The ACT Education Directorate has announced updated school arrangements for Wednesday, November 19, as asbestos removal efforts continue across Canberra's public schools. Education Minister Yvette Berry provided the latest information on which schools will remain closed and which have been cleared to reopen.
Ongoing Response to Contaminated Sand
The school disruption entered its third day as authorities work to contain recalled sand products suspected of containing chrysotile asbestos. The situation escalated over the weekend when a second sand product was recalled, significantly expanding the number of affected schools beyond the initial 16 closures on Friday, November 14.
On Monday, November 17, the crisis peaked with 70 schools closed, though this number reduced on Tuesday as officials gained better understanding of sand locations and isolation capabilities. The education directorate emphasizes that the risk to staff and students remains low, and no testing has yet detected asbestos in any school environments.
Wednesday's School Status
Seven schools have been cleared to fully reopen on Wednesday:
Aranda Primary School, Black Mountain School, Chapman Primary School, Cranleigh School, Evelyn Scott School, Malkara School, and The Woden School will welcome back all students and staff.
Meanwhile, 18 schools remain completely closed on Tuesday, with their status for Wednesday pending further assessment:
Campbell Primary School, Evatt Primary School, Florey Primary School, Forrest Primary School, Gowrie Primary School, Gordon Primary School, Isabella Plains Early Childhood School, Latham Primary School, Macgregor Primary School, Macquarie Primary School, Maribyrnong Primary School, Miles Franklin Primary School, Mount Rogers Primary School, Neville Bonner Primary School, Ngunnawal Primary School, Southern Cross Early Childhood School, Wanniassa School, Weetangera Primary School, and Yarralumla Primary School.
Partial Closures and Isolated Areas
Several schools are operating with partial closures, accommodating specific year groups while keeping certain areas off-limits. These include Arawang Primary School, Charles Weston Primary School, Farrer Primary School, Giralang Primary School, Harrison School, Kaleen Primary School, Lyons Early Childhood School, Majura Primary School, Margaret Hendry School, Namadgi School, North Ainslie Primary School, Red Hill Primary School, Throsby School, Turner School, and Torrens Primary School.
Many other schools have reopened with contaminated areas successfully isolated or after confirming no affected sand products were present on their premises.
Non-Government Schools Response
Canberra's Catholic education system has taken a different approach, isolating specific classrooms and breakout spaces while keeping schools operational. A spokesperson confirmed they are following WorkSafe ACT advice and can accommodate staff and students in unaffected areas.
Health authorities maintain that the risk of asbestos exposure is low and do not recommend clinical assessment for anyone who had contact with the sand. Education Minister Yvette Berry is scheduled to provide another update at 5pm on Tuesday, November 18, as the situation continues to evolve.
