Katherine schools reopen Monday 16 March 2026
Following safety assessments and ongoing recovery efforts, the Department of Education and Training is pleased to advise that all government schools in Katherine reopened on Monday 16 March 2026.
MacFarlane Primary School, Casuarina Street Primary School and Katherine High School, which have operated as shelters supporting the Katherine community throughout this event, welcomed back their students on Monday 16 March.
Regular school bus services have resumed as normal.
Katherine High School will operate under a hybrid model with the evacuation centre continuing on site. This arrangement allows the school to resume face-to-face learning for Years 7–12 students while also supporting the community as an evacuation centre using the gym. Access to student areas will be restricted, with fencing and security on site during the day.
Families should continue to contact Early Childhood Education and Care services and St Joseph’s Catholic College Katherine directly for updates on their operating status.
Pop‑up schools in Darwin and Palmerston continue to support the learning of young people from evacuated communities, ensuring continuity of education during this challenging period.
Remote schools remaining closed
Remote schools across the Big Rivers and Top End regions will remain closed for the week beginning Monday 16 March due to continued flood impacts. These schools are:
- Nganmarriyanga School
- Woolianna School
- Wugularr School
Jilkminggan and Mataranka Schools also remain closed. Mataranka School remains an evacuation centre for residents from the Jilkminggan community.
Future plans
The safety of staff, students and the broader community remains the department’s highest priority. Flood‑affected remote schools will undergo further safety assessments as conditions allow, enabling damage to be clarified and rectification works to be prioritised. Schools will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so, restoring supportive and predictable learning environments that help communities recover and reconnect.
Thanks to the community and staff
The department acknowledges and deeply appreciates the dedication of staff who have worked tirelessly to operate these evacuation centres, assist community members, and return schools to normal operations.
The department sincerely thanks the Katherine community and all impacted communities for their patience, resilience and cooperation throughout the flood response. We also extend our gratitude to all our staff for their commitment and hard work in supporting students, families and the wider community.
