The President, NSW Teachers Federation Angelo Gavrielatos has responded to last week’s announcement by the NSW Government of the upcoming roadmap to get schools up and running again, and vaccinations for schools staff.
Mr Gavrielatos said the roadmap announced by the Premier represents a target for the resumption of face-to-face teaching and learning with a staggered approach. ‘It is not without challenges.’
Mr Gavrielatos said the Federation notes its implementation is conditional upon satisfying health requirements of 70/80 per cent vaccination rates and a caseload of fewer than 50 cases per 100,000 in each affected LGA. ‘The Government’s announcement for staged implementation can only be realised when issues of vaccine access and supply can be guaranteed.
Health and safety must come first
‘The health and safety of teachers, students, and the community must come first in any return to face-to-face teaching.
‘Despite the Premier’s announcement that teachers are required to comply with the Public Health Orders there are still members in many parts of the state who can’t get access to vaccines – this has been an issue for many months.
‘Mr Gavrielatos said some teachers are relying on vaccination dates of late September and October under the current circumstances, and many remain unvaccinated.
‘The NSW Teachers Federation has consistently advocated for the vaccine prioritisation of all teachers.
A clear vaccine strategy
‘We have been saying consistently that any plan involving a return to school operations must come with the development and implementation of a clear vaccine strategy for students, teachers and school staff.
‘We recognise the role that vaccinations play in managing our way out of this pandemic and encourage all members to get vaccinated in line with current health advice.
‘Case numbers in the community remain dangerously high.
‘It was revealed in Budget Estimates that since March 1, 2020, 107 public schools have been deemed non-operational as a consequence of confirmed COVID-19 cases.
‘We want our student back face-to-face, but this can happen only when it is absolutely safe to do so.’
Mr Gavrielatos did not mention the mandatory vaccination aspect of the roadmap and the staff who oppose it.
Recent stories, information and updates regarding COVID-19
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