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Berkeley West Public School

Berkeley West Public School

Knowledge is Strength

Telephone02 4271 1478

Emailberkeleyw-p.School@det.nsw.edu.au

We are moving to Level 3 school settings from Monday 8 November!

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 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 is strongly recommended indoors for primary students. Masks can be removed when eating or exercising.

  • All staff and 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 curriculum delivery, student wellbeing activities and school operations (for example reading support, canteens and uniform shops). Parents and carers must check in using the school check-in and show proof of vaccination on entry to the school site.

Thank you again for your continued support during this school term.

 

A. Attard

Principal