The NSW government has released its back-to-school plan.
It will see a staggered return to face-to-face learning from October, HSC exams will be delayed until November, and there will be mandatory vaccinations for school staff.
The staggered return to face-to-face learning will begin on Monday October 25 with students in Kindergarten and Year 1.
Students in Years 2, 6, and 11 will return from November 1, and students in all other years will resume from November 8.
Year 12 students are already able to return in a limited way and this will continue for the remainder of Term 3.
From October 25, Year 12 students will have full time access to school campuses and their teachers.
If stay-at-home orders are lifted in a Local Government Area or region before October 25, all students living or learning in that area will return to face-to-face learning under the COVID-safe schools framework.
HSC exams will be delayed until November 9 and will take place under a revised timetable and COVID-safe guidelines, which will be released early next month.
The delay of the HSC exams will not disadvantage NSW students when applying to university.
Vaccinations for all school staff across all sectors will be mandatory from November 8, with NSW Health to provide priority vaccinations.
Early childcare staff will also be able to participate in the priority vaccinations.
All students eligible for a vaccine will be strongly encouraged by the government to book an appointment.
Nationals Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the education and safety of our students is essential.
“The classroom is where students learn best and I thank the entire community for playing their role in this return by getting vaccinated,” Ms Mitchell said.
