Returning To School

Further information can be located on our website:

Method and timing of return to on-site schooling

A staged return for all students

From Tuesday 26 May, all Prep, Grade 1 and Grade 2 students, specialist school students, as well as VCE and VCAL students will return to on-site schooling at government schools.

The time between 12 May and a pupil free day at all government schools on 25 May, will give staff, schools and parents time to prepare for the change.

Vulnerable students in years 3 to 10, and children in those years whose parents or carers cannot work from home, can continue to attend school on-site as needed during this period.

Students in years 3 to 10 will continue to learn remotely until Tuesday 9 June, to give the Government and the Chief Health Officer time to monitor and evaluate the effects that the staged return to school by other year levels has on the increased movement of people and transmission within the community.

Two-stage return

Stage 1

Monday 25 May will be a pupil free day. All teachers and staff on-site to prepare for students' return.

26 May to 9 June – all Prep, Grade 1 and Grade 2 students, VCE, VCAL and specialist school students return to on-site schooling at government schools.

Stage 2

9 June onwards – students in years 3 to 10 return to on-site schooling.

Why the two-week timeline

The next two weeks will give schools, teachers and families time to plan and prepare for students to return for on-site schooling.

Preparation in case of a second wave

Conditions in Victoria are being monitored very closely. Any further changes to on-site schooling for Victorian students will be made on the advice of the Chief Health Officer.

A staged return over a scheduled school day each week

Additional cleaning on school buses

As with all Victorian public transport services, school bus operators have increased cleaning across the network to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

All school buses will undergo daily cleaning and sanitisation. All high touch point surfaces will be wiped down, including:

• handrails
• arm rests
• steering wheels
• driver doors.