‘No one available’: Schools brace for significant Term 3 staff shortages

Students are scheduled to return to classrooms next week, but schools are expected to face staff losses of up to 50 per cent due to COVID-19 and influenza.

Many schools will bring forward pupil-free days, reintroduce work-from-home days and combine classes.

The Australian Education Union Victorian branch deputy president, Justin Mullaly, has told the Herald Sun he’s “very concerned”.

President of the Australian Primary Principals Association, Malcolm Elliott, says in some cases schools will have no choice but to have students watch movies or spend extra time in libraries, rather than being taught in classrooms.

“That’s the sort of situation that arises when suddenly people ring in the morning … and the school then starts to scramble to find some relief teachers,” he told Stephen Quartermain and Elise Elliott, filling in for Ross and Russel.

“In some cases there’s just no one available.”

Press PLAY below to hear about the challenges schools are expected to face 

Andrew Dalgleish is president of the Victorian Principals Association and told 3AW Mornings it was a big issue facing schools.

Incidentally, he was currently battling a cold himself.

“If you’re unwell, the reality is you’re far better to be at home,” he said.

Press PLAY below to hear him on 3AW