Dear Parents and Caregivers,

As you know, COVID-19 continues to have an impact on our society, and so, maintaining the health and wellbeing of our students, staff and College community continues to be a priority for us all.

Parents/caregivers, students and staff are keen for a return to school, and we are blessed to be able to continue to attend school, albeit with some restrictions on certain activities. The most recent NSW Health advice for schools outside of Greater Sydney (13.7.21) is that, under the current health orders:

• all students are expected to be at school unless they have even the mildest of COVID-19 symptoms
• students should not attend school if unwell, even with mild symptoms of COVID-19
• any person with any COVID-19 symptoms will be sent home and should not return until they have received a negative test result and are symptom-free
• in circumstances where children have other medical reasons for recurrent symptoms a letter from their GP is sufficient to negate the requirement for a negative test
• students and staff should reduce traveling to geographical areas with higher levels of COVID-19 restrictions in place

Coming to school is important for students’ social, emotional and academic wellbeing. We are also committed to socially responsible action to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

The College’s position is that school is safe, and we will continue to manage the risks with the safety procedures we have in place. Please understand that this plan is subject to change due to government directives, health advice and local circumstances.

1. Health and Safety

NSW Health advice continues to be that schools are safe places for students, teachers and staff. The College will continue to implement good hygiene measures to make our College as safe, clean and secure as we can. This includes:

• Regular professional cleaning has increased yet again using high-strength anti-viral disinfectant
• Regular hand washing protocols and the provision of hand sanitizer throughout the College, with messages about health and hygiene practices displayed prominently
• Physical distancing within the practical limitations of the College environment, including the cancellation or postponement of large gatherings, Interschool sporting events, excursions, and avoiding close-proximity queuing
• Floor markings will be made at Reception and Student Services and when orders are picked up from the College canteen
• Students will continue to use their lockers periodically under supervision

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 to keep 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.

2. Masks and Face Coverings 

Masks are mandatory on public transport. This applies to students aged 12 years and over, and staff when travelling to and from school, and during school excursions by public transport or by chartered or private transport services.

While at school, masks or face coverings are recommended in all indoor settings  for: 

• all students  in Year 7 and above
• all staff in school settings

3. Drop Off and Pick Up

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

All parents/caregivers are asked to remain in their vehicles at all times. Staff will be on hand from 8.20am to assist young children from cars and to guide them to their classrooms as needed. Staff will also be on hand to assist Kindy students and Beginners to meet their parents/caregivers at pick up.

Non-essential visitors are not permitted in schools. Some visitors are permitted in schools based on the guidelines that follow. Parents/caregivers should:  

• maintain physical distancing by avoiding gathering outside of school gates
• remain outside of school grounds (note some exceptions may apply regarding schools for specific purposes, vulnerable students or students with disability)
• follow mask-wearing requirements and sign in using the Service NSW QR code when and if entering the school

4. QR code sign-in process for all staff and visitors

The NSW Government have introduced mandatory QR codes across a range of additional settings, including schools.

Parents/caregivers permitted on school sites for specific purposes are required to check in using the QR codes available and check out once they leave the school site.

We appreciate your support in responding to these government restrictions as we endeavour to keep our community safe.

Yours Sincerely,

____________________________

Ms Sharon Sopher

Principal

Mr Steve Tidey

Assistant 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