"When the pandemic situation allows it, more students will return to schools, to full-time education," said Minister of Education and Science Przemysław Czarnek on Thursday. He also pointed out that there is a chance for high school graduates and eighth-graders to return to schools in February.
Przemyslaw Czarnek asked by the commercial broadcaster RMF FM when students will return to school, reiterated that those in grades 1-3 have already returned to full-time learning this Monday and added that further decisions will largely depend on the pandemic situation in the country. "As we observe what is happening in recent days, these numbers are stable and at a lower level than we expected," he added.
The minister said that there was a chance that within a week or two, if the stabilisation of the number of COVID-19 cases continues, "we will make decisions on the return of high school graduates and eighth-graders to full-time learning."
He added that teaching these years in a hybrid system is also being considered, and the decision may be made in February.
Mr Czarnek also said that there are several options for students’ returning to school, and when asked if decisions could be made next week, he said that "it is not out of the question" due to the dynamic situation.
The Minister of Education and Science was also asked about the date of teachers' vaccinations. He expressed hope that they will take place in the first quarter of the year, although he added that according to his information it appears that they may be postponed to the second quarter. "Every day we talk to the Prime Minister and analyse the situation regarding the vaccines. We are fighting for teachers to be vaccinated as soon as possible," he concluded.
