The government's decision to introduce a staged return to school-based learning will provide much-needed clarity and certainty for students, parents, teachers and other school staff.
Shadow Education Minister Josh Willie said it's pleasing to see the government take up Labor's call to focus the initial return on students in key stages of development.
"During this crisis, school staff have done an enormous amount of work to provide remote learning and their efforts have been extraordinary," Mr Willie said.
"But, despite this, it's clear that education has been disrupted, so it's very pleasing to see a plan in place for our students to return to school in a measured and careful way.
"As Labor pointed out last week, there is an urgent need to reconnect students in key stages of development like the early years and those in years 11 and 12 with the physical context of school.
"I welcome the government's adoption of this proposal, with those students set to return to school on 25 May.
"The return of students in years 7 to 10 two weeks later is a sensible option and will give Tasmanians clarity and confidence as we ease back into some form of normal life.
"But while the news this afternoon is welcome, it is important that we don't become complacent; we need to continue to follow the rules and the public health advice and keep students at home until those key dates.
"We would also again urge the government to adopt Labor's policy of employing mental health workers in every school to help support students through the transition.
"We know the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic are changing rapidly and, rightly, the current arrangements are subject to ongoing review.
"But seeing our schools start to return to normal is an important step in Tasmania's COVID-19 recovery and will provide some relief to parents, students and teachers.
"This has been a trying time for everyone, but the work of our school staff has been crucial in keeping our students engaged with their education.
"I wish the staff, students and parents all the best as they step back into a more normal school schedule."
Josh Willie MLC
Shadow Education Minister
