ROAD MAP FOR BACK TO SCHOOL
Friday, 27 August 2021
Today the NSW Government announced a return to school plan for students and staff. The plan included a staggered return to face-to-face learning from October, the delay of HSC exams until November and the introduction of mandatory vaccinations for school staff.
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said the development of proactive plans to get students within the electorate, back into classrooms as soon as it is deemed safe to do so will give teachers, students and parents hope during what has been a challenging few weeks.
For communities of the Cootamundra electorate, a staggered return to face-to-face learning from October, developed by The Department of Education, will only apply if a decision is made to extend the current stay-at-home orders.
If stay-at-home orders are lifted from an LGA then all students within that specified LGA, can return to the classroom under the Department’s COVID-Safe schools framework.
A decision to delay HSC exams for year 12 students until November 9, was made to allow sufficient time for all necessary COVID-Safe exam settings to be put in place. A revised timetable and guidelines for a COVID-safe HSC will be released by NESA in early September.
“It is important to keep in mind that the delay of the HSC exams will not disadvantage NSW students when applying to university or getting full-time jobs,” Ms Cooke said.
“I understand the HSC is a very important milestone in a young person’s life and I commend all of the year 12 students and their teachers, who have persevered through the challenges of remote learning over the past two years.”
“Just remember how close you are to finishing your studies and moving onto the next amazing chapter of your lives.”
A further element of the road map announced was that from the 8th of November, vaccinations for all school staff across all sectors will be mandatory.
A recent survey of the public school workforce indicated the majority of staff already had at least one dose of a vaccine.
All students eligible for a vaccine will be strongly encouraged by the government to book an appointment with students aged 12-15 to be a priority if they become eligible for a vaccine.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government is prioritising the safety and education of students through a sensible and managed return to school.
“We know the last few months have been tough on the school community and we are deeply grateful to parents, teachers and students for the sacrifices you have made. Please continue to protect our students by getting vaccinated as quickly as possible,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the education and safety of our students is essential.
“The classroom is where students learn best and I thank the entire community for playing their role in this return by getting vaccinated,” Ms Mitchell said.
“I want to reassure our communities that this measure has been put in place so that can get back to some type of normal safely,” Ms Cooke said.
Early childcare staff will also be able to participate in the priority vaccinations from 6 September and are encouraged to make use of the GP network to be vaccinated with whatever vaccine is available as soon as possible.
For more information, please visit: https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families
