Term 3 response to COVID-19

All schools have returned to full-time on-campus learning. With updated health advice and changes to state and national restrictions, schools have recommenced the majority of school-based activities. This guide details a limited number of activities that remain under consideration.

The following principles underpin these guidelines:

Schools continue to be safe and operations are in line with AHPPC and NSW Health guidelines.
All students should be learning on-campus unless they are unwell or have a medical certificate to support their absence.
Existing infection control protocols at schools, and new health and safety measures put in place will help maintain the health and safety of students and staff.
All activities permitted at school are safe and appropriate in living with COVID-19.
Schools continue to monitor and plan for any changes in local circumstances that may arise, including changes in health advice or local restrictions.

Non-essential adults are still not permitted on school grounds or at school events. This includes parents and carers except for face-to-face parent/teacher meetings that are essential (e.g. to discuss disciplinary or other welfare matters).

Schools should ensure school pick up and drop off arrangements enable parents to physically distance from one another and from staff. We encourage parents to wait outside the gates of the school.

Our school will continue to promote and encourage regular washing of hands, exclude any staff and students who are unwell, avoid the sharing of food and personal items and clean any shared items such as musical instruments, learning and sporting equipment between uses.

Schools continue to receive an additional clean during the day in line with AHPPC guidance. This includes cleaning frequently touched areas in bathrooms after recess, as well as replenishing supplies such as soap and hand towels that are provided by the school. High touch surfaces such as balustrades and handrails in the playground and stairwells are also wiped with disinfectant.

Students should continue to bring water bottles from home to fill at water bubblers rather than drink directly from the bubbler.

Activities that have recommenced in our schools

Library access
School sporting activities
School assemblies (limited to 15 minutes and no external visitors). BWPS assemblies will remain 'virtual' for the time being.
All curricular and extra-curricular programs or services delivered by NSW Department of Education staff including targeted school support programs delivered by School Services, itinerant support staff and other department employees
Allied health providers, wellbeing and case management professionals (including NDIS suppliers and health programs such as student vaccination programs and dental health programs)
Practicum teaching for tertiary education students
Incursions/external adult providers to support delivery of curriculum (e.g. music tutors, sport skills development programs, science demonstrations, drama tutors, Healthy Harold) and day field trips to outdoor locations that require minimal physical distancing considerations
All Department of Community and Justice activities
Official visitors and dignitaries (consistent with current protocols)
School photos

Activities on hold until further notice

A small number of activities remain on hold and will be reconsidered during Term 3:

School camps
Excursions (other than field trips explained above)
Interstate excursions
Parent and carer attendance at assemblies and other school events
Parent and carer volunteers – e.g. parent reading helpers
School-based activities that involve large gathering of adults. These include parent/community gatherings such as parent functions, working bees, fundraisers, school BBQs, large parent information evenings, and large on-site cultural events.

Remember:

Stay home if you're sick

If you have been unwell - with symptoms such as high temperature, cough, sore throat, and/or shortness of breath - please don't visit our school. Contact our office on 08 8088 4700 to speak to one of our staff.

Increase hygiene practices

Clean your hands regularly and thoroughly. Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue. Dispose of tissues regularly.

Maintain a healthy distance

For the health and well being of our staff and students, please stand at least 1.5 metres apart while waiting in our office. Our visitors are encouraged to wait outside for their turn to speak with our office staff.

Please only enter school grounds when necessary.

Thank you for your patience

We know this is a difficult time, but we are doing all we can to support our staff and students.

We appreciate your patience and support while we work together to minimise the impact of COVID-19 in our community.

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