State Government plans for school return

THE State Government has announced its plan for getting regional Victorian students back to school in term four.

The pathway outlines a staggered return for primary and secondary school students across the regions throughout October, but pupils in any current or future locked-down regional local government areas will need to attend school virtually.

Students in prep to grade 2 and final year secondary school headed back to the classroom full-time on Monday, the same rules in place at the end of last term.

Year 11 students joined them yesterday and year 7s are planned to return next Monday, with all other students to head back on a part-time schedule.

Those in grades 3 to 4 and years 8 to 9 will attend school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and grades 5 and 6 and year 10 will attend on Thursdays and Fridays.

It’s expected all students will return to full-time classroom learning by 26 October.

“With lower case numbers and excellent vaccination rates, we’re looking forward to getting regional students back in the classroom as soon as possible in term four,” said Minister for Education James Merlino

“But we need all school communities to stay vigilant and follow the COVID safe plans to protect these freedoms.”

Staff and final year students who cross the metropolitan border to get school are required to be fully vaccinated or get tested twice weekly.

Additional measures outlined in the plan include the installation of air purifiers in schools, wastewater detection programs in some higher risk regional LGAs and grants to purchase shade sails to facilitate outdoor learning.