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General News

13 April, 2020

Schools to re-open for essential workers

Queensland schools will open for term two for vulnerable students and the children of essential workers.

By Phil Brandel

Schools to re-open for essential workers - feature photo

Queensland schools will open for term two for vulnerable students and the children of essential workers.

Other students will be taught from home via remote learning online for at least the first five weeks of the term.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the move to the home-based learning model would start at the scheduled commencement of Term 2 on Monday 20 April and be in place until at least Friday, May 22 and will be reviewed on May 15.

“What this means is that from the start of Term 2, all students who can learn from home are to stay at home,” the Premier said.

“This decision provides mums and dads with the clarity they need ahead of the new school term.“It also gives certainty for our hard-working teachers who will be continuing to deliver lessons in a way they might never have imagined.”

“School staff, unless they are vulnerable due to medical conditions, will continue to teach from the classroom to ensure continuity of learning for students.

“And children of essential workers and vulnerable children can continue to attend school.

“These children will be supervised and participate in the learning activities that have been set by their regular classroom teachers.”

“My message to every Queensland school community is very clear. Stay at home. Learn at home.”

Education Minister Grace Grace said schools and teachers will continue to be the primary point of contact for students and parents and will set the curriculum, teaching and learning programs.

“Although most students will be absent, staff will still be on-site and we are continuing to work with suppliers to bulk purchase cleaning and hygiene supplies to support schools.

“The Chief Health Officer has also updated the testing criteria for COVID-19 to include those who have a fever or respiratory problems and work in schools, child care centres and boarding houses.”

Ms Grace said continuity of early learning is also key for kindy children.

“Before and after school care, long daycare or family daycare will continue to operate.”

Minister Grace said the government was working with schools and vendors to supply devices and internet connectivity for schools and students where required.

“Make no mistake, we are well-prepared and the on-line curriculum resources we have developed over many years have been shared across the country.

“Schools are being encouraged to loan devices like laptops or tablets to students who may not have access to them at home.

“And we have worked with Telstra to secure more than 5000 sim cards to ensure those students without internet connectivity can access online resources.”

The Department of Education learning@home website provides parents with a range of resources to support students to continue their learning. Visit www.qld.gov.au/learningathome

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