Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I trust you have enjoyed a break from school routine and were able to attend an Easter service with your family over the Easter break.

With the announcement of easing COVID restrictions from 22 April, and confirmation that the vaccination mandate will cease at midnight on 13 May 2022, I wish to draw your attention to the following:

1. Students who test positive for COVID-19 or are unwell or showing COVID-19 symptoms must continue to isolate at home.
2. A student identified as a close contact may return to school if guidelines agreed with NSW Health are followed, including daily rapid antigen testing for 5 school days. Students should complete a rapid antigen test and receive a negative result before attending school.
3. NSW Health advice is that if a person has had confirmed COVID in the last 12 weeks, they do not need to comply with the NSW Health Household and Close Contact Guidelines if they become a household/close contact within the 12 week period. Once this 12 week period ends, individuals are then subject to the NSW Health Household and Close Contact Guidelines
4. A close contact is someone who has been formally notified by NSW Health that they are a close contact.
5. From 6pm on Friday, 22 April, household/close contacts do not need to self-isolate if they do not have any symptoms, but must follow the NSW Health Household and Close Contact Guidelines for 7 days from the last time someone in their household tested positive for COVID-19. The Household and Close Contact Guidelines state that if you have or develop symptoms, you must self-isolate and get tested for COVID-19. If your test result is positive, you must follow the testing positive to COVID-19 and managing COVID-19 safely at home advice. If your test result is negative, stay home until you do not have any symptoms.
6. Do household/close contact have to notify the College? Yes. The NSW Health Household and Close Contact Guidelines requires students and staff members to notify the College if they are a household/close contact.
7. NSW Health requires household/close contacts over the age of 12 to wear a mask while in an indoor setting outside of the home if not required to isolate. This includes Secondary School students attending the school site. Primary School students are recommended to wear a mask indoors.

REDUCING THE RISK OF ILLNESS THIS WINTER

All students, staff and their families should follow NSW Health’s advice to reduce the risk of not only COVID-19, but also other illnesses that may affect schools this winter such as the flu. A reminder to please;

* stay home if unwell

* keep up to date with vaccinations – including the flu vaccine,

* get tested immediately for COVID-19 if you become symptomatic and isolate until you receive a negative result

* practice good hand hygiene by washing regularly with soap and water

* take a RAHT before visiting vulnerable loved ones or going to large gatherings and events.

RAHT kits are available at the College Office for you to collect as required.

Thank you once again for the part you play in helping to keep our community safe. I pray for a reasonably settled and uninterrupted term ahead.

Regards,

Sharon Sopher
Principal

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

Dear Parents and Carers,

A reminder that on 19th February, the NSW Premier and Minister for Education announced a move from surveillance testing in schools conducted for the first 4 weeks of Term 1, 2022 to the provision of 8 additional RAHT kits to students and staff members to be used at their discretion for the remainder of Term 1. This change aligns schools with the community setting of ‘symptomatic testing’. Beyond that, symptomatic students and staff should continue to access PCR tests and store-purchased RAHTs.

Students were given a bundle of 5 RAHT kits at that point and the final distribution will be given to students this week. The College is not expecting to receive any further RAHTs for distribution. These kits can be used at your discretion.

Thank you once again for your flexibility, patience and support as we have managed the implications of Government regulations.

Regards

______________________
Sharon Sopher
Principal

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Whilst restrictions are slowly becoming a thing of the past, schools are still required to respond in some areas. Schools have been asked to communicate the following;

RAHT TESTING
As part of the NSW Government’s focus on prioritising face-to-face learning in schools, the NSW Government through the NSW Department of Education provided Rapid Antigen Home Test (RAHT) Kits to all schools in NSW to be used for surveillance testing by staff and students as well as incident response for the first 4 weeks of Term 1, 2022.

On 19 February, the NSW Premier and Minister for Education announced a move from surveillance testing in schools conducted for the first 4 weeks of Term 1, 2022 to the provision of 8 additional tests RAHT kits to students and staff members to be used at their discretion for the remainder of Term 1. This change aligns schools with the community setting of ‘symptomatic testing’. Beyond that, symptomatic students and staff should continue to access PCR tests and store-purchased RAHTs.

