Schools return to remote learning as serious flu and COVID-19 staff shortages hit
With the flu and COVID-19 decimating staff numbers, some schools are being forced to return to online learning.
On Tuesday, the Rumour File heard a Caroline Springs school had reverted to online learning for some year levels due to significant staff shortages.
The Premier’s Office denied the rumour, but yesterday Education Minister James Merlino confirmed a private school in Shepparton has been forced to return to some remote learning.
3AW Breakfast understands a school in Melbourne’s south-east could return to remote learning as soon as tomorrow, while parents at several other schools have been sent correspondence advising them to prepare for the possibility of an online learning return on some days.
St Francis Xavier College’s Berwick campus will move to remote learning from tomorrow until at least Tuesday.
President of the Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals, Colin Axup, says he’s “certainly hearing that some principals are looking at the alternatives of maybe the occasional year level not being at school on a day or for example a year level maybe finishing early on a day”.
“It’s a day-by-day proposition because you never know who’s going to be away,” he told Ross and Russel.
“Obviously if somebody has COVID for example you know you’ve lost them for five working days, so you can plan for that. It’s the daily absences that, if you like, sort of throw that proverbial spanner in the works.”
Press PLAY below to hear more about the challenge schools are facing.