Staged school return plan expected as year 12 get vaccinated

A plan was put to the government this week which is expected to prioritise year 12 students to return to school for their final exams.

The plan will not outline what will happen over the whole 11-week term as guidelines will gradually be revealed based on the evolving outbreak.

An announcement on eased COVID-19 restrictions is expected on Tuesday with more details provided to parents and schools by first week of the September school holidays.

Education Minister Yvette Berry said the Education Directorate was considering how to make schools safe, including ventilation systems being trialled in other states.

"We'll do our own research as well to make sure that we're capturing all of the advice and information that we need to make sure that our schools are as healthy and safe as they can be for students and school staff," she said.

"It's a bit different this time because of the vaccines and because of the Delta variant and the way the virus moves in our community and in through our schools and early childhood systems."

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About 3000 year 12 students have made bookings for a Pfizer vaccination since the ACT government mass vaccination clinic opened up 5500 priority appointments.

Year 12 students as well as any school or early childhood education staff dealing with children are able to get priority bookings until September 17.

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