All primary school students in metropolitan Melbourne will return to on-site learning from Monday 12 October. Schools may stagger the return of year levels during that week, with all students to be back on-site by Friday 16 October. 

PV Executive Officer Gail McHardy welcomed the news but urged parents to remain vigilant around COVID-19 precautions. See all Gail's comments in this article in the Age. 

In a memo to schools, Education Departement Deputy Secretary David Howes said, "A critical aspect of the return to on-site learning will be a strict enforcement of physical distancing requirements at the start and finish of the school day." Schools have been asked to provide clear communication  and signage for parents about physical distancing at drop-off and pick-up times. Schools may also implement staggered start and finish times to ease congestion.