The Territory’s schools are to take another step towards normal tomorrow (29 October), with the Education Directorate releasing updated COVID-19 guidelines.
In a statement, the Directorate said the updated guidelines were informed by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee’s advice for minimising transmission in schools and would bring them into line with the broader ACT community as lockdown restrictions eased.
It said the update included guidelines from the ACT Chief Health Officer for end-of-year school events.
“From 29 October, students in Years 7 to 12 and staff will no longer be required to wear masks outdoors,” the Directorate said.
“Essential excursions involving individual classes and year groups will be allowed where they form a core component of the curriculum,” it said.
“Community hiring of school facilities can resume after hours, including the hiring of gymnasiums for sports such as basketball.”
However, the Directorate said that in order to allow for COVID-safe planning and adequate cleaning staff, hiring would not commence until 8 November.
It said shared libraries would be able to reopen for community use outside of school hours, along with canteen counter service, P&C uniform shop counter service and P&C contactless fundraisers.
The Directorate said Friday would also see the return of individual music lessons; indoor and contact sport; indoor dance, choir, band and orchestra lessons; and school performances.
“From 29 November, parents and visitors will be allowed on campus for scheduled extra-curricular activities with COVID-safety measures in place including check in, physical distancing and the wearing of face masks indoors,” it said.
“Schools that cater for children under 12 years of age, specialist schools and flexible education programs will also be required to ensure visitors who are in direct contact with children show evidence of their vaccination status when checking in.”
The Directorate said key school events, including end-of-year milestones like formals, graduations, performances and assemblies could also take place from the end of November in line with the ACT Chief Health Officer’s 2021 Guide to COVID-safe End-of-Year Events for Schools.
The Chief Health Officer’s eight-page Guide can be accessed at this PS News link.
