Beaumaris Secondary College Newsletter

Face Masks 

Please remember to bring a mask (and spare masks) to school!

Further to the updated operational guidelines regarding face masks posted on Compass last week (also below), please remind your child to bring a mask to school. Please also remind your child to have spare masks in their bag in case they misplace or tear their mask. The school only has limited supplies of replacement masks for students. Thank you for your understanding.

Face Masks (Updated Operational Guidelines for Term 4 2021)

 

We know that returning to school will look a little different this time and it's important that we support you and your children with effective ways to keep everyone safe and well.

 

One of the most important and effective things we can do to help keep students in the classroom is to wear masks to help minimise COVID-19 transmission risk.

 

When worn properly, masks can play an important role in reducing the transmission risks of Covid-19 that could happen from common activities in school. A face mask must cover the nose and mouth. Face shields, scarves or bandanas do not meet these requirements.

 

For all school settings, the Victorian Chief Health Officer:

  • Directs school staff and secondary school students to wear a face mask indoors at school, unless a lawful exception applies.
  • Directs school staff and students aged 12 or older must always wear  a face mask when travelling to and from school on public transport, taxis or ride share vehicles.
  • Directs school staff to wear a face mask while teaching wherever practicable, except where removal of a facemask is necessary for effective communication.

There are a number of lawful reasons for not wearing a face mask, including for staff and students who are unable to wear a face mask due to the nature of their disability, medical or a mental health condition. Parent/carers of a student/s who meet the criteria for an exception should provide their approval in writing for their child/ren to not wear a mask to the school.

 

Outside of lawful exceptions, any deliberate and persistent non- compliance with the face masks direction is a serious matter. Usual school procedures for dealing with non­ compliance with school rules will be applied. We encourage students to bring a spare mask to school in case they misplace or tear their mask. The school has limited supplies of replacement masks for students.