Delay to start of school year

9 January 2022

The Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) says today’s announcement from the Queensland Government delaying the return to school for students in 2022 will allow school communities and families time to revise their plans for a return to face to face learning.

The Premier announced today that the return to school would be delayed until 7 February for students in Prep to Year 10. Year 11 and 12 students will return to remote learning on 31 January with their return to the classroom planned for the following week.

An extra week will be added to the end of the school year to compensate for the late start.

QCEC Executive Director Dr Lee-Anne Perry said the impacts of the current wave of the pandemic across Queensland meant it was sensible to make adjustments to the start and finish of the school year for students.

“We had all hoped for a smooth start to the 2022 school year, but our priority always must be the wellbeing of students and staff in our schools,” Dr Perry said.

“As we have throughout the pandemic, Catholic schools continue to work closely with the Queensland Government and to follow the health advice.

“By moving the start of school back two weeks for most students, we can play our part in keeping our communities safe.”

Dr Perry said school staff would be using the extra student-free days at the start of the year to continue refining their plans to keep students engaged in their learning in a range of COVID-related scenarios.

“As the pandemic continues to unfold, Catholic schools are working hard to ensure students will be able to keep learning and families will be supported.”