It would make sound sense for our NT schools to close to students (other than those of essential service workers) this Friday, after 9 weeks of an 11 week term. Attendance i I s desultory and the community confused by the present situation. For week 10 to be the final week of term, one during which teachers prepare materials for distance learning would be an eminently sensible approach. And term two should definitely start as one of distance/online learning rather than physical attendance in classrooms.

As it stands, schools will be open in week 10 and closed to students in week 11.

There needs to be a firming Australian position on schools being opened or closed and when and what services will be offered online. The variations from state and territory to state and territory is, at this point in time, very confusing.

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There is NO WAY KNOWN that Territorians who have had contact with the coronavirus through association with those on ships or in touring parties, should be allowed to fly home on commercial airline flights. At the very least their contagion should require medical evacuation to the NT. All those in the NT with COVIG-19 have arrived as regular passengers. That is totally wrong and should not be condoned by authorities.

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There is a massive truancy problem in NT Schools, particularly in remote areas. Whether schools are open or closed is immaterial to these hundreds of non-attenders because their behaviours of educational avoidance will not be affected.

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