Students will be given a bundle of 5 RAHT kits this week with a further 3 at a later date to be used at your discretion.

MASKS
On Wednesday, 23 February 2022, the Premier announced changes to the requirements for masks in schools:

• from Monday, 28 February, masks will no longer be mandatory for staff or students in Secondary schools/classes
• from Monday, 7 March, masks will no longer be mandatory for staff in Primary schools/classes. This staggered change recognises the lower vaccination rates in Primary school aged students

MASKS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Masks continue to be mandatory on public transport. This applies to students aged 12 years and older, and staff when travelling to and from school and during school excursions by public transport or by chartered or private transport services.

Thank you for responding to these requirements and like you, I long for the day where restrictions are a distant memory. Please continue to pray for the health and safety of our community.

Yours sincerely 

_________________________

Sharon Sopher
Principal
Belmont Christian College

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

RISK OF COVID-19

The College has been advised that a member of our College community has recently tested positive to COVID-19.

Students and staff who worked with this group/s of students may have had contact with a person who was infectious with COVID-19.

08.4.22 – Year 7, Year 9, Year 11 (Camps)

29.3.22 – Year 4, Year 6, Year 12

23.3.22 – Year 2, Year 8

16.3.22 – Year 7, Year 9

28.2.22 – Year 4, Year 8

23.2.22 – Year 5, Year 6

22.2.22 – Beginners, Year 3, Year 5, Year 6

18.2.22 – Year 3 Blue

17.2.22 – Year 5 Blue

16.2.22 – Year 10, Year 8, Year 7, Year 4 Red, Year 6 Green

15.2.22 – Year 10

11.2.22 – Year  12, 11, 10, 8, 6 Yellow, 5 Red, 4 Red, 3 Blue, 2 Green

While testing and isolation is no longer mandatory for exposures in school settings, NSW Health has provided advice on testing and isolation recommendations for the community following exposure to COVID-19 that should be considered when making decisions for your child and family.

You are reminded that staff and students cannot attend school if they are showing any symptoms of COVID-19. These include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell/taste, muscle/joint pains, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting, extreme tiredness, unexplained chest pain or conjunctivitis (eye infection).

If symptoms occur at any time, you should not attend school and should undertake a rapid antigen test. If a rapid antigen test is positive you/your child should isolate as someone who has tested positive to COVID-19. If you cannot access a rapid antigen test, you can attend a PCR (nose and throat swab) testing clinic.

Advice and further resources are available on the NSW Health website including COVID-19 guidelines and fact sheets for People who tested positive or were exposed to COVID-19. Additional resources are also available on the NSW Government website.

The safety and wellbeing of our staff and students are paramount at all times. As such, we will continue to ensure that all necessary health advice is closely followed.

Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support of our community.

Yours sincerely

_________________________

Sharon Sopher
Principal

Belmont Christian College

Dear Parents & Caregivers

The NSW Department of Education has made available further RAHT kits for distribution to our families. These are for use in weeks 3 and 4 of this term.

Students in Kindergarten to Year 6 will have these sent home in their school bags on Thursday, 10 February.

Years 7 – 12 will bring tests home on Friday, 11 February.

It is recommended that allocated tests be used for staff and students’ home surveillance testing twice a week, each Monday and Wednesday.

We appreciate your cooperation.

Regards,

______________________________
Bill Truscott
Business Manager

Belmont Christian College

Dear Parent & Caregivers,

In the situation whereby your child tests positive to COVID-19, as per previous correspondence dated 27 January, it is a requirement that you advise the College of this positive result.

The most effective way to submit this result is via our Sentral Parent Portal 

Once you have logged in, please follow the steps below:

1. Select ‘Absences’ from the menu,
2. Select ‘Notify of an Absence’,
3. Select your child’s name,
4. Select the absence ‘Type’ (Covid Positive) from the drop down box,
5. Enter the ‘start and end dates’,
6. Press ‘send’.

If you have not yet registered for the Sentral Parent Portal OR have difficulty registering, please email our IT department sentral@bcc.nsw.edu.au.

