TAS News

Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) have called on the Queensland Government to allow all Year 11 and 12 students to return to school immediately. On Friday, David Robertson, the Executive Director of ISQ, wrote a letter to Premier Palaszczuk acknowledging that throughout this global pandemic that Independent schools in Queensland have remained consistent in their approach in that they have acted in accordance with the advice of the Queensland Government and relative health authorities.

However, Mr Robertson has asked that the Government reconsiders the immediate return of all Year 11 & 12 students. ISQ believes that a return of Year 11 & 12 students is possible within the guidelines sanctioned by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) in regard to reducing the potential risk of COVID 19 transmission in schools. As Senior Secondary is the most critical phase of schooling, every effort should be made to ensure minimal disruption to continuity of quality teaching and learning for these students.

It is important that every Year 12 student is given the best possible opportunity to achieve their best possible result. “With Queensland adopting the ATAR for tertiary entrance from this year, it is important that Queensland students are not disadvantaged compared to their counterparts in other States and Territories” said ISQ Executive Director David Robertson in his letter. Trinity Anglican School supports the stance adopted by ISQ asking for the return of Year 11 & 12 students as soon as possible when it is safe to do so. On the morning of the 27th April 2020, I was interviewed by ABC radio on this matter. Listen to the recording below:

On the evening of the 27th April I will also be on the WIN local news Cairns program to discuss Trinity Anglican School’s views on the subject. In addition, ISQ is of the view that priority should also be given to the return of Prep to Year 3 students to face-to-face teaching and whilst this may not be possible in terms of an immediate return, this group should be considered for a return as soon as possible due to the difficulty in maintaining engagement remotely for students at these age levels. We will keep you updated if and how the government responds to ISQ’s suggestion and as new information comes to light.