On 15 March 2020, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that Australian schools ‘should remain open for the time being’ despite increasing calls from medical professionals and parents for them to be shut down to protect children and the entire community.

In view of how COVID-19 has swept across Italy and other European countries, and judging from the measures taken in Australia, it is fair to say that Australia is in extreme and imminent danger. ‘Australia can be the next Italy’ if things are let go this way, as commented by Australian Media.

The main issue’s being asymptomatic virus carriers. There have been numerous reports about virus transmission by asymptomatic carriers. Therefore, gathering poses risks, regardless of attenders’ age. ‘Social distancing’ as recommended by Mr Morrison is also very difficult to implement amongst children, especially younger children.

The virus’ damage to the human body in general is widely known. In addition to that, it is also warned by Chinese experts that COVID-19 can cause damage to young people’s reproductive system and hence recovered patients may suffer infertility (Reference: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8104477/Doctors-claim-new-coronavirus-cause-damage-mans-TESTICLES.html

As parents, we are very concerned about keeping our children safe, and subsequently keeping our families and the whole community safe from the virus. Therefore, we are asking that, at this special time, parents should have the choice to NOT send children to school during the COVID-19 outbreak.

We ask that:

1. Should students choose to study from home during the COVID-19 outbreak, they are exempt from school attendance requirements.

2. Schools provide appropriate support to such students, e.g., providing online classes, printed materials, online assessments and feedbacks, etc.

3. Communication between schools and families of students studying from home remain active.