Important: Please note that new families to the College will shortly receive a separate email from our IT department inviting them to register with the Sentral Parent Portal. Once you are registered, if a positive result occurs, please follow the steps above.

Thank you again for your continued support as we begin our 2022 learning journey. May God continue to bless and protect us as we manage the ongoing regulations and restrictions that accompany COVID 19.

Kind regards,

________________________

Sharon Sopher
Principal

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Welcome to a new school year. I look forward to connecting with our students as they return to the College and welcoming those that are about to commence their journey at BCC.

For our students and community to have a safe and positive start at BCC, we will continue with COVID safe measures that have been developed in partnership with NSW Health. Our goal is to help minimise transmissions at the College. The health and wellbeing of our students and staff remain our priority and these measures are designed to help keep our College open and our students learning in the classroom.

These key measures include:

• Rapid Antigen Home Test (RAHT) kits will be provided to all students to help monitor your child’s health and minimise transmission of COVID-19 across our College. Each student will be allocated 4 tests. Parents or caregivers can collect RAHT kits on either Thursday afternoon 27 January between 1 – 4pm or Friday morning 28 January between 7.30 – 8.30am. Staff will have kits available for a drive through pickup at collection points in the Kiss and Drop area
• Wearing of surgical masks indoors is required for all staff and Secondary students, however, it is strongly recommended for all Primary students
• Only fully vaccinated visitors essential to delivering and supporting learning or wellbeing can come on a school site. Canteen and uniform shop volunteers are included as essential visitors
• Two parents or caregivers are allowed to accompany each child into the College on their first day of Kindergarten or for students who are new to BCC. Heads of school will communicate specifically how this can take place in a safe manner
• Students will be kept in their year groups on school grounds to minimise the spread of COVID-19 across cohorts.
• Drop off and pick up will remain staggered. Parents and caregivers must continue to follow social distancing guidelines and avoid congregating near gates. New Kinder parents will receive specific communication to support safe and organised drop off and pick up for their children.
• We will continue to use good hygiene, enhanced cleaning, good air flow and ventilation in learning spaces, as well as physical distancing practices. While this is not going to be a normal start to the school year, we know that being together in the classroom is the most effective way for students to learn and grow. Your child’s relationship with their teacher is important but as we manage potential disruptions to staffing due to COVID-19, they may get to meet more teachers than usual.

Rapid antigen testing

We will distribute packs of Rapid Antigen Home Test (RAHT) kits for all students during the two staff development days on Thursday 27 January and Friday 28 January. Parents or Caregivers can choose which day and time slot they prefer. 1 – 4pm on Thursday or 7.30 – 8.30 on Friday. Staff will have kits available at tables in the Kiss and Drop area. Parents can collect for all siblings at the same time – 4 tests per student.

In the unusual circumstance of not being able to make either collection time, you will be able to pick up tests during drop off on Monday morning 31 January and conduct the test on Tuesday morning.

The use of RAHT kits is an important step to support the health and wellbeing of our students and staff. They are a quick and easy screening tool to help detect COVID-19. It is a simple process of placing a nose or throat swab in a chemical solution, which is put onto a scanning device. Results can be ready within 15 minutes. Use of RAHT kits is highly recommended.

Instructions are included in the kits detailing how to use the tests, check the results and dispose of the tests safely. The user guides will also contain a contact number for the suppliers if you need additional support.

Additional information

• School staff will not be administering the rapid antigen tests to students
• RAHT kits should be collected from the College by a parent or caregiver and the tests completed at home in the morning before attending school
• Each student will receive an initial supply of 4 RAHT kits to be used twice a week, each Monday and Wednesday in the morning before attending school.
• If a student or staff member receives a positive RAHT result, they MUST:
• record the positive RAHT result through Service NSW
• notify the College of the positive RAHT or PCR result as soon as possible
• follow NSW Health advice to isolate for 7 days.

Negative results do not need to be reported to Service NSW or to the College.

Unwell at school

Any student or staff member who is unwell and/or displays symptoms of COVID-19 will be asked to go home and stay home until they can complete a RAHT or PCR test.

