How an algorithm could curb the spread of COVID-19 through schools

Term four is when primary teachers sort students into groups of classes for the following school year.

"We’ll be very much mindful this term when we do our classes for next year to really cater for that social and emotional aspect should we go through COVID again next year," Mr Wakeling said.

To do that, the school will use Class Solver, a Melbourne-based software program that is being used by American schools trying to get kids back into the classroom while limiting the spread of coronavirus.

The US schools that have begun using it to guard against COVID-19 have put students in class together who live in the same neighbourhood and catch the same bus, meaning any infection can be contained.

The department’s operations guide for term four lists several steps schools must take to guard against COVID-19.

Mr Wakeling, who uses Class Solver, said he would consider using it as part of a COVID-19 strategy if it meant potentially avoiding a third wave