As the week winds down, Canberra families are waiting for the final word on whether their children’s schools will be open. With a major cleanup underway and a lot of uncertainty hanging in the air, the ACT government is working hard to resolve the crisis caused by the discovery of asbestos in classroom sand. The good news? Most schools will be open on Friday, November 21. But, as always, there are a few wrinkles that still need ironing out.
A Swift Response to a Growing Concern
Earlier this week, seventy schools across the ACT were closed after it was revealed that coloured sand used in classrooms could potentially contain asbestos. The sand was used in various decorative products across schools, and upon further investigation, some of it was found to contain chrysotile asbestos, a substance linked to serious health risks. The government acted quickly, engaging seven companies to assist in removing the affected sand, isolating contaminated areas, and conducting rigorous safety checks.
Friday’s Outlook: Some Schools Fully Open, Others Not So Much
Now, as Friday approaches, things are looking a lot more stable. Most schools will be fully open or partially reopened, though a handful will remain closed or limited to certain groups of students. In a press conference earlier this week, Education Minister Yvette Berry assured parents that safety is their top priority. However, she also warned that more sand could be discovered as the investigation continues. “We’re being as cautious as possible,” she said to The Canberra Times. “Our goal is to ensure that every school is safe for students to return to.“
The Challenges of Partial Reopenings
It’s a bit of a logistical nightmare for families, with some schools operating on a modified schedule. For example, Arawang Primary will be open only for certain year groups, while Throsby School will welcome kids from Kindergarten to Year 6, but not Year 7 and up. Meanwhile, some schools like Malkara and Neville Bonner Primary will remain shut entirely for the day.
Parents’ Concerns: Communication and Clarity
What’s most confusing for many parents is the lack of clarity about which areas within schools are safe and which aren’t. In many cases, sand has been isolated in specific rooms or outdoor areas, and these spaces will be off-limits. Still, other schools have been able to continue operations without issue, and are cleared for all students to return. The government has also taken pains to ensure that any affected sand is completely removed, reassuring the public that “no further action” is necessary in most cases.
Looking Ahead: A Fluid Situation
Yet, this situation has caused considerable concern among parents. Many feel communication could have been better, especially given how quickly the closures and reopenings are happening. Schools have had to juggle cleaning schedules, safety assessments, and ensuring that kids are still getting a good education amid all the uncertainty.
As we near the end of the week, parents are left wondering if things will finally return to normal. Some have already expressed frustration, especially after schools like Neville Bonner Primary were closed twice after further sand contamination was discovered. But as Minister Berry pointed out, the goal is simple: “We’re prioritizing children’s safety over everything else.”
For now, it seems like Friday will bring a bit of relief—at least for the majority of schools. But as the cleanup continues, it’s likely we’ll see more updates in the coming days. The situation is fluid, and while many schools are safe to open, there are still plenty of questions that haven’t been answered yet.