• If symptoms continue, they should stay at home and take another RAHT in 24 hours or have a PCR test.
• If the second RAHT or initial PCR test result is negative and they are displaying no symptoms OR they are diagnosed as another condition such as hayfever, the student or staff member can return to the College.

What happens when a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19

Under the new close contact rules, schools are no longer included in contact tracing. I will inform the necessary classes or year groups, when there is a positive case in our College and advise families on public health advice, including monitoring for symptoms.

Use of surgical masks

All Primary and Secondary College staff will be required to wear masks indoors. No vented or cloth masks should be worn. Primary school students are strongly recommended to wear well-fitted masks indoors. Masks are also strongly encouraged in outdoor settings where you cannot physically distance. Your child can remove their mask when eating, exercising or playing a musical instrument.

Visitors on school sites and vaccinations

No parents, caregivers or visitors will be allowed on the College site until further notice with the following exceptions:

• Two parents or caregivers are allowed to accompany their child into school on their first day of Kindergarten or Year 7 or new students starting at the College
• Volunteers or staff operating uniform shops and canteens must be fully vaccinated
• Visitors supporting school operations and curriculum delivery must be fully vaccinated
• Allied health partners for the wellbeing of students must be fully vaccinated.

Other key measures

Ventilation

We will continue to follow NSW Health ventilation guidelines that natural ventilation is the most effective measure so we will maximise fresh air flow in learning spaces by opening doors and windows. T

This approach is strongly supported by expert advice. Where natural ventilation is not sufficient, mechanical ventilation and/or air purification will be used and we will continue to use outdoor settings where possible.

Air purifiers have been provided to schools as a supplementary measure to support common areas in schools and can be deployed at the principal’s discretion. These purifiers could be located in areas where high levels of student and staff mixing occurs.

Cleaning

We continue to have enhanced cleaning focusing on high-touch and high-traffic areas.

Physical distancing

We will continue to follow physical distancing guidelines and maintain 1.5 metres distance wherever possible. Parents and carers should not congregate near the gates.

Our website will also be updated regularly to include current COVID plans and guidelines for our community.

Thank you again for your continued support as we begin our 2022 learning journey. May God continue to bless and protect us as we manage the ongoing regulations and restrictions that accompany COVID 19.

Kind regards,

____________________________

Sharon Sopher
Principal

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

From 8 Nov. BCC, along with all schools, will operate on updated Level 3 settings for the rest of Term 4, with additional activities allowed in a COVID-safe manner, (see link to Roadmap).

Fully vaccinated volunteers and providers are allowed on site to support school operations where required.

Student attendance at school

• All students are expected to be at school unless they are unwell. They should NOT attend school if unwell, even with mild symptoms. Getting tested for COVID-19 and following NSW Health directions is advised
• If students have any COVID-19 symptoms they will be sent home and must not return to school unless they have either isolated for 10 days, when no medical certificate is available or a negative COVID-19 test result and are symptom free
• In circumstances where a student has other medical reasons for recurrent symptoms (eg hayfever), a letter from their GP is sufficient to negate the requirement for a negative test
• Self-isolation periods and testing requirements differ for close contacts based on their exposure and vaccination status. If students are identified as a close contact, an authorised contact tracer from NSW Health will make contact and advise action. For more information, refer to the NSW Health fact sheet on close contact

COVID-safe measures at school – A combination of safety measures are in place – wearing masks, student cohorting, physical distancing, ventilation, hygiene and cleaning – allows us to prioritise student and staff wellbeing while we keep the College operational.

MASKS: We are having multiple requests from students for us to supply a mask because they have either forgotten to bring one or lost their mask. Could I ask that you ensure your child has a mask to wear each day, and that a spare mask is packed in their bag.

Please remember:

• Masks are required indoors for all staff, visitors and students in Year 7 or above, and strongly recommended indoors for primary students
• Masks can be removed when eating/drinking or exercising

Regards
________________________________
Steve Tidey
Assistant Principal/Head of Secondary

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

As we transition from the remote learning model and a week’s staged return to a full return of all year groups and classes on-site from Mon 25 October for the remainder of the year, I pray we can do so with a deep sense of gratitude and reverence for the ways in which God has enabled us to rediscover our dependence on Him and our ability to adapt and create new ways of teaching and learning that were familiar given similar events last year. 

