CARRINGTON Public School is closed for contact tracing and cleaning after at least one school community member tested positive for COVID-19.
All staff and students have been asked to self-isolate and follow the NSW Health advice and protocols.
NSW Health has requested anyone who has been unwell or develops any symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell/taste, muscle/joint pains, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting or extreme tiredness to be tested.
Hamilton South, Weston, Tuncurry, Mayfield East, Mayfield West, Irrawang and Thornton public schools have also closed since the bulk of students returned to face-to-face classes on Monday.
This followed Hunter River Community School, Cardiff South, Kotara South and Garden Suburb public schools as well as St Paul's Primary School in Gateshead closing last week.
NSW Teachers Federation regional organiser Jack Galvin Waight said the "high case numbers and school closures in the Hunter are concerning".
"We understand that the process of closing schools to clean and contact trace is an important health and safety measure," he said.
"Concerns remain in relation to the safe operations of schools and this includes mask wearing and ventilation.
"Our principals and teachers in the Hunter continue to rise to every challenge under incredibly difficult circumstances."
Independent Education Union NSW/ACT Newcastle organiser Therese Fitzgibbon said on Tuesday she expected to see more closures now all grades have returned.
"I think it's likely we will see an increase in school closures and given students, particularly primary students, will not be vaccinated, they're still at risk, so I think it's imperative where schools do identify cases that they have to close for the protection of both students and staff," she said.
"Schools are prepared and are aware it's a likelihood."
