Executive Director's Update to Principals #1: COVID Update - 22 Jan 2021
Dear Colleagues
“The art of beating great difficulties is studied and acquired through the habit of confronting small ones.”
– Cristina Trivulzio di Belgioioso
(The Inspiring Legend of the Boy and the Starfish – A Story about Perseverance)
Welcome to the 2021 school year. I trust you have had a restful break as we move closer to welcoming our students back next week.
The Coronavirus pandemic continues to challenge us in education, and we will continue to guide and support all of you who are doing so much in your preparations to keep our school communities safe.
Updated School Operations Guide
The School Operations Guide has been updated for Term 1, 2021 with advice and guidance for schools on the border permit system and student absence, interstate travel and cleaning arrangements.
This new version of the guide has been updated to align school practices with changes to health advice over the holidays.
The updated Operations Guide (updated as of Thursday 21 January) is available on CEVN. Changed sections of the guide have been highlighted.
The key changes include:
- Student absence due to border restrictions
Schools should provide materials to support these students to continue their learning remotely, until they are permitted to return to school (page 4).
- Safety information and training
It is recommended that staff complete the eLearn module School infection prevention and control to better inform themselves on COVID-19, protective behaviour advice, and support for mental health and wellbeing (page 8).
- Face masks in schools
Face masks are recommended when physical distancing of 1.5 metres cannot be maintained and there are steps to improve mask comfort during warmer weather (page 14).
- Interstate travel
Schools must refer to Department of Health and Human Services travel advice available online and the relevant state or territory-specific restrictions before confirming travel plans or bookings (page 20). - Guidance on continuing maintenance, construction and building works
Construction and maintenance works can continue but schools and construction businesses must comply with the COVIDSafe restrictions (page 25).
Next COVID-19 Update
We will continue to send out COVID-19 updates on an as needs basis. Please liaise with your Education Consultant with any questions or concerns.
Stay safe and continue to look after each other…
Ever blessings.