To ensure the best student outcomes, we know face-to-face contact between students and teachers is vital. Our BCC students are valued and cared for, and we look forward to engaging with them on-site at last.

Primary School students will:

• use a class/Year-based/Stage-based cohort system at break times and for allocation of toilet usage
• have breaks at their normal times, however break spaces and cohort play areas and toilet facilities will be allocated to ensure year groups are kept separate as per NSW Health guidelines. Teachers will be allocated duties in approved areas
• drop offs at 8:20am at the Kiss and Drop Zone and pick-ups from 2.30pm at the Kiss and Drop Zone. PS students catching the bus will be supervised by teachers in classrooms until bus times. PS parents who are unable to make the 2:30pm pick-up at the Kiss ‘n Drop are asked to contact their classroom teacher for alternative arrangements
• be in their Summer Uniform

Secondary School students:

• will remain in year specific groups following their normal timetable. Please note, next week is Week 4 and is a Week A
• will have breaks at their normal times, but will be allocated year specific playground areas as well as year group specific allocated toilet facilities
• will start and finish at the regular time, however drop-off and pick-up for Secondary students who do not catch a bus is the carpark area adjacent to the oval
• catching the bus to be released to supervision in the Weathershed in year group lines until bus numbers are called. Students instructed to have masks on while waiting in year groups, and for travel on buses
• be in their Summer Uniform on the days when Sport Uniform isn’t required
• Year 12 will continue to have full access onsite for focused revision and study sessions with their teachers by appointment.

All of this, we must remember, will continue with recommended hygiene, cleaning, distancing, masks for Secondary School students while indoors and other advised control measures in place. Of course, students with increased health risks may keep learning from home.

Please be aware that this full return plan is subject to change due to government directives, health advice and local circumstances.

We look forward to welcoming our students back next week to face-to-face teaching and the all-important pastoral care programs that are offered at the College.

Please do not hesitate to contact the College if you have any questions.

Regards

________________________________
Steve Tidey
Assistant Principal/Head of Secondary

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Congratulations, you’ve done it! The time has come and finally, it is my absolute pleasure to be able to welcome some of you back on Monday 18 October and everyone else the following week, 25 October.

The staged return will be as follows:

Stage 1: 18 October 2021

Beginners, Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 11, and Year 12 by appointment with their Yr 12 teachers.

Stage 2: 25 October 2021

All other year groups.

As mentioned previously, our return is supported by a COVID-19 Safe Plan.

Please be assured that the College has conducted rigorous risk assessment and management processes to reduce the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak at the College. These strategies include the Department of Education’s Health endorsed guidelines, and other strategies including:

• Physical distancing and separation of cohorts where possible
• Mask wearing (I understand that further discussions are underway on the wearing of masks in schools and as soon as this is clarified, you will be notified)
• The adequate provision of hand sanitiser and soap
• Enhanced cleaning schedules
• Ventilation
• Ensuring that staff and students do not attend the school with symptoms of COVID-19

This revised return to school schedule does not impact on the requirement for all school staff to be double vaccinated by 8 November 2021 as required by the Public Health Order. From 18 October, the overwhelming majority of all staff will have at least one level of vaccination. Please contact us if you have a concern about this or would like further information.

Please see below specific details for both the Primary and Secondary Schools.

PRIMARY RETURN TO SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Stage 1: Monday 18 October – Beginners, Kindergarten and Year 1

Stage 2: Monday 25 October – All other year groups

Primary Aged Children and Masks

The wearing of face masks for Primary aged students is not a requirement, rather a recommendation. Further information may follow pending NSW Health Advice.

Primary School Morning Drop-Off

8:20am onwards, Kiss ‘n Drop Zone. Parents to remain in cars where practicable; physical distancing and adult wearing of masks required.

Primary afternoon Pick-Up

2:30pm, Kiss ‘n Drop Zone. Parents to remain in cars where practicable; physical distancing and adult wearing of masks required.

