School’s in again for 45,000 Northern Territory students, who return to the classroom this week after their Christmas breaks.

Urban Northern Territory government school students return today, one day ahead of remote students. Some independent schools will not resume until later in the week.

In government schools, about 3000 transition students are starting school for the first time this year, alongside 3000 beginning pre-school and 170 teachers, who are starting work in the profession across the NT for the first time.

Parents are reminded the Territory Labor Government is offering $150 per student to help with school costs, redeemable at their child’s school and valid until the end of Term 1.

Minister for Education Selena Uibo and Member for Drysdale Eva Lawler welcomed some of the returning and commencing students at Gray Primary School this morning, where 380 students are enrolled for the 2019 school year.

This year marks a big year in NT education, with significant construction projects due for completion at schools in Darwin, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek. A new primary school, scheduled for a 2020 opening, is also under construction in Palmerston.

It will also see the rollout of several key Territory Labor Government policies to enhance learning and support the wellbeing of both teachers and students.

Policies include the new Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum, the Teacher Wellbeing Strategy and the STEM in the NT strategy, which will prepare Territory students for the jobs of the future via the growing areas of science, technology, engineering and maths.

Breakdown of 2019 government school enrolments by region

Darwin: 11,500                                    Katherine: 3900                       Barkly: 4500

Palmerston and Rural: 8900               Alice Springs: 4400                 Arnhem: 3800

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Selena Uibo

“Children are at the centre of all decisions made by the Territory Labor Government and I am pleased to welcome our new and returning students to the 2019 school year.

“Our government is investing in our children because we know education is the key to creating generational change for Territorians.

“Unlike the CLP, the Territory Labor Government will always invest in education, because we know investing in our children is not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do for the Territory’s future.”

Media contact: Kim Stephens 0417 683 144