A local Teacher's Federation organiser fears some schools could be forced to close temporarily if sufficient safety measures aren't put in place ahead of the return to school.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Organiser for Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands schools, Duncan McDonald, said the NSW premier's proposed bi-weekly rapid antigen tests would not be enough to keep kids and teachers safe.
"The view of the union is that's not enough," said Mr McDonald. "In most places, there are no supply of RATs."
"To keep the teachers, staff and students safe, we need more than just a couple of rapid antigen tests each week as the regime for keeping schools open and operational."
The bi-weekly test is just one measure proposed by NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet after he said rapid antigen tests will play a role in the government's strategy to get kids back to school.
Read more: NSW school return sparks COVID surge fears
"We see a role of rapid antigen tests...as we open up schools...and that's why we procured here in NSW tens of millions of them," Mr Perrottet told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday.
He said he would not provide a "running commentary" on how the kits would be used.
About 11 per cent of children aged five to 11 have received a vaccine dose, which has also sparked concerns as the return to school date looms.
Likely staff shortages due to isolation requirements have also prompted the government to consider recalling retired teachers, and fast-tracking final year university students to fill staffing gaps.
Mr McDonald said the "crippling" teacher shortage combined with the surge in COVID-19 cases could force some local schools temporarily close.
"We've got that clash of two significant crises," he said.
"For years now, schools have been saying they have had trouble finding casual staff to replace teachers on leave or are unwell.
"Some of the absentee rates in many industries at the moment are sitting around 20 per cent."
If we see that sort of absenteeism, that would severely impact schools and render some non-operational which would be very disruptive.
- Duncan McDonald, Teacher's Federation organiser
While Queensland and South Australia have announced plans to delay the start of the school year, New South Wales will reopen as planned after the summer holidays.
Mr McDonald said he would like the government to consider a flexible approach to the return date.
"It's a rapidly evolving situation," said Mr McDonald. "And I think flexibility is required."
"Preference would be working from home for teacher's on staff development days and students returning later in the week.
"That would almost buy a week of time, which could be very important when it comes to the peak of this particular outbreak."
National cabinet will meet Thursday to finalise a COVID safety plan for schools, with rapid antigen tests and addressing staff shortages on the agenda.
Meanwhile, Dr Kerry Chant urged people with school-aged children to come forward for booster shots.
"I can't stress enough the urgency. We know that booster will increase your level of protection," she told reporters in Sydney on Wednesday.
Are you a parent with concerns leading up to the return to school? Email grace.crivellaro@austcommunitymedia.com.au
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.