SECONDARY RETURN TO SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Stage 1: Monday 18 October – Year 11 to full timetable (Wk B) and Year 12 by appointment with their teachers

Stage 2: Monday 25 October – All other year groups

Year 12 students will continue to be prioritised as they prepare to complete their final year of schooling, undertake focused study sessions, and transition to further education, training and work.

While at school, appropriate face masks are required indoors for all students in Year 7 and above. Students and staff travelling to and from school by public transport must follow NSW Health Advice, including mask wearing.

It has been a pleasure to partner with you particularly during this time of remote learning and I thank you for all you have done to support learning. Your unwavering support at this time is greatly appreciated.

“But we will trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7

Regards,

____________________________

Sharon Sopher
Principal

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I believe that after a change in Premier and the Return to School Roadmap, the NSW Government’s path out of lockdown and return to face-to-face teaching is now settled.

At 9.00 am Thursday morning, Premier Perrottet announced changes to the published return to school schedule. Pending changes to the Public Health Order and any guidelines applicable to our LGA, the new schedule will be:

Stage 1: 18 October 2021

Beginners, Kindergarten, Year 1, and Year 11

Stage 2: 25 October 2021

All other year groups (Yr 12 are already participating in revision and masterclasses)

Schools have the flexibility to determine their own schedule for the staged return so please realise this schedule varies slightly to the Department of Education. We have chosen to reintroduce Yr 11 onsite in the first stage of return. Our return is supported by a COVID-19 Safe Plan.

Next week, 11-15 October, remains a week for students of authorised workers only, and it is necessary for our community to adhere to this plan wherever possible.

Please be assured that the College has conducted a rigorous risk assessment and management processes to reduce the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak at the College. These strategies include the Department of Education’s Health endorsed guidelines, and other strategies including:

– Physical distancing and separation of cohorts where possible

– Mask wearing (I understand that further discussions are underway on the wearing of masks in schools and as soon as this is clarified, you will be notified)

– The adequate provision of hand sanitiser and soap

– Enhanced cleaning schedules

– Ventilation

– Ensuring that staff and students do not attend the school with symptoms of COVID-19

This revised return to school schedule does not impact on the requirement for all school staff to be double vaccinated by 8 November 2021 as required by the Public Health Order. From the 18 October, all staff will have at least one level of vaccination. Please contact us if you have a concern about this or would like further information.

Please see below specific details for both the Primary and Secondary Schools. I trust this helps you plan for the next three weeks.

Primary Return to School Schedule

Stage 1: Monday 18 October – Beginners, Kindergarten and Year 1

Stage 2: Monday 25 October – All other year groups

Primary Aged Children and Masks

The mandatory wearing of masks for Primary aged students is not a requirement, rather a recommendation. Further information may follow pending NSW Health Advice.

Primary School Morning Drop-Off

8:20am onwards, Kiss ‘n Drop Zone. Parents to remain in cars where practicable; Physical distancing and adult wearing of masks required.

Afternoon Pick-Up

2:30pm, Kiss ‘n Drop Zone. Parents to remain in cars where practicable; Physical distancing and adult wearing of masks required.

Secondary School Return Schedule

Stage 1: Monday 18 October – Year 11 and Year 12

Stage 2: Monday 25 October – All other year groups

Year 12 students will continue to be prioritised as they prepare to complete their final year of schooling, undertake focused study sessions, and transition to further education, training and work.

While at school, appropriate face masks are required indoors and outdoors for all students in Year 7 and above. Students and staff travelling to and from school by public transport must follow NSW Health Advice, including mask wearing.

Thank you for your unwavering support at this time and may God bless you and this extra family time that you’ve been able to experience.

“But we will trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7

Regards,

________________________________
Sharon Sopher
Principal

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

A reminder for Beginners through to Year 4 Parents & Caregivers. Online bookings are now open for the collection of Term 4 Student Learning/book packs

Bookings close on Friday 17th September and will be ready for collection on Tuesday and Wednesday, Week 1, Term 4. 

To book your spot, access the link on the Parent Portal on Sentral under ‘Parent Interviews/BCC Click and Collect.

