Dear friends and supporters,
Yikes. An explosion in covid cases wasn't exactly how any of us hoped 2022 would start, right?
The return of children to school is a hot-button issue right now. Queensland has delayed the school start date by 2 weeks while NSW is sticking to the dates set. Teachers, principals and schools right around the country are asking for a plan to address the health risk to staff, how to manage workforce shortages as well as the provision of free Rapid Antigen Tests and access to masks. National Cabinet is expected to discuss these issues on Thursday.
Many health experts argue that delaying the return to school is simply not fair on children. Others say delaying the start will give more children the chance to get a vaccination, allow for the Omicron peak to pass and enable schools to implement a range of mitigation measures. 
It's A LOT. I know.
If you've got school-aged children, how are you feeling about them going back to school? If you can give me under 3 minutes of your time to take our SUPER short survey I will do you a deal. I promise I will do everything I can make sure YOUR concerns are heard by leaders and decision makers.
Thank you in advance!
Georgie Dent
Executive Director
PS. There are currently at least 400 early learning services closed around Australia as a result of Omicron. It's a mess of educators, parents and kids. We are calling on the Federal government (once again) to provide urgent support to ensure Early Childhood Education and Care remains safe and viable for educators, families and children.
