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Return to school plan announced for all students

A staggered return to face to face learning has been established for NSW schools, allowing students to return to the classroom from Monday 25 October with HSC exams now delayed.

Member for Oatley, Mark Coure, acknowledged that this announcement provides a sense of hope and clarity to local school students and their families.

“This lockdown period has placed added pressure on students and their families and I want to commend everyone on their resilience and ability to adapt over these past few months,” Mr Coure said.

Students will return to face-to-face learning with NSW Health approved COVID safe settings on school sites in the following order:

  • From 25 October – Kindergarten and Year 1
  • From 1 November – Year 2, 6 and 11
  • From 8 November – Year 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10

Year 12 students are already able to return in a limited way and this will continue for the remainder of Term 3. From 25 October, Year 12 will have full time access to school campuses and their teachers.

“Our local Year 12 students have done an incredible job during this difficult period and I look forward to seeing their outstanding results later in the year.”

If stay at home orders are lifted in an LGA or region before 25 October, all students living or learning in that area will return to face to face learning under the Department of Education’s COVID-safe schools framework.

If cases in certain LGAs increase significantly, learning from home will resume for that LGA until case numbers drop.

HSC exams will be delayed until 9 November with a revised timetable and guidelines for a COVID-safe HSC to be released by NESA in early September. Importantly, the delay of the HSC exams will not disadvantage NSW students when applying to university.

Vaccinations for all school staff across all sectors will be mandatory from 8 November. NSW Health will be providing priority vaccinations at Qudos Bank Arena for school staff the week beginning 6 September.

Early childcare staff will be eligible for a prioritised vaccination from 6 September. All students who are eligible for a vaccine are also being strongly encouraged to book an appointment.

Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, said the NSW Government is prioritising the safety and education of students through a sensible and managed return to school.

“The return to school plan provides parents, teachers and students with certainty and a path forward for the return to face to face learning,” Premier Berejiklian said.

“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.”

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,” Minister Mitchell said.

For all information regarding prioritised groups for vaccination and updates on COVID-19, please visit:www.nsw.gov.au

(Photo taken prior to lockdown restrictions)