More kids turning up at school, despite official advice

In correspondence to parents, seen by the Mercury, the school reminded the families there was minimal supervision.

"This week our school has seen an increase in students attending school and we have attendance levels that are significantly above other schools in Greater Sydney," the email sent by Unanderra PS read.

"[The school] reminds all our families that there is minimal supervision at our school for those students who cannot be educated at home, for example if their parent or carer is an essential worker.

"All students and families will be supported with learning from home materials and resources."

Read more: Balancing extra lockdown screen time key to home schooling: UOW expert

Unanderra Public School wouldn't comment on the email but the Mercury understands the same letter was sent to a number of Sydney schools.

A NSW Department of Education spokesperson said "overwhelmingly, parents have not been sending their children to school, and we thank them for their efforts.

"Ninety-two per cent of students are learning from home which suggests people are following the advice."

The Department would not provide a breakdown of attendance levels across individual schools.

Karen Brown, president of the Primary Principals Council in Wollongong, backed the sending of the emails.

"I think from time to time schools do need to reinforce the messaging to ensure that parents are aware of just what's required where possible," she said.

"That's probably a reflection of broader society's interpretation of what needs to be done to keep safe."

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Mrs Brown added that schools understood the current situation wasn't easy for anyone.

"But what we do believe is that it is really important that as a community we work together. And, the best that we can do is to follow health orders and advice of the day to protect our community," she said.

"Schools do remain open for any parents that needs that service but parents are also asked where possible that they keep their children at home where they can, which is consistent with the advice coming through health.

"I think schools are doing an incredible job to cater for any student that needs to be at school and in particularly our most vulnerable students in schools.

"Schools are very mindful of the support that might be required there."

At this stage primary school students in Wollongong and Shellharbour are being urged to continue remote learning until at least the end of lockdown on August 28.

Read more: Wollongong, Shellharbour could be out of lockdown earlier: Premier

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