Due to the impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, including a heightened risk of flooding, public schools in the affected areas that were closed on Friday will remain closed on Monday 10 March as the NSW Department of Education assesses the damage to school infrastructure and overall safety.

The full list of non-operational schools, TAFE colleges and early childhood education centres is available on the Department of Education website: https://education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/school-operational-status

We request families in these areas do not send children to school on Monday. The safety of students and staff is our highest priority as the full impact of this weather event continues to unfold and the risk of flooding continues to pose significant danger to life, especially on roads.

While so far there have not been reports of major damage or flooding to schools, there will be further assessments made tomorrow as debris including fallen trees are cleared and the clean-up is underway.

Non-government schools in affected areas have been advised to remain closed on Monday but parents should check individual school websites for any updates.

The Department of Education will issue further communication on Monday regarding the resumption of school operations from Tuesday 11 March. It is expected that most schools will be able to resume, but it is too early to confirm the operational status for all schools.

As schools outside the affected areas prepare to begin NAPLAN testing from Wednesday 12 March, the NSW Education Standards Authority will work with affected schools to start testing later if needed.

This will be determined on a case-by-case basis and NESA, in conjunction with the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority, will provide advice to schools as they become operational.

We want to do everything we can to ensure our school communities are well supported and our staff and students are as safe as they can be.

Download the Hazards Near Me App to stay across the latest warnings and information.

Call the NSW SES on 132 500 if you need emergency assistance in floods and storms. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

Quote attributable to Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car:

“As the full impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred continues to unfold and clean-up efforts begin to get under way, our priority is ensuring the safety of students and staff.

“While thankfully we have not had reports so far of major damage to our schools in affected areas, that does not mean staff and students are safe to travel to and from schools tomorrow and we are asking that parents keep their children at home.

“I want to thank parents for their understanding during this difficult period and give special thanks to the many teachers who have volunteered their time in evacuation centres and with the SES and other organisations during the emergency and clean up.

“As we conduct more detailed assessments of the impacts of this weather event on our schools and their local communities tomorrow we will be able to confirm which schools will be able to open from Tuesday, and provide an update on the likely testing window for NAPLAN.”