THIS morning (March 24) Education Minister Yvette Berry took to social media to say “sorry” following the confusing messaging around schools over the past two days.
Education Minister Yvette Berry.
“Again, I am very sorry that you received incorrect information,” said Ms Berry on Facebook this morning.
“To be absolutely clear, if you need to have your children at school, no child will be turned away.
“I hope this also helps clears things up. I also encourage your questions and ideas as we go through these difficult times together. I’ll do my best to answer them here.”
The confusion comes after the ACT government released a statement on Sunday which said “pupil–free” days will begin in all public schools in the ACT on Tuesday (March 24), effectively closing all schools – public and private – ahead of the Easter holidays.
But the conflict arose when Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday night urged the nation that schools across Australia will remain open.
But it wasn’t the ACT government’s fault, apparently, with Chief Minister Andrew Barr blaming a changed national cabinet meeting. He told a press conference yesterday afternoon that the confusion was because the meeting, which was supposed to be on Tuesday, was brought forward to Sunday.
Since, updated information was sent yesterday afternoon to ACT Public School parents and carers from directorate director general Katy Haire.
“This morning’s communication has caused confusion, for which we apologise. I’m writing to provide you with corrected information about COVID-19 and ACT public schools,” the statement said.
“From Tuesday, March 24, all ACT public schools will go pupil-free until the school holidays, due to begin on Friday, April 10. ACT schools will remain open to students who absolutely need to attend.
“Schools will still be able to safely receive and provide learning for students whose parents and carers must attend work to provide essential services and unable to care for their children at home, as well as vulnerable children and those with additional needs. No child will be turned away.
“This also applies to ACT government preschools. At this stage, other early childhood services such as long day care, family day care, out of school hours care and vacation care can continue to operate.”
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