Alternatively, click on the following link to book your learning/book pack pick-up time: https://sentral.bcc.nsw.edu.au/s-r0LyOn/portal2/#!/interview

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

It was announced in today’s press release that there will be a staggered return to face-to-face learning from October, HSC exams will be delayed until November and vaccinations for school staff will be mandatory based on the return to school plan released by the NSW Government.

START PRESS RELEASE

HSC IN NOVEMBER AND ALL STUDENTS TO RETURN TO SCHOOL IN TERM 4

The Department of Education has developed a plan to bring students back in a COVID-safe way while stay at home orders are still in place – ensuring continuity of education, and protecting student, teacher and community safety.

A staggered return of students to face-to-face learning will begin on Monday 25 October.

Students will return to face-to-face learning with NSW Health approved COVID safe settings on school sites in the following order:

• From 25 October – Kindergarten and Year 1
• From 1 November – Year 2, 6 and 11
• From 8 November – Year 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10

Discussions are underway in regard to how we can bring Yr 12 back on site earlier. From 25 October, Year 12 will have full time access to school campuses and their teachers.

If stay at home orders are lifted in an LGA or region before 25 October, all students living or learning in that area will return to face to face learning under the Department’s COVID-safe schools framework.

If cases in certain LGAs increase significantly, learning from home will resume for that LGA until case numbers drop.

HSC exams will be delayed until 9 November with a revised timetable and guidelines for a COVID-safe HSC to be released by NESA in early September. Importantly, the delay of the HSC exams will not disadvantage NSW students when applying to university.

Vaccinations for all school staff across all sectors will be mandatory from 8 November. A recent survey of the public school workforce indicated the majority of staff already had at least one dose of a vaccine. All students eligible for a vaccine will be strongly encouraged by the government to book an appointment. Students aged 12-15 will also be a priority if they become eligible for a vaccine. All parents who have not been vaccinated are strongly encouraged to get the vaccine as soon as possible.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government is prioritising the safety and education of students through a sensible and managed return to school. “The return to school plan provides parents, teachers and students with certainty and a path forward for the return to face-to-face learning,” Ms Berejiklian said. “We know the last few months have been tough on the school community and we are deeply grateful to parents, teachers and students for the sacrifices you have made. Please continue to protect our students by getting vaccinated as quickly as possible.”

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the education and safety of our students is essential. “The classroom is where students learn best and I thank the entire community for playing their role in this return by getting vaccinated,” Ms Mitchell said.
END PRESS RELEASE

Thank you all and please be praying for how this last update will affect our community. It is a time to love and support one another. As usual, please let me know if you have any concerns or need assistance.

“But we will trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:7

Regards,

____________________________

Sharon Sopher
Principal

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
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Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

Dear Parents and Caregivers

The Premier has announced this morning, 26 August that our lockdown will be extended through to 10 September. Routines and expectations, particularly with regard to visitors on site and the wearing of masks, all remain the same. The Public Health endorsed advice for schools is that parents and caregivers, unless they are authorised workers, must keep children at home.

Whilst we recognise that this will be disruptive and inconvenient for all families, it is important that we don’t tire of following the NSW Health advice.

If your child exhibits any symptoms they must get tested immediately. NSW Health requests anyone who has been unwell or develops any symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell/taste, muscle/joint pain, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting or extreme tiredness to be tested at one of the COVID-19 testing clinics.

The College continues to work with health advice and will continue to communicate with parents as information comes to hand. As usual all Government updates and major College communication will be posted on our website at the following location: https://bcc.nsw.edu.au/covid-1…

Further information about COVID-19 is available on the NSW Government website.

Thank you again for your patience, understanding and prayers as we work together to protect our community during the current pandemic.

“But we will trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:7

Regards,

____________________________

Sharon Sopher
Principal

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

Dear Secondary School Parents and Caregivers,

Well, what a very unusual time we are currently experiencing! All of us have had to adapt to new restrictions, behaviours and routines. Our lives have been transformed in a few short weeks.

At the College, we are aware of how challenging this may be for our students. We want to be proactive in supporting our students’ wellbeing and ensure that we journey through the Remote Learning phase as sustainably as possible.

In order to support student wellbeing, each Wednesday will have a more intentional wellbeing focus where we implement strategies which should reduce the use of digital devices and help enhance students’ physical activity, mood and coping mechanisms.

