Premier Daniel Andrew’s announcement this morning confirms that Victorian school students will begin a phased return to classrooms in two weeks. All Prep, Year One and Year Two students will return to on-site learning from Tuesday 26th May. There is a pupil free day at all schools on Monday 25th May, this will give staff, schools and families time to prepare for returning to school. Years 3 to 6 students will then return to onsite learning on Tuesday June 9th following the June long weekend.
Vulnerable students in Years 3 to 6, whose parents or carers cannot work from home, can continue to attend school on-site as needed. Applications should still be made to the school directly via email drysdale.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au.
The Government will invest up to $45 million for enhanced cleaning that will occur every day at every school across the state for all of Term 2 and Term 3. This will help to reduce the spread of viruses and germs in schools and will include the cleaning of frequently used high-touch surfaces. Further advice on social distancing guidelines for schools will be shared in the coming weeks.
All Victorian school staff will be prioritised for voluntary coronavirus testing for a two-week period from both mobile and fixed testing sites, starting today. This will enable school staff to seek testing during the preparation period before the return to on-site schooling.
Further details will be made available in the coming days and weeks as we prepare for students and staff to return to face to face teaching and learning. While we know that school is returning, it is important to understand that there will be many changes to how school will operate as we return to face-to-face learning.
Thank you for your outstanding support and patience during what we know has been a challenging time.