Department leaves school attendance in parents’ hands

THOUGH public schools have not closed their doors, parents and carers have been given the go-ahead to decide whether or not to pull their child out.

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said though it was not yet required to close schools, parents and carers may have a range of reasons for not sending their children to school amid the coronavirus pandemic.

This comes as many Tasmanians have begun to take their children out of classes as a precaution.

“I understand the community is feeling anxious right now, and is looking for guidance, which we are providing,” he said.

“We recognise that parents are best placed to decide the most appropriate action to support the wellbeing of their child in these unprecedented times, so the usual absence rules won’t apply.

“Parents should advise the school in writing if this is the case, so that schools are aware the student will be absent.”

Mr Rockliff said the Department of Education had been working on a range of home learning materials should the current advice change and school campuses do shut down.

“This includes online material as well as activities that can be used without an internet connection, such as learning programs to support scheduled programming on ABC TV. In addition, schools are sharing their resources for learning at home,” he said. “In Years 11 and 12 we already have 42 courses that can be accessed online and additional capacity for online delivery.”

So far Scotch Oakburn College and Southern Christian College have shut and are transitioning to online learning.