New South Wales Students Will Return to School From 25 May

There will be no assemblies.

Last week, New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced that students would return to school one day a week as the state started relaxing coronavirus restrictions.

It was thought that attendance would increase gradually over the course of the term, with the state government working towards a full-scale return by Term 3.

However, it looks like school students in NSW will be heading back to their classrooms full-time from Monday 25 May. 

Schools are back full-time in NSW from Monday! Thanks to parents, students, teachers & principals for your patience. We've worked hard to arrange extra cleaning & supplies for a COVID-safe environment. Pls listen to your principal for any specific measures regarding your school. pic.twitter.com/quH7zCz94L

— Gladys Berejiklian (@GladysB) May 19, 2020

"During the school holidays and during the period of time when children were learning from home, we made sure we had everything in place to prepare our schools for a COVID-safe environment," Ms Berejiklian said.

NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell revealed that more than 2,000 litres of liquid soap, 22,000 bars of soap, over 42,000 bottles of hand sanitiser and 20,000 toilet rolls had been dispatched to schools. 

Students will be returning to school full time from Monday 25 May. This is exciting for students and important for their education. Getting to this point has been an incredible and historic effort - everyone involved should be proud.

— Sarah Mitchell (@smitchellmlc) May 18, 2020

To help maintain social distancing, there will be no assemblies or school trips in the foreseeable future.

Considering the NSW government has announced extensive new guidelines for public transport, it raised the question: How would students be able to get to school? 

According to the state government's plan, green dots will be used on trains, buses and ferries to show passengers the safest places to sit and stand. The guidelines say that "school children will be given priority access."

"When it comes to school children, we recommend, if you can, walking the children to school or dropping them off to avoid the public transport system," Ms Berejiklian said.

We've released our COVID-safe transport plan:
👉 Avoiding peak travel
👉 Apps to give real time info on availability of peak services
👉Deep cleaning
👉More services
👉More parking
👉More cycling & walking options
👉Physical distancing: ‘No dot, no spot’https://t.co/kUoAlkBYZ1 pic.twitter.com/HF9OcMRyeS

— Gladys Berejiklian (@GladysB) May 18, 2020

What about Year 12 exams?

We've known for months that this year's HSC would definitely be going ahead in NSW despite COVID-19 disruptions. Except, we weren't quite sure when they'd happen or what format the exams would take.

Last Friday, the 2020 HSC exam timetable was released, providing students with confirmation. Starting on 20 October, 120 written exams will go ahead beginning with English, and 51 oral language exams will start on 15 August.

You should be able to access your personal timetable here.

NSW students will receive their HSC results on 18 December via SMS, email and online. 

Additionally, there's been a bunch of changes to practical exams including dance, drama, music and visual arts, to ensure students have enough time to prepare, and can implement social distancing during their exams. The NSW Education Standards Authority has outlined all the changes here.  

Being a Year 12 student during the coronavirus pandemic is undoubtedly stressful, so it's important to remember that your ATAR does not define you. Plus, there are other ways to get into your dream uni course if you don't get the marks you need.

Header Image: SolStock / E+ via Getty Images