Quick facts:
- RATs will be supplied by the schools
- All primary and secondary school staff are required to wear surgical masks indoors.
- No parents, carers or visitors will be allowed on school sites until further notice with exceptions, see below.
- It is recommend students take a RAT twice a week on mornings before attending school. It is not mandatory however.
As COVID continues to spread across the state, there are rules and expectations for students and teachers as we approach the start of the first school term of the year in NSW.
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We have compiled a simple guide with information from NSW Health and Department of Education (DET) to help clear up any unanswered questions.
These guidelines, the DET says were created in close conjunction with NSW Health.
Lorrae Sampson, Principal at Nowra Anglican College said she's confident the safety measures in place, including the recommended bi-weekly rapid antigen tests, will allow students to return to school safely.
"It's a good control measure. There's always an element of risk, but I think it'll be okay," she said.
"We've still got all of our hygiene processes in place and we'll do our best to minimise the spread. I think for students mental health and wellbeing, it's really important they're back at school, doing normal carnivals and camps."
From the beginning of Term 1 2022, local schools will operate with a number of COVID-smart measures that have been developed with an aim to minimise transmission and keep schools open.
RAT race
Rapid antigen tests (RATs) will be provided to all students and staff by their schools according to NSW Health.
Before the start of Term 1, it is highly recommended all students undertake a RAT and confirm a negative result before attending school.
For just the first month of Term One, it is recommend students take a RAT twice a week on mornings before attending school. It is not mandatory however.
Ruth Winfield, Principal at Vincentia High School, said they will be in communication with parents about having RAT kits available for pick up at the school on Monday, 31 January.
Glen Kingsley, Principal at Nowra High School, said in a letter to parents "we will only be providing RATs for Week 1 and parents/carers will be able to collect them from our canteen area" with different dates and times for cohorts as follows:
- Years 7, 11 and 12 - Friday, January 28, 2022 between 8am - 2pm
- Years 8, 9, 10 - Monday, January 31, 2022 between 8am - 2pm
Families who have children across different cohorts, will be able to pick up the tests in one visit.
If your child has even mild COVID-19 symptoms, the DET says to get them tested with a RAT or PCR (nose and throat swab) test.
They must isolate until they receive a negative test result, in line with health protocols.
If symptoms continue, they should stay at home and take another RAT in 24 hours or have a PCR test. If the second RAT or initial PCR test result is negative, or another diagnosis is confirmed such as hay fever, they can return to school.
Masks
Wearing of surgical masks indoors is required for all staff and students in Year 7 and above and strongly recommended for all primary students.
Vented or cloth masks should NOT be worn. If required, surgical masks will be available at schools if required.
Secondary school students will be provided with surgical masks as a backup when needed, which they must wear when indoors.
Masks are also strongly encouraged in outdoor settings where you cannot physically distance.
Primary school students are strongly recommended to wear well-fitted masks indoors and in outdoor settings where you cannot physically distance.
Your child can remove their mask when eating, exercising or playing a musical instrument.
What if my child tests positive?
If there is a positive case in your child's class, year or other grouping, your child can continue to attend school in line with NSW Health advice.
Negative results do not need to be reported to Service NSW or to the school.
If a student or staff member receives a positive RAT test, they - according to NSW Health - need to:
- Record their positive RAT result through either the Service NSW app for the website.
- Notify the school of the positive RAT or PCR test result as soon as possible.
- Isolate for seven days.
Other stuff
No parents, carers or visitors will be allowed on school sites until further notice with the following exceptions:
- Two parents or carers are allowed to accompany their child into school on their first day of Kindergarten or Year 7 or students starting at a new school.
- 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.
Students and staff are encouraged to wash or sanitise their hands regularly.
Where there no natural ventilation, schools will use mechanical ventilation to maximise fresh airflow in learning spaces.
Where face-to-face learning is not possible, learning from home options will be supported for short periods.
Everywhere else
Current settings will continue from Thursday, 27 January 2022 until Sunday, 28 February 2022, including:
- Hospitality venues, including pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes, and nightclubs must follow the one person per two square metre rule indoors;
- Masks are required in all indoor settings (except residences). Masks are strongly encouraged where you cannot maintain a safe distance from others;
- QR code check-ins are compulsory at certain premises, including hospitality venues and retail shops;
- Singing and dancing is not permitted in hospitality venues, entertainment facilities, nightclubs, indoor music festivals and indoor major recreation facilities (except for weddings, performers, instructors and students).
