Charlotte Varcoe
SCHOOL will be back by the end of the month but with a twist due to Covid-19.
Last week, Premier Steven Marshall announced pre-school, Reception and Years 7, 8 and 12 will head back to face-to-face learning at schools on February 2.
All other year levels will begin their school year on the same day, but will learn from home instead before returning to face-to-face learning on February 14.
Originally, students were scheduled to return to school on January 31, with Monday and Tuesday now additional preparation days for teachers.
Vulnerable students and children of essential workers will be able to attend school regardless of the year level.
Masks will be mandatory for adults except when teaching and will be required for students from Years 7 to 12.
Masks will also be strongly recommended for students in Years 3 to 6.
Ventilation will also be maximised by leaving doors and windows open and air-conditioning will be used on ‘fresh air intake’ where available.
Vaccination for all eligible students aged five years and over is also strongly recommended.
There will also be a temporary postponement until Week 4 of the school year for high risk activities such as choir, interschool sports, assemblies and camps or excursions.
Mount Gambier single mother of four, Jess Hunter has two children in school, both of whom will not return to school until February 14 under the government arrangements.
Ms Hunter said her two daughters Lainie, 9, and Sailor, 7, would be at home learning while she juggles her other two daughters, Arizona, 3, and four month old Gracie.
“I had a feeling this was going to happen and when the announcement was made I knew it was going to be difficult for me,” Ms Hunter said.
Also working as a student support officer at a local school, Ms Hunter said her contract would now have to begin in Term 2 rather than Term 1 due to the late start.
“It is just the way my contract is set out, so now I am out of work for an entire term and because I work with Year 9’s and they are not on campus at the beginning of the year, I am also not classified as an essential worker,” she said.
“Despite this, work has been fantastic with what has been going on and they have been so supportive.
“Last time we had to home-school the girls I was working while heavily pregnant,” she said.
“But I had a partner at that time who was able to be with the girls during the day.”
Despite the stress and anxiety, Ms Hunter said it was the teachers who needed praise.
“I think it is going to be hard for the teachers … they will have to multi-task in a way I can’t imagine.”
