded Tasmanians that being anxious and uncertain in the midst of the pandemic was normal, and support was available to those who needed it.

"We can do this if we all do this together, but please, let's watch each other's backs,” he said.

He said support was available through Beyond Blue, Lifeline, Rural Alive and Well, and the Kids Helpline.