Late last week, schools were supplied with new guidelines regarding COVID-19 restrictions, providing more information about the recommencement of certain activities that have been on hold for now. I have attached a comprehensive document that outlines the restrictions that will be lifted, some from this week and some from the beginning of Term 3.
In short, not a lot will change for us before the end of this term.
The main points of consideration for our school are:
From this week - Non-essential adults are still not permitted on school grounds or at school events - this includes parent or carers. We will continue with our current drop-off and pick-up arrangements which are working well. All adults must continue to maintain physical distancing as per the AHPPC guidelines.
School assemblies can recommence but at this stage are limited to 15 minutes in length and with students and staff present only. We will continue holding virtual assemblies via Zoom for the remainder of term and then re-evaluate when we have further updates to guidelines.
Performing arts groups, like the band program, can recommence. However, at this stage would not be able to run with parent volunteers. All bands, other than Jazz Band, will continue with Zoom rehearsals until the end of term and we will communicate changes for Term 3 as we are able.
From next term - School sport can recommence including inter-school competitions. The local PSSA competition is currently working on plans for a possible shortened winter competition. We will advise if this will proceed and specific details when all schools have been consulted. Please note though that most Sydney North Area and NSW PSSA competitions have been cancelled for 2020.
Life Education Van can visit!
School Photos can be rescheduled (no staff photo at this point).
Scripture and Ethics will recommence.
P&C Meetings can be held but it is strongly recommended that these continue to be via online platforms.
Extracurricular activities supported by external providers, such as Sportspro and DanceSport, can recommence adhering to the AHPPC and DoE guidelines and recommendations.
The following is still on hold but will be reviewed -
School camps and excursions.
Parent attendance at school events.
Parent volunteers except for Canteen and Uniform Shop.
School events involving large adult gatherings, eg. fundraisers, working bees, information evenings.
For the remainder of Term 2, we will continue with our staggered breaks and will return to normal break times and timetables from the beginning of Term 3. Our canteen will continue to operate as it has been until the end of this term. We will provide more information as it comes to hand especially in regards to Term 3 activities. I thank everyone so much for their support and flexibility during this period.
As we head towards Term 3, we would like to gather some information about the "Learning from Home" period and the impact of COVID-19 during Semester 1, 2020 on the BHPS community. This survey will assist us to gather information and identify directions that may help us in the future. This data will be helpful for evaluation purposes as we come to the end of our 2018-2020 school planning period. We will review the findings together as a staff and community, via our School Improvement Team, when the survey closes and the data is summarised.
https://forms.gle/jt6ToXB6riVPY9Pd8