Operational Changes Page

This week Version 11 of the back to school operational guidelines was released. The full document can be accessed below . However, here is the summary of changes since the release of the previous document. 

Summary of changes:

• All Victorian students have now returned to on-site learning and there are no differences in restrictions between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
• Students and staff (or their carers) with medical vulnerabilities can feel reassured that they can safely return to learning on school sites.
• There are no longer required actions for multiple suspected cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in staff.
• Density limits do not apply in classrooms and other spaces for the purposes of student use, including corridors and other shared areas.
• Density limits of one person per two square metres apply to staff areas such as staff lunchrooms and areas accessed by the public, such as reception areas.
• Face masks in schools:
  • Face masks to be worn by individuals over the age of 12 when on public transport and school buses – unless you have a lawful exemption.
  • Individuals over the age of 12 must carry a face mask at all times.
  • Face masks are no longer required in school settings. However, they are recommended for use by staff and students when physical distancing of 1.5m cannot be maintained.
• There is no requirement to limit the number or type of visitors to school premises, however density limits (one person per two square metres) should be applied.
• For kinder-to-school transition activities there are no limits to the number or size of groups, however visitor density limits (one person per two square metres) should be applied.
• For Year 7 transitions activities the visitor density limit of one person per two square metres should be applied.
• Statewide Orientation Day and Transition activities:
  • there are no limits to the total number of students on site at each school, however the visitor density limit should be applied.
  • Mixing of students is now permitted.
  • Students are no longer required to be allocated into single class groups for the day.
• End of year assemblies, graduations and other gatherings:
  • Events with external guests (parents/carers/visitors) are limited to venue sizes and with the density limit of one person per two square metres.
  • Events held exclusively with students and staff from a single school, density limits do not apply to the venue, regardless of whether the event is held at school or at a hospitality venue, entertainment facility or community facilities.
• School formals are permitted to resume.
  • If held on school premises and attended exclusively by students and staff from a single school, venue density limits do not apply to the venue or dance floor.
  • If held at an external venue, the school will need to abide by the restrictions on the type of venue
• Face-to-face professional development and staff meetings can recommence. The density limit of one person per two square metres should be applied
• All interschool sports (indoor and outdoor) are now permitted. Schools should follow Sport and Recreation Victoria guidance when planning sporting activities.
• Musical instruments may be used and group singing is permitted without specified limits.
• All interschool activities can resume. Density limits must be applied.
• Outside school hours care (OSHC) may operate before and after school and summer holiday programs.