Wollongong West Public School

Only our best will do

Telephone02 4229 2096

Emailwollongwst-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Update on COVID restrictions

Dear parents/carers, 

As announced by the Minister, from 8 November all NSW schools will move to updated Level 3 settings that bring school operations more in line with what is allowed in the community. I would like to update you on the key changes that will be in place at our school from Monday 8 November and for the rest of Term 4. 

Keeping us all safe on school grounds 

A combination of layered COVID-safe plans and measures will allow us to prioritise student and staff safety and keep our school open. To do this, the following guidelines will be in place: 

  • Students, staff and visitors must not attend school if unwell, even with mild symptoms.
  • All staff and adult visitors on the school site must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination.
  • Masks are required indoors for all staff, adult visitors and strongly recommended indoors for primary students.  Masks can be removed when eating or exercising.
  • All staff and visitors must check in at our office when attending a school site.
  • Adults should maintain 1.5 metres physical distancing wherever practicable.
  • Activities and events should be held outdoors where practical.
  • Indoor spaces will be well ventilated and as large as possible for the number of attendees - following square metre guidelines. 
  • Students should avoid mingling with other class and year groups when moving around the school.
  • Students and staff will maintain good hand hygiene and schools will continue with enhanced cleaning, including high touch points. 

From 8 November 

Our school will operate on updated Level 3 settings for the rest of Term 4 2021, with the following activities allowed in a COVID-safe manner: 

  • Assemblies and presentations are allowed outdoors, with cohorts separated and physical distancing in place. Fully vaccinated visitors (including parents and carers) are only allowed to attend if completing a specific role (such as presenting) and at the invitation of the school.
  • Community use is allowed outside of school hours with COVID-safe plans in place – in line with public health requirements.
  • Excursions are allowed outdoors (and indoors where sole use of the premises is available).
  • Incursions are allowed indoors and outdoors where cohorts are kept separate.
  • Graduations and formals are allowed within cohorts, either on school sites or at external venues – with COVID-safe plans in place and physical distancing adhered to.
  • School sports are allowed, including inter-school sports.
  • Transitions and orientations are allowed in a COVID-safe way that minimises mingling between students.

Parents and carers on site to support school operations 

Fully vaccinated parents and carers will be allowed on-site to support curriculum delivery, student wellbeing activities and school operations (for example parent helper for reading activities). Parents and carers must check in using the school check-in and show proof of vaccination on entry to the school site. 

Thank you again for your continued support during this school term. 

Kind regards, 

Michelle Barnes 

Principal