SCHOOLS across Queensland will break earlier than expected because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Term 1 is not due to conclude until April 3 and campuses will remain open to accommodate the children of so-called frontline workers, who might be required to work and otherwise unable to provide home-based supervision.
Maintaining the open school policy will also permit teachers to prepare to move to remote learning from home, according to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
"This will not be a normal school break," Ms Palasczuk said.
"It is vital that parents take responsibility for their children during this time. Every Queenslander needs to do their part to limit the spread of coronavirus.
"This is an unprecedented time in our history.
"We will be asking frontline workers to go above and beyond their normal work situations to help us get through this. That's not only frontline health professionals and police but people who undertake important work in our supply chain like stacking shelves in supermarkets.
"School will still be open for the children of these workers."
Education Minister Grace Grace said teachers, teacher aides and staff would use the reduced attendance at schools to prepare for a potential move to students learning from home.
"We are planning for every eventuality when it comes to this global pandemic," Ms Grace said.
"Currently we have two weeks' worth of learning available to students to use at home and that will be constantly updated for as long as necessary.
"These student-free days will allow our hard-working teachers and teacher aides to prepare for that.
"Those staff members who have genuine health concerns will continue to have flexible working arrangements, such as working from home."