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In a surprising development, ten schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) have been fully closed today, while another ten are facing partial closures due to the discovery of potential asbestos contamination.
The ACT Education Department revealed that a decorative sand, used in some schools for sensory activities as well as arts and crafts, has been found to contain traces of chrysotile asbestos.
Despite WorkSafe ACT assessing the risk of exposure to chrysotile asbestos as low, the department emphasized that ensuring the safety of students and staff remains their top priority. “The safety of our schools is our highest priority,” the department stated in a social media release.
The closures were enacted in accordance with the Education Directorate’s protocols, following guidance from WorkSafe ACT on the necessary procedures for safe management and remediation of the affected areas.
“The decision to close the schools has been made in line with Education Directorate processes and on the advice of WorkSafe ACT on the safe management and remediation process required.
“The safety of our students, staff and the community is our highest priority.”
Testing and remediation will be carried out as soon as possible, the department said.
Parents have received email notification about the closures.
- Black Mountain School
- Campbell Primary School
- Charles Weston School
- Charnwood-Dunlop Primary School
- Evatt Primary School
- Florey Primary School
- Latham Primary School
- Lyons Early Childhood School
- Malkara School
- Namadgi School
- Charles Conder Primary School – Preschool and Small Group Program
- North Ainslie Primary School – Preschool and year 1
- Torrens Primary School – Preschool, Kindergarten and Year 1
- Wanniassa School – Preschool to year 6
- Yarralumla Primary School – Montessori, Kindergarten, Year 1, Small Group Program
Preschool closures only:
- Chapman Primary School — Preschool
- Cranleigh School — Preschool
- Curtin Primary School — Preschool
- Kingsford Smith School — Preschool including Koori Preschool
- Narrabundah Early Childhood School — Preschool
