NSW Breaking News

Return to schools: No date change without consultation

Published

4 years ago

29 September 2021

JeffG

Federal Government’s COVID-19 Disaster Payments

Return to schools: No date change without consultation

The Independent Education Union, which represents 32,000 teachers and support staff in the non-government sector, is deeply concerned about the possibility canvassed today by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian via the media that students could return to schools earlier than the dates already planned, beginning on October 25.

“We are again frustrated by the lack of consultation with principals, teachers and school support staff through their union,” IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Acting Secretary Carol Matthews said. “There are no government guidelines in place about ventilation and air filtration in schools and the NSW Government, unlike the Victorian Government, is not funding non-government schools to achieve improvements. NSW non-government schools are only just starting to take steps in this area.”

The Premier did not provide a specific date when pressed by the media but said that because NSW had reached its 70 percent double-vaccinated target sooner than expected, she was “foreshadowing” an earlier reopen date for schools. “We are carefully considering options to get kids to school earlier if we can,” she said. “We have been looking at this issue but at this stage, parents should plan for the 25th [of October] but we are looking at options to bring things forward.”

Again, no mention of the teachers and support staff who would be required to facilitate this rushed return to schools. The current plan is for stages: Year 12, kindergarten and Year 1 to return on 25 October; Years 2, 6 and 11 on 1 November; and the rest on 8 November.

“The IEU considers this current staged plan of returning students and their teachers to school to be the safest option,” Matthews said. “It enables schools to make adjustments to premises and processes as the necessity becomes apparent.”

The union is also concerned about the potential for outbreaks in schools and what this will mean. Will impacted schools need to close again, leading to more disruption?

While the NSW Government has mandated that all school staff must be vaccinated by 8 November, many students will not be vaccinated. At this stage, only a small percentage of 12-15-year-olds are vaccinated, and primary school students have no vaccine on offer to them – yet the Delta variant of COVID-19 spreads rapidly among children. Everyone’s health and wellbeing is at stake.

“The IEU calls on the NSW Government to engage with teachers and support staff through their representative unions about any changes to the current plan to return to schools,” Matthews said. “We understand the pressures parents are under, but we urge the government to remember that schools are also workplaces, and the safety of all staff and students is our paramount concern.”

Advertisements

Related Topics:Return to schools The Independent Education Union

Up Next

TWO WORLD-CLASS SHOWS TO TAKE OVER SYDNEY HARBOUR IN 2022

Don't Miss

ROYAL RANDWICK WELCOMES BACK FANS FOR THE EVEREST

Breaking News

BREAKING NEWS: The Northern Rivers Times – Edition 245 is Out Now!

Published

1 month ago

19 March 2025

JeffG

The Northern Rivers Times News Edition 245

BREAKING NEWS: The Northern Rivers Times – Edition 245 is Out Now!

🔹 Minns Government Reshuffle
Janelle Saffin joins the NSW Cabinet as Minister for Recovery and North Coast in a major government shake-up. Her appointment is expected to strengthen regional recovery efforts following recent natural disasters

🔹 Vale Nella Pinkerton
Casino mourns the passing of local icon Nella Pinkerton, the matriarch of Pinkerton’s Jewellers. A beloved community figure, her legacy of generosity and service is being remembered fondly by friends, family, and long-time customers

🔹 Caravan Park Evictions Spark Outrage
Clarence Valley Council orders long-term caravan park residents to vacate by June 30, sparking anger and uncertainty as affected tenants face financial hardship and displacement. Many are calling for government intervention to stop the forced evictions

🔹 Council Meeting Chaos
A Clarence Valley Council meeting descends into chaos as the Mayor abruptly shuts it down, sparking protests from councillors and community members. The meeting, meant to address critical local issues, was cut short amid growing tensions

🔹 Disaster Payments Extended
Residents of Richmond Valley, Kyogle, and Clarence Valley are now eligible for federal disaster payments following the devastation of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The extension comes after local leaders pushed for urgent assistance for affected families

