More than 50,000 students are returning to public schools across Canberra this week – with important COVI9-19 safety measures in place.
The ACT Government has worked hard to enable face to face learning to start the year, with risk mitigation strategies to help minimise the transmission of COVID-19.
“Our schools will always prioritise the safety of students and staff in the ACT while continuing to provide the best possible educational opportunities,” said Minister for Education and Youth Affairs, Yvette Berry.
“We want to reassure parents that each school will have its own COVID safety plan, tailored to the individual school, staffing arrangements and student cohort.”
The return to school will follow a clear set of health guidelines – including masks for students in years 7-12, maximising outdoor learning and ventilation in classrooms and increased cleaning across the schools. The ACT Government is also providing two rapid antigen tests per week to all staff and students.
“Schools are an essential service in our community and students belong in the classroom. While we remain vigilant and responsive to the evolving situation around COVID-19 in school communities, I am pleased to see a return to face to face learning – giving our kids the best start to the year,” said Minister Berry.
The ACT’s 90th public school will also open its doors from today – in the high-growth area of Throsby.
The brand-new campus at Throsby School will cater for 450 students from kindergarten to Year 6. 197 students have already enrolled for this year.
It is the third zero emission public school built in the ACT. The sustainable buildings include: state-of-the-art learning spaces, break out rooms, interactive equipment and beautiful outdoor play areas.
The ACT Government recognises that school facilities are valued by the whole community. The new Throsby School features a multi-purpose gym for basketball, netball, volleyball and badminton which will be available for community use when public health restrictions ease.
“This year I look forward to continuing our investment in public education. This means not only new schools like Throsby, but also upgrading facilities and further increasing capacity in a number of our existing schools throughout the ACT,” said Minister Berry.
“I wish all the students, teachers, staff and families a great first day of term – and a fantastic 2022 school year.”
