ACT Schools Affected by Asbestos-Contaminated Sand: A Comprehensive Update
Schools Remaining Closed:
- Gordon Primary School
- Isabella Plains Early Childhood School
- Latham Primary School
- Macgregor Primary School
- Mount Rogers Primary School
- Neville Bonner Primary School
- Ngunnawal Primary School
Partially Open Schools:
- Arawang Primary School: Echidna Preschool students, kindergarten, years 1-6 (Turtle preschool students not accommodated)
- Charles Weston Primary School: Preschool, kindergarten, years 5-6
- Farrer Primary School: Preschool, kindergarten, years 1-2
- Giralang Primary School: Preschool, years 5-6 (Small Group Program not accommodated)
- Harrison School: Years 7-10, Senior Small Group Program
- Lyons Early Childhood School: Preschool, kindergarten, years 1-2 (Early childhood not accommodated)
- Majura Primary School: Kindergarten, years 1-6 (Small Group Program not accommodated)
- Margaret Hendry School: Years 3-6, including Dom's Small Group Program
- Namadgi School: Years 7-10
- North Ainslie Primary School: Kindergarten, years 1-6 (SGP and IEC included)
- Throsby School: Kindergarten, years 1-6
- Turner School: Kindergarten, years 1-6
- Torrens Primary School: Years 2-3, years 5
Asbestos Clean-up and School Reopening:
The ACT government confirms that the clean-up process may take several days, with schools gradually reopening as the asbestos-contaminated sand is addressed. Initially, 70 public schools were closed due to the recall of colored sand products containing asbestos by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
Sand Discovery and Safety:
Despite cleaning efforts, sand products are still being found in schools, according to ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry. She assures that these findings do not necessitate re-closing schools, as the sand is being managed and assessed. The minister emphasizes that schools remain safe, and parents can trust the work of certifiers.
Challenges and National Inquiry:
Ms. Berry acknowledges the challenges posed by the discovery of asbestos-contaminated sand, especially for parents arranging leave. She supports calls for a national inquiry into the entry of this product into the country, highlighting the need for an investigation into the circumstances that led to its presence in schools.
Future Updates:
Ms. Berry will provide another update at 6 p.m., offering further insights into the ongoing situation and the progress of school reopenings.
