Schools boost business

The return to school after “extended holidays” this week and a relaxation on social gatherings has triggered more activity in Margaret River’s town centre, with some businesses reporting an uptick in trade.

The Times understands attendance was around 70 per cent for the first day of school on Wednesday, after schools introduced special requirements to manage virus risks, and parents mostly trusted the State Government’s reassurance children were low-risk carriers of COVID-19.

The Education Department told parents extra funding for hygiene control, management of student activities, social distancing measures, and alternative drop-off and pick-up points would manage risks.

While some parents kept children home, schools expected to see greater numbers return provided no new cases of COVID-19 were detected in the region.

Margaret River Senior High School principal Andrew Host said schools would focus on face-to-face teaching if numbers were good.

Online learning materials remained available, but senior students were “strongly encouraged” to return. School excursions and sports carnivals remain on hold, and physical education will involve non-contact activities.