The WA Secondary Schools Association said it can’t guarantee that every school could have face-to-face learning because they don’t know how many students will attend.

Mr McGowan on Thursday in response said face-to-face learning was a requirement and that parents whose children attended schools that didn’t offer that should be entitled to a fee reduction.

“We've issued the guidelines and the guidelines are based upon a very very clear advice from the chief health officer of Western Australia, that is indeed the same advice that the national health advisory body has put in place, which is that schools are safe schools are safe,” he said

“So, all I'd say to that body is the government has made a decision, children and parents have a choice as to whether or not to go to school but face-to-face teaching is a requirement.”

Mr McGowan said because the Catholic and independent schools had made a decision different to the health advice, he would support parents in requesting a discount in fees.

“I think parents would be within their rights to ask for a reduction in fees or reimbursement for that period,” he said.

“If there's not going to be face-to-face teaching, well then, that is contrary to the health advice provided by the most senior health advisors in the nation.

“Those school systems need to look at providing some financial support back to parents if their kids aren't going to be taught in the way that they should be.”

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