Dear Parents and Carers,

We are looking forward to welcoming back our staff and students in Term 4. We know that while there will be excitement, there will also be some anxiety and uncertainty about being back together at school.

Recent evidence shows that very little COVID transmission happens between children in school settings, and only a very small number of children who contract COVID-19 get seriously ill. However, to support school safety, the department is requiring all staff on site to be fully vaccinated and are strongly encouraging our students and school community to do the same.

The department has worked with NSW Health on COVID-safe plans for the return to school sites and have developed effective practices to support this, including staff vaccinations, mask wearing, reduced mingling of staff and student groups, ventilation in classrooms and continued good hygiene and cleaning.

Regarding masks and face coverings. Mask wearing will be mandatory for all staff while they are on site. In mainstream schools, masks are also mandatory for all students in Year 7 and above and it is strongly recommended for primary students. Due to the context of our school and the needs of our students, mask wearing will be optional for all students.

As previously advised, students will return to face-to-face learning in the following order:

· from 18 October – Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 12

· from 25 October – all remaining year groups.

All students should be at school on the date indicated for their year group, unless:

· they have a medical certificate which says they can’t return to school due to a condition or illness

· they are currently unwell

· they have been asked by NSW Health to self-isolate

Many school-based activities will remain on hold, including large celebrations such as presentation days and graduations, arts and sports events. Only essential visitors are allowed on school sites at this time. When dropping off or picking up your child from the office area, parents and carers need to wear a mask, physically distance and phone the office on arrival. We are in the process of developing detailed procedures for parent/carer drop off and pick up from the Clarence St gates.

We are confident that the abovementioned practices, in combination with support from our school community, will minimize risk and help keep our school open for students to engage in learning face-to-face. If you are worried that the impacts of COVID-19 or going back to face-to-face learning may be affecting your child’s wellbeing, please don’t hesitate to contact the school.

The department has developed an optional 2-minute survey for parents and carers asking about your return to school intentions. The findings of this survey will support planning for your child’s return to school.

Survey link: https://research.det.nsw.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_5BAxh4fuj5wnsWO?RID=CGC_MPe4TfZIZozlkdN&Q_CHL=email 

Regards

K Thorson

Principal