Teachers across NSW will soon be able to switch off and enjoy uninterrupted personal time under a policy to restrict non-emergency communication after school hours.
Overly expectant parents can expect a response within two school days "under normal circumstances" under a state government plan to address burnout across the teaching profession.
Sending emails, messages or contacting staff outside regular school operating hours will also be off the cards for principals, executive school leaders and the education department itself unless in cases of an emergency.
The change, under a new "expectations for digital communications" policy, will be rolled out gradually over the current term, with each principal encouraged to find a way that works for their school.
Strathfield South High School in Sydney's inner west has already started implementing the changes.
Principal Brad Cook said he does not read or send emails once he has left school for the day and would not expect his staff to do otherwise.
"My philosophy is when you're at work you're at work and when you're at home you're at home," he said.
"I set the expectation (that) if parents call, they'll get a call back within 24 hours."
Mr Cook said parents were regularly kept informed through Google Classroom, newsletters and social media as well as phone calls.
The changes had given his teaching staff more energy because there was no expectation they had to communicate overnight, he said.
"My message to teachers is: Disconnect, spend time with your family and take a break.
"Teachers are incredibly hard-working and they need the time to prepare their coursework and meet the needs of their students."
Drama and history teacher Sophia Cotsis said time-consuming administrative tasks increased during COVID-19 lockdowns, as did the expectations from parents to be in constant communication.
"The best part of teaching is designing and planning lessons to engage students," she said.
"I have more time to do that now.
"That is why I became a teacher ... to be in front of a classroom."
Education Minister Prue Car said digital technologies used during lockdowns had made it hard for teachers to establish boundaries.
"I have heard from teachers during my many visits to schools last year the impact digital communications have had on what was previously personal time," she said.
"Giving them the green light to switch off from emails and messages out of school operating hours is just a small way we can support and retain teachers, address burnout and lift the attractiveness of teaching as a profession."
NSW Teachers Federation deputy president Amber Flohm said too many teachers were leaving the profession as a result of burnout from an unsustainable workload.
"A properly rested and recharged teacher is better for our schools and better for our students," she said.
"Policies such as this will ultimately help plug the teacher shortage in NSW and address the ongoing attraction and retention of our teachers."
The policy was developed by the NSW Department of Education in consultation with the teachers' union and with feedback from the NSW P&C Federation.
Australian Associated Press
