Praise for COVID-19 Impacted Schools

This week, independent schools in Queensland’s South-East welcomed students back into the classroom while schools in Cairns switched to remote learning.

Independent Schools Queensland Chief Executive Officer Chris Mountford praised independent school principals, leadership teams and teachers in these regions after they spent Sunday altering their school programs to adhere to the latest COVID-19 health directives.

“Impacted schools in north and South-Eeast Queensland were in contact with their families yesterday to let them know what school would look like in their regions from today,” Mr Mountford said.

In the South-East, independent schools have once again pivoted quickly to transition back to in-classroom learning with masks required for staff and high school students, while also altering their school drop off and pick up routines and taking events such as school assemblies online, to comply with the latest health advice.

“Cairns schools have also moved quickly to transition to home-based learning for the next three days.”

“Impacted school communities haven’t missed a beat. They deserve the highest praise for working closely with their staff, students and families over this challenging period to maintain student learning, while also supporting the wellbeing of their communities.”

“ISQ’s thoughts and best wishes are also with those school families who are dealing with this virus first-hand and those quarantining in hospital and at home in order to keep the rest of the community safe.”

“This has and will continue to be, a challenging period. However, the strength and compassion of our independent school communities continues to shine through, as evidenced by the many messages of gratitude and acts of kindness from their communities.”

Mr Mountford welcomed the Queensland Government’s inclusion of all school staff in its priority vaccination schedule.

“ISQ will continue to work closely with the Department of Education and other key stakeholders to ensure independent schools have the latest information and advice to play their part in keeping their families and communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.”