Teachers and principals, along with the NSW Teachers Federation will closely monitor the effectiveness of Covid risk mitigation measures as thousands of teachers and students return to the classroom.
NSW Teachers Federation president Angelo Gavrielatos said teachers and principals are bracing themselves for what will inevitably be a disruptive start to the school year.
“Omicron has taught us that nowhere is safe,” Mr Gavrielatos said.
“That is why we have, and will continue to insist, that the implementation of risk mitigation strategies, such as rapid antigen tests, masks, improved ventilation and cohorting, is as robust as it can be,” he said.
“We clearly remain concerned for the health and safety of our students, staff and their families.”
“And there’s a good reason for that. How many other jobs require you to be on a worksite with literally hundreds of people, in some instances up to 2,000, stuck in restricted, often poorly ventilated spaces (classrooms) with up to 30 people?”
“We will be closely monitoring the effectiveness of the risk mitigation strategies with a view to seeking urgent adjustments, should they be necessary, to ensure the greatest amount of protection can be offered to our students and staff.”
“Robust risk mitigation strategies are essential if we are going to make our schools as safe as they possibly can be.”
