Rochester Secondary College Newsletter

Frequently Asked Questions

Who goes back and when?

 

Monday 12th October our Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12 students will return 

Tuesday 13th October our Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 will return

 

What will the staggered pick-up and drop-off look like?

 

We believe that the nature of our school means that we already have staggered drop offs, with buses and cars arriving at different times. We do ask that parents stay in cars if doing student drop offs.

 

Do we have to wear face coverings?

 

All students and staff will be required to wear face coverings to and from school and whilst at school.  Teachers and education support staff are not required to wear face coverings while teaching, but those who wish to do so, can. 

 

What social distancing guidelines apply to parents?

Please be aware of the following:

  • We recommend dropping students off and staying in cars.
  • No congregating in groups outside school gates.
  • Please limit accessing the office unless absolutely necessary, preferred contact is via phone or email.
  • If you do need to attend the front office social distancing rules will apply - (i) limit to two persons at once (ii) maintain 1.5m distance
  • There is a strong preference for staff/parent meetings to be done remotely, unless absolutely necessary to be done at school.

Are students expected to socially distance?

We are still waiting for further advice on this.  Students coming on-site for the GAT on the 7th of October will be required to practice social distancing. This will apply until further notice:

  • Restrictions on access to the school site for anyone other than immediate school staff and students;
  • Students must supply their own water bottle, drinking fountains are not to be used.

 

My child is feeling sick, although only moderately. What should we do?

 

If your child has flu or cold like symptoms, please keep them at home and seek medical advice. They can return to school only when symptoms have resolved. While not mandatory, for your own peace of mind, you may wish to explore COVID-19 testing arrangements at ERH.

 

If your child feels sick during the day we will call you and they need to be collected immediately. 

 

How will we maintain hygiene?

 

Students will be encouraged to wash their hands with soap and/or use sanitiser regularly, including on arrival, and before and after classes. There will be sanitiser available in each classroom and hand wash soap in the rest rooms.

 

Students are also asked to use their own water bottle.

 

Our cleaning company also has a rigorous and extensive scope of works that involves daily cleaning and sanitation of class spaces. Spot cleaning of high touch points like door handles and stair rails will also occur during the day.

 

My child/family has health complications related to COVID-19. Should they attend school?

 

This will be dependent on the health medical advice for each individual. We will continue to support students with resources and guidance where they can’t attend school for medical reasons related to COVID-19. Written medical proof of this will be required.

 

I don’t feel comfortable sending my child to school. Can they continue to learn remotely?

 

No. All students who are able to go to school are expected to attend. The clear government advice is that teachers will not be expected to run both face-to-face and remote classes. There will be limited exemptions.

 

 

What if my child is quite anxious about returning to school?

 

For some this will be a very normal reaction based on feelings of safety or some social anxieties. Our Wellbeing team is acutely aware that some students may need some additional support to manage the transition back to school. If you feel like your child is in need of extra support, please contact the Year Level Coordinator.

  • Year 7 – Lauren Pellegrino
  • Year 8 – Kate Taylor
  • Year 9 – Wendy McLeod
  • Year 10 – Wendy McLeod
  • Year 11 – Matthew Callaway
  • Year 12 – Annette Bolitho

 

REMINDERS       

  • Students must enter classrooms via the external doors e.g. rooms 15, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 from the primary school side.
  • Only students who have classes in rooms 17 and 19 or the study area can use the main door for the new building.
  • You can still kick the football but no tackling – it is “Hands Off” at school
  • No Caps at school.

What will happen if we have a case of COVID-19 at the School?

 

There are comprehensive protocols in place from the Department of Education. We will follow the directions of the Health Department and DET. All advice, instructions and directives will be communicated to all members of the community as soon as possible.

 

Will the canteen be open?

 

Yes, but there will be changes to how this operates. Only orders will be accepted and these need to made before the first bell of the day. We will have EFTPOS facilities available for students and staff and ask that we minimise the use of cash. 

 

Can we get changed into our PE clothes at school?

 

The changerooms will still be out of action for a minimum of two weeks.  We will inform students and families when/if this changes. Students can wear PE clothes to school on days they have PE. 

 

Where did we get our information and advice from?

 

All Victorian schools are committed to following as closely as is practicable in their individual settings the guidelines published by the Victorian Chief Health Officer, the Department of Education, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), Worksafe Victoria, and best practice advice from organisations such as the World Health Organisation.

 

What will the bell times and timetable look like for Semester 2?

 

Timetables are available on XUNO and the Semester two bell times are below.