Talking Point: Tasmanian schools are ready, come what may

JEREMY ROCKLIFF: In case of closures, Tasmanian plans provide for families without internet access

Tasmanian authorities are working to ensure students can learn as safely as possible in the months ahead.

There is a lot of concern about the coronavirus pandemic and a lot of discussion on whether schools should be closed. This is completely understandable and I want to reassure Tasmanians that the health and safety of students and staff is our highest priority.

We are acting on the advice of health professionals at all times and doing everything we can to ensure the most current advice is given to schools and families. We have a fact sheet to answer parents’ questions and guidance on how to talk to children about coronavirus. These are on the Department of Education’s website.

The department has set up a COVID-19 co-ordination Unit which includes a 1800 816 057 helpline for parents.

Our current advice from the Director of Public Health is that closing schools is not required. Evidence to date shows schools are not a major hotspot for coronavirus infections, and closing them would have minimal impact in preventing community transmission. Any potential reduction may be offset by care arrangements. Children may need care from vulnerable grandparents or health workers, or continue to associate outside of school.

We are taking a precautionary approach to reduce potential exposure and lower the chance of spreading coronavirus. This includes social distancing such as cancellation of assemblies and presentation nights, excursions, travel, fetes, fairs, concerts with audiences, sports carnivals and school camps. I have written to principals about supporting good hygiene to limit the spread of coronavirus and ensuring strict handwashing protocols. Schools have been asked to increase cleaning and advised that hard surfaces in classrooms such as door handles, keyboards and desks in particular should be regularly disinfected.

However, I completely understand concerns parents may have, and can confirm the usual absence rules won’t apply should they choose to keep them at home. Parents should advise the school in writing if this is the case.

I want to stress that if and when the advice changes we will respond swiftly and close school sites, and we are preparing for all scenarios.

Schools are at the heart of our community and for a large proportion of our children, school is far more than a place to learn to read and write. Our schools are safe places, providing essential services in response to the high levels of disadvantage in our communities. Closing school gates means breaking a vital chain of support for some of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged families.

It is imperative to consider how our schools can continue to support our most vulnerable. That’s why the Department of Education has been working for some weeks on developing at-home learning materials to assist if school sites need to close.

This includes online material and activities that can be used without an internet connection, such as programs to support scheduled programming on ABC-TV.

In years 11 and 12 we already have 42 courses that can be accessed online and additional capacity through Virtual Learning Tasmania. Nine of the 10 courses with the highest enrolments are covered. I wish to thank the hardworking teachers and staff at the Department of Education who are doing a fantastic job under very trying circumstances, and every family for their understanding.

This is an unprecedented situation, but we will continue working with the community and are doing everything we can to ensure our students can continue learning as safely as possible in the months ahead.

Jeremy Rockliff is Tasmanian Education and Training Minister.