Central Coast schools will begin remote operations today, in line with advice from NSW Health and the current stay-at-home orders.
Central Coast Parents and Citizens Association President Sharryn Brownlee said “my advice is not to stress and take each day in your stride. Reassure them that this is just for a short term … and that they are safe at home”
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said all school grounds would remain open so that no child is turned away.
“Some families are unable to facilitate online learning which is why schools will operate with minimal staff supervision, and provide one consistent unit of work for students learning from home or in the classroom,” Mr Crouch said.
“This is the first time since 22 May 2020 that students have had to learn from home and I want to thank teachers and school staff for their incredible efforts in re-creating the ‘digital classroom’.
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“Dozens of our public school staff on the Central Coast have been working around the clock and right through the weekend to distribute laptops and Internet dongles so that no student is left behind.”
Mr Crouch said COVID-safe practices are in place to protect students, teachers and staff using school grounds.
“Over the past few days millions of masks, hand sanitiser bottles and surface wipes have been delivered to NSW public schools,” Mr Crouch said.
“Masks are required for all school staff and students from Year 7 upwards who are using school grounds.
“Any student, teacher or staff member with any symptoms, or who is feeling unwell, should not attend school grounds and should take a COVID-19 test immediately.”
A decision on school operations for next week will be made as soon as the latest Health advice is provided to the NSW Government.
Verified information sources: Media release Adam Crouch Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast. Interview Sharryn Brownlee Central Coast P&C association.