Dear Parents and Caregivers

Following the most recent announcements by Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell, Belmont Christian College, along with other NSW school students will be back in the classroom full-time from next Monday, 25th May.

Please be assured that we will maintain the measures and precautions that have been put in place for the foreseeable future. Please note:

• The last two weeks of having students on site in year groups have been a strong indication of how we can best support students to practice good hygiene and implement new routines at school, and we pray it has given our College community the confidence that full-time face-to-face teaching can resume
• The College will be maintaining correct observance of the recommended health advice, and we look forward to seeing all students back onsite five days a week. Our health routines include:
• Increased and regular cleaning of classrooms, railings, door handles and other often touched surfaces and toilet facilities
• Access to hygiene supplies and sanitisers
• Compliance with hygiene practices (eg distancing, etc…)
• Staggered recess and lunch break times
• Playground area zones for year groups
• Staggered pick-up times and pick-up zones
• No assemblies and no excursions until further notice
• Students may bring their own clearly labelled toys or play items from home, eg. handballs
• Primary playground equipment will be in use, cleaned daily

As our students return to full face-to-face schooling, their teachers will work with the College’s Student Services team to identify where students are at in their coursework and will be supporting them in their return. Students are returning to Week 5 of the term, so for Secondary School students that means they are in a Week B of their normal timetable and should be prepared for lessons accordingly. As well, please be reminded that all students should be wearing their full Winter uniform when not required to be in Sport uniform.

It is critical that any student who feels unwell does not attend school. This is of vital importance if they have cold or flu-like symptoms. Parents/caregivers are asked to continue to follow health advice: keeping your children at home if they are unwell. Similarly, parents/caregivers of children with complex medical needs are encouraged to seek medical advice from their health care professional to make an informed decision about a return to school.

The greatest risk of transmission in the school environment is between adults. It is of utmost importance that teachers and parents/caregivers alike maintain physical distancing between themselves and each other at school.

Bus transport advice has not changed to date, that is, Newcastle Buses, which operates our school transport will be running (as it has been) to normal schedules. They continue to assure us their hygiene, safety and cleaning regimes are in place.

Whilst their website indicates public transport for NSW continues to support physical distancing where possible, this does “… not apply dedicated school services, as no school student will be turned away.” However, “… parents and caregivers should not send children on public transport if they are displaying any symptoms of being unwell.” Their website also suggests travellers download the COVIDSafe app. The voluntary app helps protect commuters by using technology to quickly identify if they’ve been in close contact with someone with Coronavirus.

Canteen operations will start later this term. We will advise when you are able to order again from the canteen.

NOTE: BCC Beginners will continue with their most recent drop-off and pick-up procedures. The following instructions are for Primary School and Secondary School families:

Morning Drop-Off

• Parents/caregivers to drop their child/children to school at the normal time of between 8:20am and 8:30am, ready for an 8:40am start
• When entering the College TURN LEFT for the drop-off area.
• Parents/caregivers should drive to the end white line in the Pick-Up zone, or stop safely behind the car in front
• Parents/caregivers are asked to stay in cars while children get out of cars
• Younger students will be assisted by older students or staff, as required
• Students should walk to the playground or classroom straight from the drop-off area

Afternoon Pick-Up

• Cars coming into the College for pickup may only enter from 2:40pm
• Primary pickup will be at the normal location and will commence at the earlier time of 2:40pm and run for 20 minutes.
• Parents are asked to stay in cars while waiting for children
• Secondary School siblings of Primary students will be released early for pickup with Primary
• When entering the College TURN LEFT for the Primary and Secondary siblings pickup pick-up area
• Parents/caregivers should drive to the end white line in the Pick-Up zone, or stop safely behind the car in front
• Parents and teachers on duty to remind students to ‘look out’ for their family car so that the process runs smoothly
• Parents who pick up their child in the afternoon should display their family name from their car so that it is clearly visible. The remainder of these signs should be made available throughout next week
• Other Secondary School student pick-up will commence at 2.50pm. When entering the College to collect only Secondary School students, please PROCEED STRAIGHT AHEAD to the Secondary pick-up zone for Secondary students at the current College bus parking zone. Parents/caregivers please stay in cars while waiting for children
• If traffic is backed up, parents/caregivers are asked to park in the overflow carpark and wait

We want to thank you, our College community – teachers, staff, parents and caregivers for your patience and perseverance during a most difficult period. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. If at all possible, over the next few weeks, could we ask you to minimise coming into the College Office, rather conduct any communication you need to have using either email or phone contact. Please continue to thank God for enabling our community to get through to this moment, and in the transition, despite the occasional discouragement we never stand alone, but have learned more about resting in His love and safe keeping.

Steve Tidey                                                                                                      Leoni McNeill

Assistant Principal/Head of Secondary School                                             Head of Primary School