05 Nov 2021
As announced by the Minister, from 8 November all NSW schools will move to updated 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 from Monday 8 November and for the rest of Term 4.
Keeping us all safe on school grounds
A combination of layered COVID-safe plans and measures will allow us to prioritise student and staff safety and keep our school open. To do this, the following guidelines will be in place:
· Students, staff and visitors must not attend school if unwell, even with mild symptoms.
· All staff and essential 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 strongly recommended indoors for primary students. Masks can be removed when eating or exercising.
· All staff and essential visitors must check in when attending a school site or gathering.
· Adults should maintain 1.5 metres physical distancing wherever practicable.
· 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.
· Students and staff will maintain good hand hygiene and schools will continue with enhanced cleaning, including high touch points.
From 8 November
Our school will operate on updated Level 3 settings for the rest of Term 4 2021, with the following activities allowed in a COVID-safe manner:
· Assemblies and presentations are allowed outdoors, with cohorts separated and physical distancing in place. Fully vaccinated visitors (including parents and carers) are only allowed to attend if completing a specific role (such as presenting) and at the invitation of the school.
· Community use is allowed outside of school hours (including P&C meetings) with COVID-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-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 1 November).
· Transitions and orientations are allowed in a COVID-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 student wellbeing activities and school operations (for example canteens and uniform shops). Our teachers will continue curriculum delivery and we will not require parent support for reading groups. Parents and carers must check in using the school check-in and show proof of vaccination on entry to the school site.
Presentation Day and Platinum Badge assembly
This year we will be having a Presentation Day in our school hall on Thursday 9th December. Each stage group will attend a presentation assembly where class and stage awards and platinum badges will be announced and presented. Unfortunately, parents will not be able to attend. We will publish lots of photos of our Presentation Day.
We look forward to more freedoms as school returns in 2020.
Thank you again for your continued support during this school term.
If you have any concerns, please contact the school on 67922377. Further information can be accessed in the following link:
https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families
Your children’s learning and wellbeing is still of the highest priority at Narrabri West Public School and your support is sincerely appreciated.
Best wishes
Tania Nichols
Principal