Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced the first steps allowing Queensland children to return to school with kindy, prep and years 11 and 12 to return next Monday.
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The steps to full resumption of school are:
- May 11: Kindy, Prep, Years 1, 11 and 12 return to school
- May 15: Assess state-wide response to easing of restrictions
- May 25: Proposed re-opening to remaining students in remaining grades
The Premier said a sensible, gradual return is only possible because of Queensland's success in slowing the spread of COVID-19.
"These are the children who are at the most important junctures of schooling - the beginning and the end of their educational journey," the Premier said.
Chief Health Officer Dr Jeanette Young said Queensland's early response to confronting the pandemic was paying dividends now.
"You only have to look at what we were dealing with prior to the school holidays with what we have now to appreciate why Queensland is in the strong position it is," Dr Young said.
Education Minister Grace Grace said the government's plan has been endorsed by the independent and Catholic school sector as well as principals and teachers alike.
"Most of all, we have listened to Queensland parents who have done such an incredible job for their children supporting them through home learning," the Minister said.
"I think we all appreciate our teachers and school staff like never before and their health and safety remains paramount.
"When students begin to return to school, our schools remain safe and hygienic environments for the teachers and staff who will be in the workplace."
Social distancing measures to protect adults at schools will include:
- Staff and students who are unwell must not attend school
- All adults must maintain social distancing of 1.5 metres
- Adults must not gather in groups in and around school grounds, car parks, school gates and outside classrooms
- Parents should use stop, drop and go options rather than walking children into school grounds
- Strict personal hygiene protocols, including the cleaning of high touch surfaces such as desks and door handles, will remain in place.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said schools should be open sooner.
"Queensland schools should be open now and to keep them shut until near the end of May is a major setback to Queensland parents, kids and teachers," Ms Frecklington said.
"This health crisis is fast becoming a jobs crisis under Labor. Holding kids back from going to school is hurting them and hurting the economy. Getting kids back into school is the first step on our road to recovery."
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
