19 May 2020
Students across NSW will be back in the classroom full-time from next Monday, 25 May.
The success of the phased return to face to face teaching has demonstrated the education system and community are ready for school to come back full-time.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell thanked school communities and parents for their patience during this difficult time.
Ms Berejiklian said a return to full-time face to face teaching and learning is crucial for the education progress of every child in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.
“Since starting a managed return to the classroom, we have seen a strong degree of confidence from our school communities in managing COVID-19 and a clear desire for all students to be back at school,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We expect schools to stick with the health advice – increased cleaning, access to hygiene supplies and compliance with hygiene practices – and look forward to seeing all students back on campus five days a week.
“The health advice is very clear; a return to full-time face to face teaching is safe.”
Over the last two weeks schools have been working hard to support students practise good hygiene and implement new routines at school, which has been successful giving the community confidence that full-time face to face teaching can resume.
Ms Mitchell said she was eager to see students back in the classroom full-time.
“Our principals, teachers, support staff, parents and carers have gone above and beyond to continue the education of our students while we respond to this pandemic,” Ms Mitchell said.
“My priority is the education of our children. We know that parents across NSW share our desire for students to be back in school, and that is our expectation.
“Schools will need to maintain the measures and precautions they have put in place for the foreseeable future, including no assemblies and excursions.
“Teachers will be focused on identifying where their students are at in their education and we will be supporting them to recognise and assist those students who need additional help.”
Read the department's latest advice for families.