Students returning to school today for Term 2 are set to have a much more consistent learning experience through a host of safety measures aimed at keeping children in the classroom.

The impact of COVID and lack of preparation by the former government meant South Australian schools faced greater disruption in Term 1 than other states.

Steps are now being taken to ensure works that should have been done months ago will finally be completed.

These include finishing long-delayed ventilation works across 652 schools, such as installing flyscreens or fixing windows that couldn’t open.

An extra 1,000 air purifiers for classrooms have also been purchased as an extra layer of protection for students, following a failure to act quickly by the Liberal Party.

This Government is adopting a proactive approach, setting up vaccination hubs in at least 40 schools targeting children aged 5-11 years old – parents are being encouraged to use them and take the opportunity to get their kids the first or second dose.

Masks are required for the first four weeks of Term 2, applying to students in years 7 to 12, strongly recommended for students in years 3 to 6, and for all adults – including visitors – except when it impacts the ability to teach or interact with children.

All these measures have been implemented to minimise disruption to face-to-face learning and the impact on parents and workplaces.

Quotes

Attributable to Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer

Term 1 in South Australia was the most disrupted term anywhere in Australia – we want to do whatever we can to avoid a repeat.

Children being forced to learn at home has a big impact on their learning while putting undue pressure on families and schools.

Minimising that disruption for students, parents and teachers is a top priority.

A far more settled and consistent Term 2 is on the cards with key measures now being put in place after the former Marshall Liberal Government repeatedly dropped the ball.