School return brought forward

Schools will begin their staggered return to face to face learning on Monday 18 October, one week earlier than initially planned, thanks to strong vaccination rates across the State.

Member for Oatley, Mark Coure, was pleased to see that students will now return to the classroom even sooner, with preparations already underway to ensure that all school areas are cleaned and sanitised thoroughly.

“The NSW Government is working hard to ensure that all 2200 public schools across the State are ready for students to return in a COVID-safe manner,” Mr Coure said.

“Bringing forward our return to school plan means that students will benefit from additional face to face learning and this is fantastic news for students, teachers and parents.”

Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, said the return to school plan was always linked to the vaccination rates of the community and thanks to faster vaccination rates than expected, students will be able to return to the classroom sooner.

“We have been clear that a return to school should begin once the state passed 70 per cent fully vaccinated and thanks to the incredible efforts from the people of NSW, we will reach that milestone sooner than expected,” Premier Berejiklian said.

“Managing a return in a school system the size of NSW’s is not a small task. Keeping the staged approach, but moving it all one week earlier, allows schools to shift their plans forward and still provides time for staff and eligible students to get vaccinated.”

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, Sarah Mitchell, said an additional week of quality face to face learning for students is worth having and can be achieved in a safe and sensible way.

“It is fantastic that we will meet vaccination targets in NSW earlier than originally anticipated. This has allowed us to shift the plan forward for all schools across impacted areas,” Minister Mitchell said.

“Bringing the return forward allows schools to keep their plans for a staggered return and provides time for staff to get their second dose. From 18 October, all staff that need to be on site must be fully vaccinated.”

“I know there remain some concerns in the community around a return to school, but students, staff and parents should feel confident that this approach allows enough time to make schools as COVID safe as possible.”