Unvaccinated teachers will be able to return to work from the first day of the third term according to a plan that could allow hundreds of temporary staff to return free to classrooms starting next month.
NSW Department of Education Secretary Georgina Harrisson said the new position followed an independent risk assessment that considered health advice and the use of COVID-19 mitigation measures at the current stage. of the pandemic.
Teachers and administrative staff who resigned or were fired for refusing to be vaccinated will soon be able to.
Under the plan, teachers and administrative staff who resigned or were fired for refusing to get vaccinated will be eligible to apply for jobs starting July 18th.
A department spokesman said 798 staff members had resigned or were fired because of the vaccine’s mandate and another 201 were under investigation for non-compliance. Currently, 430 more teachers are suspended for long-term leave.
Staff working in special purpose schools (SSPs) or support units and classes should be aware of vaccination, including a third COVID-19 booster vaccine to attend work. Those working as Assisted Travel Support Officers (ATSOs) and drivers must also have three doses of vaccine to work with.
“With more than 120,000 employees, 850,000 students and 2,300 jobs, it was important that, as public health orders were lifted, we conducted an independent review of our COVID safety, health and work configuration. Harrisson said.
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“We have taken the time to reach this position to ensure that the safety and well-being of our staff and students will not be compromised. Parents can rest assured that schools will remain safe places for their children and that they will be will maintain face-to-face learning.
“It’s also important to recognize the vital role our teachers and school staff played last year, getting slaps in the arm, so we can get our students back to the classrooms in the middle of the Delta wave.”