23 Feb 2022
A big thank you for your continuing efforts in supporting our school and students during the pandemic – especially prioritising safety and learning.
Latest Announcement
The Premier and Minister for Education have announced changes to school settings for the remainder of Term 1. These were developed in close consultation with NSW Health and key stakeholders to ensure we continue to keep our schools open and operational for learning, while keeping in sync with changing community settings. The following changes are due to come into effect.
Symptomatic Testing
We will continue the use of rapid antigen tests (RATs) for twice-weekly testing of students & staff until Friday 25 February.
From Monday 28 February, we will move to symptomatic testing. Tests are to be used at your discretion such as if you are symptomatic or there are cases in your class.
The department will provide each student and staff member with an allocation of RAT tests on Monday 28 February.
The balance of RAT allocation will be distributed at a later date once supplies arrive. Beyond that, students and staff can access PCR tests or buy their own rapid antigen tests.
Mask Wearing
For Secondary schools masks will continue to be required indoors for all school staff, volunteers and visitors including parents and carers, and students in secondary schools until Friday 25 February. This means from Monday 28 February masks will no longer be mandatory for students and staff. Those who wish to continue to use them will be supported to do so.
Workers Supporting Students with Disability
In line with community settings, workers who support our students with disability in SSPs, support units and some mainstream classrooms will be required to wear masks while working with students.
Visitor Access
From Monday 28 February, visitors can be allowed back on school sites. We will consider activities such as assemblies, parent-teacher meetings and other gatherings in the coming days. We will let you know if these can proceed in a COVID-safe way. All visitors are asked to follow our usual sign-in and sign-out process.
COVID Smart
We will continue to ensure core COVID-smart measures are in place: including vaccinations, maximising natural ventilation in learning spaces, good hand hygiene and enhanced cleaning.
RAT Tests
A reminder that students and staff may receive a nasal swab or saliva rapid antigen testing kits from our school. Instructions are included in the kits detailing how to use the tests, check the results and dispose of the tests safely.
You can also download the instructions through the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website. The user guides will also contain a contact number for the suppliers if you need additional support.
For greater accuracy people using saliva testing kits must not eat or drink for 30 minutes before taking the saliva RAT.
Cohorting Ceases
Cohorting no longer required. As of 28 February, students and staff will no longer be required to be kept in year groups or other cohorts. We will continue to use core layered COVID-smart measures to minimise risk when planning activities and events.
Vaccination Clinics
We strongly encourage students and families to consider getting a vaccination where eligible. You can just click vaccination clinic to book an appointment near you.
I thank you and acknowledge your ongoing hard work and dedication during this challenging term.