Melbourne schools not in favour of push to cancel Monday’s student-free day

Victorian school principals have argued against the state government‘s, and many parents’, push for Monday’s curriculum day to be cancelled.

The idea of students having the day off on Monday, which is usually a school curriculum day to make a long weekend with the Cup Day public holiday on Tuesday, has divided school communities after students only just returned to campuses following lockdown.

As the barrier between Metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria is set to finally end at 6pm on Friday, the weekend will be the first opportunity in months for Melburnians to have a getaway.

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There has been a spike in COVID-19 related student absences in English schools.

The state government has asked schools to cancel the curriculum on Monday, November 1, with the day set to be the first day students of all year levels are permitted to return to on-campus learning at Melbourne schools after months of learning from home.

Some parents are strongly in favour of the move.

The Lee family want their prep child back in class.

“Normally for us we would like the long weekend but in this case we would prefer it if he went to school,” parent Ngyuen Lee said.

Zenifar Swarna told 9News she also want her daughter back in class, saying she appreciated the government’s request.

“They have already had lots of time off being at home going so crazy.”

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Melburnians will finally be able to go to regional Victoria this weekend.

But one mum revealed she wasn’t supportive of cancelling the curriculum day.

“I’d just leave it. The on and off has been really difficult for the kids and just to see them get back on Wednesday so we can all go on holiday for a long extended weekend would be nice.”

The Victorian Principals Association is in favour of keeping Monday’s curriculum day, saying teachers need it for professional development and class planning.

President Malcolm Elliot said curriculum days were very important.

“They’re landmarks if you like or milestones where the teaching group can get together.”

Essendon’s Buckley Park Secondary College is keeping Monday as a curriculum day.

Principal Harold Cheung said the day was needed.

“Next Monday provides us the opportunity to go what are the further supports we can provide for students who either flourished during remote learning or are needing further supports,” he said.