Dust off your kids backpacks because schools across NSW will be returning earlier than expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Guardian Australia<\/a> reported earlier today that NSW students will return to classrooms one week earlier than expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Students will now return to face-to-face learning with NSW Health approved COVID-safe settings on the following dates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Guardian Australia says they understand teachers will only be allowed on-site if they are fully vaccinated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the return to school plan was always linked to the vaccination rates of the community, and thanks to faster vaccination rates than expected, students will be able to return to the classroom sooner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe have been clear that a return to school should begin once the state passed 70 per cent fully vaccinated, and thanks to the incredible efforts from the people of NSW, we will reach that milestone sooner than expected,\u201d Ms Berejiklian said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cManaging a return in a school system the size of NSW\u2019s is not a small task. Keeping the staged approach, but moving it all one week earlier, allows schools to shift their plans forward and still provides time for staff and eligible students to get vaccinated.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said an additional week of quality face-to-face learning for students is worth having and can be achieved in a safe and sensible way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s fantastic that we will meet vaccination targets in NSW earlier than originally anticipated. This has allowed us to shift the plan forward for all schools across impacted areas,\u201d Ms Mitchell said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBringing the return forward allows schools to keep their plans for a staggered return, and provides time for staff to get their second dose. From 18 October, all staff that need to be on site must be fully vaccinated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI know there remain some concerns in the community around a return to school, but students, staff and parents should feel confident that this approach allows enough time to make schools as COVID safe as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The final date for staff to receive two doses of the COVID vaccine remains 8 November, unless staff have a medical exemption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Families who cannot keep their children at home for any reason have always been able to send their children to school, and that continues to be the case. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Schools will begin communicating their COVID-safe plans to families from next week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The original return to school date was October 25.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Earlier this week, the NSW Government unveiled their \u201cRoadmap to Recovery\u201d including what life will look like at 80% of the eligible population fully vaccinated. The full \u201cRoadmap to Recovery\u201d can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Listen via the Star 104.5 Player, download it now via the <\/em>App Store<\/em><\/a> or <\/em>Google Play<\/em><\/a> and take Star 104.5 wherever you go.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n WATCH: Wake up with a laugh and join <\/em><\/strong>Rabbit & Sarah for Breakfast<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, weekdays, 6am-9am.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n