Western Australian public schools will be open for all parents and carers who choose to send their children to school, when Term 2 commences for students on Wednesday, April 29.
Premier Mark McGowan and Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery today announced the arrangements for the start of Term 2, which would be reviewed before the start of Week 4.
Under the plan, the original first day of class - Tuesday, April 28 - will now be a pupil free day, allowing teachers and school staff to finalise learning arrangements.
In addition to school being open for all students, Year 11 and 12 students are strongly encouraged to attend to continue their course requirements for graduation.
For those students who learn at home, distance education packages and resources, including online resources where possible, will be provided so all students can continue to learn.
These arrangements will be in place until the end of Week 3, before any adjustments are made for the beginning of Week 4. This will provide sufficient time for an assessment and review, taking into account the latest health advice and infection trends across the community.
The $43 million commitment in total will see regular and frequent cleaning occurring throughout the school day, including cleaning and disinfecting all high contact items every 1-2 hours, as well as the regular cleaning of school play equipment.
This will include an estimated $13 million on a ramped up, rigorous cleaning regime in schools, so that cleaners can work continuously throughout the day.
This is in addition to the investment already made to enhance cleaning and purchase additional cleaning products since the pandemic started.
Term 2 will also see an increased focus on personal hygiene and social distancing measures.
Parents will be required to drop children at the school gate and not enter the school grounds, canteens will provide takeaway services only, school swimming pools will be closed and assemblies, camps, excursions and interschool activities will not be permitted.
Schools can also implement staggered start, break and meal times to reduce contact in common areas and staff rooms, including the closure of staff rooms if necessary.
The capacity of the Department's website Learning at Home has been tripled to meet the demand while students are learning from home, and this will continue to be monitored.
Every Year 12 and ATAR student will be able to get a WA Certificate of Education (WACE) and an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) in 2020 so they can go on to further study, training or employment next year.
Students working toward a Vocational Education and Training qualification will not be disadvantaged due to any work placement cancellations.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Government has worked collaboratively with Catholic and Independent schools. It is expected they will also implement these arrangements for Term 2.
A fact sheet is available at http://www.wa.gov.au/education
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"We have carefully considered options for the start of Term 2, based on the best health advice.
"This soft opening is about transitioning students back into our classrooms in a responsible manner, to receive the best education, without risking the health of students, staff or parents.
"The return of Year 11 and 12 students is prioritised to give them the best chance to complete their course requirements, while practicing good social distancing.
"This is about striking the right balance for Western Australian schools, and it gives us the opportunity to review the situation and adjust accordingly when it's suitable to do so.
"Once again, I thank our teachers and school staff, who continue to play a crucial role educating our children during this difficult and evolving time."
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"The classroom is still the best place for all students to learn.
"Learning in the classroom for Year 11 and 12 students must be the priority so we strongly encourage they attend school when it starts.
"It's critical that all other students continue to have access to their teachers which is why our teachers will be in the classroom.
"Whether students are learning at school or at home, either online or with printed materials, all students will get an education.
"We will be significantly ramping up the cleaning in schools as well as continuing to observe social distancing measures so that every teacher, staff member and student can be protected and kept safe.
"I want to assure parents that the vital services provided by education assistants, Aboriginal and Islander Education Officers, school psychologists and chaplains will continue to help students through these unusual times."
Education and Training Minister's office - 6552 5700
