Years 2-6 - Staged Return

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are looking forward to welcoming back our staff and students to their classrooms. We know that while there will be excitement, there will also be some uncertainty about being back together at school. The Department of Education has worked with NSW Health on a COVID-safe plan to return to school sites and has put in place effective practices; vaccinations for all staff on site, mask wearing, reduced mingling of staff and student groups, ventilation in classrooms and continued good hygiene and cleaning.

Monday, October 18 - Students from Kindergarten and Year 1 are expected to return to school.

Monday October 25 - Students in Years 2-6 are expected to return to school.

School Attendance

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

Cohort groups – student and staff

Students returning will be placed into three class-based cohorts with their regular classroom teacher.

On arrival, from 8:30am, students will make their way to their classroom where their teacher will be waiting. Each class group will complete all lessons and break times with their allocated cohort. Break times, playground access and canteen access will be staggered by cohort.

At the end of the day, students will be in cohort groups for leaving school grounds. We encourage parents to utilise the Kiss and Ride zone, remaining in your car at all times.

Mask wearing for students and staff

• Masks are required to be worn on school site by staff indoors and outdoors

• Staff masks may be removed for short periods of time during delivery of instructions in the classroom

• It is strongly recommended for students to wear masks indoors and outdoors unless exercising or eating

• Students should bring their own mask where possible

• We do have mask supplies as a back-up supply

• Physical distancing of 1.5m should be maintained where possible

Vaccinations

• All staff required on site supporting the return to school will need to be fully vaccinated from October 18. Then from November 8 all staff, contractors, volunteers and students on student placement on a school site will need to be fully vaccinated, including Outside of School Hours Care staff.

Ventilation

• Having open or well-ventilated spaces reduces the risk of transmission of COVID-19 because infectious particles are more quickly diffused in the open air. The Department will continue to work with NSW Health to provide us with advice and guidance on maintaining good ventilation in our school and we will make use of outdoor spaces where practical.

Canteen – Friday lunch only – October 29

• The school canteen will be open on Fridays for lunch only commencing October 29. Canteen volunteers follow normal COVID-safe protocols around vaccinations, testing, physical distancing and appropriate hygiene measures.

Visitors

• Only essential adults are allowed on site at this time

• All essential visitors are required to sign in using the school’s Service NSW QR code

Drop-off and Pick Up

• Parents remain outside the school grounds and adhere to mask wearing requirements

• Avoid mingling around entry and exit gates

• For Kiss and Ride, parents remain in their cars

COVID Communication

• Parents and students will be notified if a decision is made to close the school due to a confirmed case of COVID-19. During this time, we would continue to provide learning from home activities and let you know when we can return to face-to-face learning.

• Communication will be sent out on the School Stream APP, Facebook page and the website.

Out of School Hours Care (OOSHC)

• OOSHC and vacation care follow COVID-safe guidelines including the requirement to be fully vaccinated from November 8.

Orientation and transition to school

• These programs are not currently allowed in person on school sites until advised differently by NSW Health. We’ll provide information regarding these programs in the coming weeks.

Reporting and Assessment

• You will receive your child’s Semester 2 report by the end of the year. This will be a simplified version of the report you normally receive.

In this evolving situation, thank you for your patience and understanding. We will keep you updated via the School Stream app and the website. If you have any further questions, please phone the school on 49731435.

Mrs Warham

Principal