Dear Parents and Caregivers,

The NSW Government, on advice from NSW Health, has provided the following edict regarding music related activities in schools:

All school-related group singing or chanting activities and use of wind instruments in groups must cease altogether as of Wednesday 19 August 2020.

This is in response to the recent cases of COVID-19 in school staff and students in NSW and has been implemented to further minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission in school communities.

In the recent announcement, Dr Kerry Chant, Chief Health Officer for the NSW Ministry of Health, states:

These updated measures will assist us to achieve the NSW Government’s aim of eliminating community transmission in NSW, and will support schools to continue to deliver onsite learning. I thank you and your school communities for your support and ongoing attention to providing a COVID safe environment for all students and staff.

As a Christian College, our desire is to submit to the authorities that govern our land. Practically, this means that the following ensembles and groups will need to cease until further notice:

• Primary Concert Band
• Secondary Concert Band
• Senior Primary Choir (Stage 3)
• Saxophone Ensemble
• Mrs Turner’s Flute Group
• Stage 2 Recorder
• All group singing in classes, including in Music

Our String Ensemble will still be able to rehearse, although strict hygiene protocols will be employed.

I do hope that we will see a return to normalcy soon. I will communicate any further updates regarding the music program as they come to hand. Thank you for your ongoing prayerful support and understanding in this matter.

Regards,

________________________________

Chris Stewart
Creative Arts Coordinator K-12

Belmont Christian College