🔹 Midwife’s Mission in Myanmar
Woodburn’s Mon Parker shares her harrowing yet inspiring experience delivering healthcare in Myanmar’s war zones. Despite dangerous conditions, she continues to help build medical facilities for those in need, earning international praise for her humanitarian work

🔹 Casino Beef Week Secures Major Sponsor
Australian Food Super signs a three-year deal as naming rights sponsor for the highly anticipated Casino Beef Week’s Super Saturday Street Festival, promising to elevate the event’s success with new attractions and greater community involvement

🔹 Alstonville Cultural Centre Needs Urgent Repairs
Ballina Mayor calls for $16 million in funding to restore the storm-damaged Alstonville Cultural Centre. The community hub remains in disrepair, with fears it may be permanently closed without government intervention

🔹 Farmers Demand Urgent Support
Nationals MP Richie Williamson is pushing for immediate financial relief for primary producers affected by Cyclone Alfred. With farms devastated and supply chains disrupted, calls grow louder for government assistance to aid recovery

📢 Stay updated with the latest local news – Grab your copy of The Northern Rivers Times today! 🗞️

Advertisements

NSW Breaking News

Four youths charged – Smithfield

Published

7 months ago

26 September 2024

JeffG

Four youths charged – Smithfield

Tuesday, 24 September 2024 11:53:46 AM

Officers from Strike Force Sweetenham have charged 4 teens following a pursuit in Sydney’s south west yesterday.

About 11.40am (Monday 23 September 2024), officers attached to Cumberland Highway Patrol attempted to stop a grey SUV on Woodpark Road, Smithfield.

When the vehicle failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit was terminated and a short time later, the vehicle allegedly collided with a white SUV at the intersection of Merrylands Road and Cumberland Road, Greystanes.

The driver of the white SUV, a 75-year-old man, was trapped for a short time before self-extricating.

He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital as a precaution.

The driver of the grey SUV, a 14-year-old boy, and his four passengers ran from the scene.

Three boys, and 11-year-old, two 14-year-olds, and 18-year-old man, were arrested nearby and taken to Granville police station.

A fourth female passenger ran from the scene and has not been located.

The driver was charged with police pursuit and drive conveyance taken without consent of owner. He was given conditional bail to appear before a Children’s Court on Monday 14 October 2024.

The18-year-old man was charged with be carried in conveyance and breach of bail. He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court today (Tuesday 24 September 2024).

The other 14-year-old boy was taken to Westmead Hospital for treatment of a broken arm, and he will be dealt with under the Young Offender’s Act.

The 11-year-old boy was dealt with under the Young Offender’s Act.

Inquiries are ongoing into the incident.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Advertisements

Northern Rivers Local News

The Northern Rivers Times Newspaper Edition 202

Published

11 months ago

21 May 2024

JeffG

The Northern Rivers Times Newspaper Edition 202

The Northern Rivers Times Hits the Stands!
We are thrilled to announce the release of our latest edition of The Northern Rivers Times! Grab your copy today for just $2 at leading newsagents, Woolworths stores, and service stations from Coffs Harbour to Coolangatta.
Featured Stories:
• North Coast Flood Plain Probe Cut Short
• Mayor and MP Continue Fight for Ferry
• Regional NSW’s Biggest Hospital Move Successfully Completed
• TAFE NSW Giving First Nations Job Seekers in Casino
• Federal Budget 2024/25: Implications for Ballina Shire
• Northern Rivers Koala Hospital Needs Funding
• Spider Woman’s Book Lifts Lid on Care Risks
• Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular 2024
• New Marine Rescue Brunswick
• Alarming Surge in Homelessness
This special edition is packed with essential updates and engaging stories from the Northern Rivers region. With a variety of captivating articles, this edition offers a rich mosaic of news that keeps you connected to the vibrant life across our communities.
Don’t miss out—pick up your copy today and stay informed about everything happening in the Northern Rivers region!