Preparing students for a COVID-safe return to school from Saturday 11 September

The current restrictions in Bellingen LGA will be eased as planned from 12:01am on Saturday 11 September 2021, meaning our school will move to operating under Level 3 conditions as part of our COVID-safe return to school roadmap.

This means all our students will be expected back for face-to-face learning on site. The best learning environment for students is in the classroom and we are looking forward to welcoming back our staff and students for the remainder of this term.

This time will be invaluable in re-establishing relationships and reconnecting as a class and school community.

Here’s what our families and student can expect when returning to school sites under COVID-safe Level 3 conditions:

·         Staff will be required to wear masks indoors and outdoors while on school grounds.

·         We will reduce overall mingling of our different student years which means no school assemblies or sport (outside of existing PDHPE classes), excursions or field trips.

·         Only essential visitors will be allowed on site and will be required to check-in and wear masks at all times.

·         Parents and carers will need to remain outside of school grounds and follow physical distancing and avoid gathering for drop-offs and pick-ups.

·         There will be enhanced daily cleaning of the school and wherever possible we will ensure classrooms will be well-ventilated with open windows.

We have worked closely with NSW Health in developing our return to school roadmap and COVID-safe school plan. NSW Health will continue to monitor vaccination rates and transmission levels in our LGA and will advise us if settings need re-evaluation.

We are continuing to work closely with NSW Health and other relevant authorities to support our school staff to receive 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccination by 8 November. This will help protect our staff and students.

All students are expected - and will be supported - to return to school for face-to-face learning. While I know this may be an uncertain time for some students and parents I do encourage you to get in touch with us directly and visit the Wellbeing for students and families page for support materials.

Thank you for your ongoing support. I look forward to seeing our students and staff back in the classrooms.

Katrina Meenahan

Principal