04 Nov 2021
Dear Parent/Carer,
As announced by the Minister, from Monday, 8 November all New South Wales (NSW) schools will move to Level 3 settings that bring school operations more in line with what is allowed in the community.
I would like to update you on the key changes that will be in place at our school moving from Level 3 plus settings to Level 3 settings from Monday, 8 November and for the remainder of Term 4.
Keeping us all safe on school grounds
A combination of layered COVID-19 safe plans and measures will allow us to prioritise student and staff safety and keep our school open. To do this, the following guidelines are in place:
- Students, staff, and visitors must not attend school if unwell, even with mild symptoms.
- All staff and adult visitors on the school site must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination.
- Masks are required indoors for all staff, adult visitors, and students in Year 7 or above, masks can be removed when eating or exercising.
- All staff and visitors must check in when attending a school site or gathering.
- Adults should maintain a 1.5 metre physical distance wherever practical.
- Activities and events should be held outdoors where practical.
- Indoor spaces will be well ventilated and as large as possible for the number of attendees - following square metre guidelines.
- Students should avoid mingling with other class and year groups when moving around the school. Learning hubs and designated playground areas will remain in place.
- Students and staff will maintain good hand hygiene and schools will continue with enhanced cleaning, including high touch points.
From Monday, 8 November
Our school will operate on updated Level 3 settings for the remainder of Term 4 2021, with the following activities allowed in a COVID-19 safe manner:
- Roll call will take place in period 1 at 9.10am (No Roll Call class). Virtual assemblies will take place on Tuesday mornings.
- Community use is allowed outside of school hours (including P&C meetings) with COVID-19 safe plans in place – in line with public health requirements.
- Dancing, bands, ensembles, and music 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 in Term 4.
- Excursions are allowed outdoors (and indoors where sole use of the premises is available).
- Incursions are allowed indoors and outdoors where cohorts are kept separate.
- Graduations and formals are allowed within cohorts, either on school sites or at external venues – with COVID-19 safe plans in place and physical distancing adhered to.
- School sports are allowed, including inter-school sports and access to indoor and outdoor pools (from Monday, 1 November).
- Transitions and orientations are allowed in a COVID-19 safe way that minimises mingling between students.
Parents and carers on site to support school operations
Fully vaccinated parents and carers will be allowed on-site to support curriculum delivery, student wellbeing activities and school operations (for example reading support, canteens, and uniform shops). Parents and carers must check in using the school check-in and show proof of vaccination on entry to the school site.
Student vaccinations
COVID-19 vaccination is the best protection against severe illness and reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19 to others. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 now will help to protect both you, your family, and our school community.
NSW Health are urging all students 12 and over to get vaccinated with the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible before returning to school.
There is currently sufficient supply of the Moderna vaccine to community pharmacies and the Pfizer vaccine to General Practitioners. Bookings can be made via the Vaccine Clinic Finder. Depending on location, bookings are available within the next few days.
Vaccination requirements for school staff
As you are aware all department employees and volunteers in schools and early childhood settings are required to be fully vaccinated by Monday, 8 November according to the Public Health Order, issued on Thursday, 23 September 2021.
I am pleased to inform you that all staff onsite at Broken Hill High School have met the vaccination requirements.
Thank you again for your continued support during this school term.
Yours faithfully,
Mr Ross Mackay
Principal