Normality in schools is edging closer, with more COVID-19 restrictions easing on Monday, November 8.
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All schools in the region will operate on an updated level 3 setting for the rest of term 4, with additional activities allowed in a COVID-safe manner.
Here are the changes to the restrictions:
- Assemblies and presentations are allowed outdoors on site, with cohorts separated and physical distancing in place. Fully vaccinated visitors, including parents, are only allowed to attend if completing a specific role and at the invitation of the school.
- Community use is allowed outside of school hours with COVID-safe plans in place.
- Dancing, bands, ensembles and classes will be allowed within cohorts. However, everyone must wear masks while playing instruments indoors. Other instruments that rely on breath or require a mask to be removed to be played, as well as singing and chanting, are not permitted.
- Excursions are allowed outdoors and indoors where sole use of the premises is available.
- Incursions are allowed indoors. Outdoors is allowed where cohorts are kept separated.
- Fully vaccinated visitors are allowed on site to support curriculum delivery, wellbeing programs and school operations.
- Graduations and formals are allowed within cohorts, either on school sites or at external venues - with COVID-safe plans in place and social distancing adhered to.
- School sports are allowed, including inter-school sports and access to indoor and outdoor pools.
- Transitions and orientations are allowed in a COVID-safe way that minimises mingling between students.
The following rules remain the same.
- Do not attend school if unwell, even with mild symptoms.
- All staff and adult visitors on the school site must be fully vaccinated.
- Masks are required indoors for all staff, adult visitors and students in year 7 or above, and strongly recommended indoors for primary students.
- You can take your mask off when eating or exercising.
- All staff and visitors must check in when attending a school site or gathering.
- Maintain 1.5m physical distancing wherever practicable.
- Activities and events should be held outdoors where practicable.
- Indoor spaces will be well ventilated and as large as possible for the number of attendees.
- Students should avoid mingling with other class and year groups when moving around the school.
- Students and staff should wash hands regularly.
- Schools will continue enhanced cleaning, including high touch points.
Fully vaccinated parents and carers will be allowed on site to support curriculum delivery, student wellbeing activities and school operations.
Parents and carers must check -in using the school check-in and show proof of vaccination on entry to the school site.
There will be more freedoms when schools return in 2022.
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Burney Wong
I love sport. You can reach me at burney.wong@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 291 518.
I love sport. You can reach me at burney.wong@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 291 518.
