SCHOOLS TACKLE COVID

The back to school plan includes a number of measures to best protect schools against Covid including compulsory masks from year 3 and ventilation at to control air flow.

Education Department chief executive Karen Weston confirmed plenty of contingencies had been looked at in case students or whole classes could not make it to school.

“There’s a commitment to keeping schools open for essential workers and vulnerable children,” Ms Weston said.

“We’re ready with the learning packs and online learning if we do need to have kids learning from home in a particular place so we’ve planned to respond to whatever scenarios come our way.”

Education Minister Lauren Moss said it was important to see kids back in school.

“There has been an incredible amount of planning that has gone into term one of the year ahead given the current Covid situation,” Ms Moss said.

“I know teachers and families will be feeling anxious but we have been dealing with Covid for two years now.

“It’s really important we get kids back in school next week. It’s important for their education development but also their social and emotional wellbeing.”