Labor’s call to prioritise key stages of development
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
