Minister thanks school communities for clean-up efforts

Education Minister Grace Grace has thanked school communities in South East Queensland for the ongoing clean up efforts following the impacts of storms and flooding.

“I know that many schools will face difficult times over the coming days as flood waters recede and damage can be fully assessed,” Ms Grace said.

“I want to thank principals, school staff, and our entire school communities for the hard work that they’ve already put in, and for their ongoing efforts to get our schools open again.

“Thanks also to the dedicated QBuild and departmental staff who have been working hard every day to support schools that have been affected.

“They have been out to schools assessing damage and putting in place strategies to get them back up and running, where it is safe to do so.

“This week I have seen this incredible effort first hand at Aviation State High School and Milton State School, which have both been badly impacted by flood water.

“It is this amazing community spirit which will help us to get through this crisis.”

Today (Friday 4 March 2022) all state and non-state schools across SEQ were open where it is safe to do so for children of essential workers and children experiencing vulnerability. This includes schools in the following Local Government Areas:

• Brisbane City Council
• Bundaberg Council
• Fraser Coast Regional Council
• Ipswich City Council
• Moreton Bay Regional Council
• Noosa Shire Council
• Sunshine Coast Council
• Lockyer Valley
• Somerset Regional Council
• City of Gold Coast Council
• Logan City Council
• Redland City Council
• Scenic Rim Regional Council
• Gympie Regional Council
• Wide Bay up to Bundaberg

“The advice that we received yesterday from the Bureau of Meteorology was that it would be a dangerous and unpredictable 48 hours.

“While we have seen it has been sunny in places at the moment, we know just how quickly the weather can turn.

“As the Premier said this morning, we apologise to the parents and carers in the south east for the inconvenience, however the health and safety of our students, staff and school community is our highest priority.

“Schools are communicating directly with students and families about arrangements regarding learning, and of course our excellent learning@home site is available too.”

“We expect the majority of schools will be safe to reopen on Monday (7 March), except for the small number of schools that have had more significant damage and will need to be closed for longer to make the sites safe again.

“We are determined to open all our schools as soon as it is safely possible. We know that returning to school for staff and students is not only good for learning outcomes but also for health and well-being,” Minister Grace said.

“Some schools need substantial cleaning and replacement of furniture, equipment, and floor coverings, while others have more significant damage and are going to need major repairs.

"For schools that need to remain closed for a longer period of time, the department is looking at a number of plans including relocating students temporarily to nearby schools (bus transport provided), rotation of staff and students on school sites, remote learning options and use of temporary buildings.

“I can assure you that each school community will be supported to adjust to the changes that need to take place while we urgently repair infrastructure. 

“Thanks to the efforts of our amazing staff and school communities, we will soon be back open and learning in our wonderful schools throughout Queensland.”

Photos and videos from Minister Grace's visits to Milton State School and Aviation State High School are available HERE.

Information on Queensland state school closures can be found at https://closures.qld.edu.au/

To access online tools and resources to support students, visit the learning@home site at https://education.qld.gov.au/curriculum/learning-at-home

Stay up-to-date with the latest Bureau of Meteorology warnings, including flood warnings, river levels at www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings

ENDS

Media contact - Kate Talbot, 0439 803 211