Queensland school students are to learn their school work at home for the first five weeks of Term 2, with schools open only for the children of essential workers.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she wanted to give parents certainty about schooling for the start of the new term.
“What this means is that from the start of Term 2, all students who can learn from home are to stay at home,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“This decision provides mums and dads with the clarity they need ahead of the new school term,” she said.
“It also gives certainty for our hardworking teachers who will be continuing to deliver lessons in a way they might never have imagined.”
The Premier said the move to the home-based learning model would start at the commencement of Term 2 next Monday (20 April) and be in place until at least Friday 22 May.
“School staff, unless they are vulnerable due to medical conditions, will continue to teach from the classroom to ensure continuity of learning for students.”
She said children of essential workers and vulnerable children could continue to attend school in Term 2.
“These children will be supervised and participate in the learning activities that have been set by their regular classroom teachers,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
Minister for Education, Grace Grace said schools and teachers would continue to be the primary point of contact for students and parents and would set the curriculum, teaching and learning programs.
“Although most students will be absent, staff will still be on site and we are continuing to work with suppliers to bulk purchase cleaning and hygiene supplies to support schools,” Ms Grace said.
The Premier said the new arrangements would be reviewed after 22 May.
