Closed educational facilities for Monday 23 February 2015

The safety of students and staff continues to be the priority as schools recover from Tropical Cyclone Marcia.

Minister for Education, Kate Jones, said that following damage assessments and debris clearing, many state schools that were closed on Friday will reopen on Monday.

“Work is continuing to ensure as many school as possible can reopen however, the safety of students and staff is the priority,” Minister Jones said.

The decision to open or close schools includes factors such as the extent of damage, current and predicted weather conditions, river and stream levels as well as road and access conditions.

The Department of Education continues to update its list of closed schools, which is available at http://deta.qld.gov.au/natural-disasters.html

Schools will be removed from this ‘live’ list as Ergon Energy continues to work to re-connect power in cyclone affected areas.

During weather events, parents and staff should monitor regular radio reports in affected areas. They are also advised to listen to updated weather forecasts and emergency services directives regarding the safety of road travel.

“Parents who are not affected by school closures should plan ahead before their school drop-off and pick-up tomorrow. If conditions are too dangerous, parents should not hesitate to keep their child at home.

“I encourage parents to monitor local reports and make informed decisions about the safety of taking their child to school,” Ms Jones added.

Media contact: 0412 116 764 

State School closures

For real-time updates of state school closures visit http://dete.qld.gov.au/natural-disasters.html.

Catholic and Independent School closures

All Catholic schools in the following areas will be closed on Monday 23 February:

• Rockhampton
• Capricorn Coast
• Gracemere

Concerned parents can also contact their principal or local education office for updated information about access to their children's school and updated classroom arrangements.

Early Childhood Education and Care Service closures

Services will generally contact parents directly ahead of a closure, however parents are strongly encouraged to contact their service provider directly for more up-to-date information about service closures and re-openings.