In what will be a relief to many school communities, the Department of Education has confirmed that school canteens can begin operating again starting on 11 May. Uniform shops may also start returning to normal operations from that date. School canteens were abruptly forced to close late last term, blindsiding the many P&C Associations who operate these facilities, while uniform shops were advised to limit themselves to online work.

The Department of Education has now advised all schools that as of 11 May school canteens and uniform shops can consider returning to on-site operation. Arrangements must be implemented to allow the safe and hygienic operation of the canteen for adults and students.

You will need to liaise with your School Principal about how and when your canteen reopens. You should also consider the financial viability of running a canteen in weeks when there will be few students on site.

The Department also advises that “uniform shops should still consider limiting their time on site to collecting, packing and distributing orders. It is recommended that online ordering is put in place where possible.”