A new school year begins today within WA’s COVID setting, and for teachers and school staff, the latest vaccination mandate is in full effect.

WA Education Minister Sue Ellery told 6PR Mornings host Liam Bartlett that teaching numbers are good with the return of school today.

Despite 90 teachers not returning to school due to the current vaccine mandates, Minister Ellery said these positions have all been filled. 

“There’s a teacher in front of every classroom in public schools,” she said. 

“We’ve got 700 graduates taking up their first teaching jobs today and then a mix of various programs around the place by principals and in the Department (of Education) to make sure that we had enough staff in place.”

When asked what the plan was if COVID-19 cases increase in WA, Minister Ellery says that the government has prepared for a similar plan as South Australia.

“Our current plans are that when we higher case numbers, we’ve put in some school-specific definitions of close contacts, and we will provide RATs as part of the testing program to ensure that our schools can continue to operate.”

Press PLAY to hear Minister Ellery including questions from listeners