Heading Back to School in 2022 Looks a Little Different

School's officially back.

But it already looks a little different to pre-COVID times, with all the new protocols in place to protect students' health as y'all head back to the classroom.

From mandatory masks to Rapid Antigen Tests (we talked all about RATs here) on campus to learning remotely, it's understandable if you're feeling a bit anxious or uncertain about how the pandemic could affect you this term (or this year, even).

So, how does going back to school look in your state? And what can you do if it all seems a little overwhelming? We’ve got the answers you need.

And, you can defs still hit the ground running and get back into routine with all our top tips! 

Western Australia

Starting over in the West, and almost 477,000 students returned to public and non-government schools on Monday. Schools are set to operate in line with the state government’s Safe Return to School Plan, which means masks are mandatory for high school students and staff, and vaccinations are mandatory for school employees.

The Plan also includes a ventilation strategy, better cleaning services, a bunch of new testing protocols and backup plans for remote learning.

Victoria

The Victorian government changed the way students returned to the classroom this week in an effort to contain the Omicron variant. Students in grade 3 and above, as well as teachers, will have to wear masks.

According to The Age, RATs will also be in place for at least the first four weeks of term and twice-weekly surveillance testing will be strongly recommended. 

New South Wales

It’s a similar sitch in NSW, with students back in the classroom on Tuesday this week under ‘COVID-smart’ settings, where high school students and staff will have to mask up.

Every student and teacher will be able to get their hands on RAT kits, will be subject to twice-a-week surveillance testing for the first four weeks of Term 1 and music, sport and excursions will all be COVID-safe.

Queensland

School goes back for Queenslanders on Monday and they’ll have priority access to RATs when they return to the classroom. These will be available for students and staff who develop symptoms at school.

Camps, excursions, assemblies and large gatherings will be suspended and face-to-face meetings, interviews and visitors on site will be limited. And, just like everywhere else, masks will be mandatory for staff and high school students.

South Australia

School went back on Wednesday in SA, but only some students headed back to the classroom. Years 9, 10 and 11 students will learn online for the first two weeks while Years 7, 8 and 12 students will learn face-to-face. It’s hoped all students will be back at school after the first two weeks of term.

All high school students and staff will have to mask up once they're back on campus and high-risk activities, like interschool sports, will be restricted for the first four weeks of Term 1.

Tasmania

The Tasmanian government returned to school under their 2022 Operational Plan on Monday with masks to be supplied for all school students (but they're only mandatory for high school students).

RATs will also be provided to both staff and students to use if they show symptoms, and virtual learning approaches will be used to support students who have to isolate.

Northern Territory

In the NT, where school went back on Monday, high school students are required to wear a mask indoors when they can’t physically distance and excursions and learning activities outside of campus will be postponed for the first four weeks.

Australian Capital Territory

In the ACT, students headed back to the classroom on Monday and Tuesday this week, with masks mandatory in high schools and enhanced cleaning and ventilation processes in place. All school-based staff and students will also be provided with two RATs per week for the first four weeks of Term 1.

What you can do if Omicron is stressing you out.

There’s no doubt being bombarded with information as you try to plan your future and your year ahead of studies is daunting. The rapidly changing state of the world can be a real dampener.

So, if COVID news is giving you the creeps, you’re certainly not alone… We wrote a whole article on what you can do to deal with pandemic-related uncertainty.

According to clinical and forensic psychologist, Dr Ahona Guha, it’s important to name the feeling, redirect your thoughts, and accept that big changes can and will happen. But also, remember your feelings are totally valid and try to focus on what you are still in control of. You got dis.

If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

Visit ReachOut to get support to help you with everything from everyday issues through to tough times. 

Header Image: Anna Shvets and Pixabay via Pexels.