NSW public schools closed ahead of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred are reopening across the Northern Rivers, as the NSW Department of Education carries out safety assessments to check for damage following days of heavy rainfall, strong winds and localised flooding. 

In a statement released this afternoon, the Department of Education said:

As the acute impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred begins to ease and the state begins the clean-up efforts, we are focused on ensuring our students and staff are safe while returning to their local public school.  

Of the 253 public schools that were closed last week, around 170 have now been assessed for safety and will reopen on Tuesday, 11 March, 2025 and that tally is being updated constantly. Some schools will remain closed while further clean-up work takes place. 

As the Department carries out its safety assessments, some damage to schools has been reported, along with multiple instances of fallen trees, which need to be made safe before students and staff can return. 

To stay up to date on flood impacts and school closures in your local area, please check the Department of Education website. Further updates on school operations are expected after 6.30pm.

Catholic and independent schools and early learning centres are also expected to be carrying out similar assessments, and families should check the department or local school websites for further information.   

Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“I want to thank our families for their continued patience during this ongoing disruption to learning. 

“Our work to carry out safety assessments at affected schools is well underway and we expect to have most schools that had been closed back up and running tomorrow.

“Unfortunately, we have encountered some damage to schools, which the Department will work to make safe and rectify.”