In a sudden move, ten schools in the Australian Capital Territory have been completely shut down today, with another ten experiencing partial closures due to concerns over possible asbestos contamination.
The ACT Education Department revealed that a colorful, decorative sand, which contained traces of chrysotile asbestos, has been identified in some schools.
This sand is primarily utilized in sensory play activities, as well as in arts and crafts projects.
“Although WorkSafe ACT has assessed the risk of exposure to chrysotile traces as minimal, ensuring the safety of our schools remains our utmost priority,” the department announced via social media.
“The closures were implemented following the Education Directorate’s established protocols and based on guidance from WorkSafe ACT regarding necessary safety measures and remediation procedures,” the statement continued.
“Our commitment to the safety of students, staff, and the community is unwavering,” the department emphasized.
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
