Executive Director's Update to Principals #14: COVID Update - 29 Apr 2021

Creator, Life-giver
You love the world so much that,
in Jesus, you promise to be with us till the end of time.
I am grateful that your presence continues
for we are in a time of trouble,
as an out-of-control virus threatens your world and its people.
Thank you for being with us during another day
of social distancing and uncertainty.
Guide our minds and hearts as a remedy is sought.
May the successful outcome bring us
closer to one another and to you.

Updated School Operations Guide

The Term 2 School Operations Guide has been updated - highlights are detailed below.

Density limits in schools

School staff

Density limits no longer apply in areas only accessed by staff (i.e. staff rooms, lunchrooms). However, staff are encouraged to continue to physical distance where possible. Density limits still apply in areas generally accessed by the public, such as reception foyers.

For these public areas, signage must be displayed to indicate the maximum number of persons that may be present in the space at a single time (page 17).

Assemblies, award ceremonies and other large gatherings

If an event is held with external guests (parents/carers/visitors), then the overall attendee limit (inclusive of guests, staff and students) must be based on the available floor space of the venue, with the density limit of one person per two square metres applied.

If an event is held exclusively with students and staff from a single school outside school hours, density limits do not apply to the venue or dance floor, regardless of whether the event is held at school or at a hospitality venue, entertainment facility or community facility. (page 18)

Public events on school premises

There continues to be no requirement to limit the number or type of visitors to school premises, however the density limit of 1 person per 2 square metres should be applied to any school spaces accessible to the public. The density limit applies to all persons in the space, including students. (page 17)

Face masks on transport

Face masks continue to be one of the most important ways we can help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community. To ensure public health directions are being followed, schools are encouraged to remind students that individuals aged 12 years and over must wear a face mask when on public transport, school buses and when in taxis or ride share vehicles – unless they have a lawful exemption.

Face masks continue to be recommended for use by staff, visitors and secondary school students when physical distancing cannot be maintained at school. Children aged 12 and over who are attending primary school do not need to wear a face mask at school (page 14).

Collection of student contact details on excursions for contact-tracing

Excursion venues are responsible for managing record keeping for contact-tracing in line with current public health directives. Guidance has been developed to assist schools in providing venues with student contact information to comply with record keeping requirements (page 21).