There is light at the end of the tunnel. Parents and policymakers have generally had enough, and schools are now on the path to completely re-open in most states and territories, if they aren’t already open.

This is thanks in part to increasing concerns about the negative effects of school closures on many students, particularly those from disadvantaged families — not to mention the growing realisation that it’s practically impossible for most parents to simultaneously work from home and supervise their children’s education.

It has also put unnecessary strain on schools to deliver both face-to-face and online classes, while monitoring ‘attendance’ of...