From 25 August 2021, we will have the first of our ‘Wellbeing Wednesdays’. On these ‘Wellbeing Wednesdays’ the normal daily routine will be much the same for students, however Secondary School teachers will implement the following strategies in their lesson planning:

• Reduce the amount of time spent in front of devices
• Minimise Zooms and online activities
• Increase offline activities which engage with the home and surrounding environment
• Provide time to read a book, catch up on missed work or revise previous material

Learning activities will continue to be provided by teachers, however they will be tasks designed to be mostly completed offline. Teachers will still be available to support students if they have concerns and some online classes may continue if an assessment is due. However, we want Wellbeing Wednesday to be a circuit breaker from a technology focused schedule, and most lessons will require students to be away from their devices.

God has clearly made us for relationship. From the very beginning, He has said it is not good for us to be alone (Genesis 2:18). While technology has been helpful in maintaining social distancing, it can also make us feel isolated and disconnected from the world.

We want our students to excel in all aspects of their lives. We have been impressed with our students’ resilience and want to continue to build an environment where our students thrive.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Kind Regards,

____________________________

Nate Miller
Head of Wellbeing 7-12

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

Dear Parents and Caregivers

The Premier has announced this morning, 19 August that our lockdown will be extended through to 28 August. Routines and expectations, particularly with regard to visitors on site and the wearing of masks, all remain the same. The Public Health endorsed advice for schools is that parents and caregivers, unless they are authorised workers, must keep children at home. Dr Kerry Chant has explicitly expressed that sending children to school because parents are working from home and need a break is not a reasonable excuse. As this particular strand of the virus is so highly contagious amongst adults and children, could I please urge you to keep your children at home to help keep our community safe. We have had an increase of Primary aged children attending the College, however, this trend will need to be reversed.

Whilst we recognise that this will be disruptive and inconvenient for all families, it is important that we don’t tire of following the NSW Health advice.

If your child exhibits any symptoms they must get tested immediately. NSW Health requests anyone who has been unwell or develops any symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell/taste, muscle/joint pain, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting or extreme tiredness to be tested at one of the COVID-19 testing clinics.

The College continues to work with health advice and will continue to communicate with parents as information comes to hand. As usual all Government updates and major College communication will be posted on our website at the following location: https://bcc.nsw.edu.au/covid-1…

Further information about COVID-19 is available on the NSW Government website.

Thank you again for your patience, understanding and prayers as we work together to protect our community during the current pandemic.

“But we will trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:7

Regards,

____________________________

Sharon Sopher
Principal

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

In keeping with our Premier’s announcement this morning, Thursday 12 August, our lockdown is extended for another week. Routines and expectations, particularly with regard to visitors on site and the wearing of masks, all remain the same. The Public Health endorsed advice for schools is that parents and caregivers, unless they are authorised workers, must keep children at home. This includes both Primary and Secondary students.

Whilst we recognise that this will be disruptive and inconvenient for all families, it is important that we don’t tire of following the NSW Health advice. In particular, please be mindful of, and prayerful for, our Yr 12 students who will need to complete their Trial HSC exams at home. Specific information regarding these exams will be communicated to Yr 12 students directly.

If your child exhibits any symptoms they must get tested immediately. NSW Health requests anyone who has been unwell or develops any symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell/taste, muscle/joint pain, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting or extreme tiredness to be tested at one of the COVID-19 testing clinics.

The College continues to work with health advice and will continue to communicate with parents as information comes to hand. As usual, all Government updates and major College communication will be posted on our website at the following location: https://bcc.nsw.edu.au/covid-1…

Further information about COVID-19 is available on the NSW Government website.

Thank you again for your patience, understanding and prayers as we work together to protect our community during the current pandemic.

“But we will trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:7

Regards,

____________________________

Sharon Sopher
Principal

Belmont Christian College

Phone: (02) 49228300
Email: college@bcc.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.bcc.nsw.edu.au
Facebook     Instagram

Street: 65 John Fisher Road, Belmont NSW 2280
Post: PO Box 492, Belmont NSW 2280