Back to school

The school holidays are almost over, and it’s time to return to school for 2021.

Starting school in a COVID-safe environment is going to be very different for Kindergarten and Year 1 students.

Depending on students’ schools parents of Kindergarten, Years 1, 2 and 7 are allowed to walk their children into school in the initial week. There is a need to observe COVID-safe requirements of physical distancing and signing in.

Students, staff and parents are not re-quired to wear face masks at school. “The first day of school is an incredibly important day, especially for those children starting Kindergarten. I am so thrilled that despite the challenges of the pandemic, parents and carers will be able to take part in this milestone event in their child’s life in a COVID-safe way,” said NSW Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell.

Hilltops schools are working hard to get the balance right for day one of school to ensure they provide a sense of normalcy whilst keeping students, parents and staff safe.

“Parents and carers attending on day one and beyond are urged to follow COVID-safe practices, which include physical distancing, hygiene practices and not to mingle in or outside the school,” she said.

Schools can still plan for sporting carnivals, excursions and overnight camps, and special events such as concerts, with a COVID Safety Plan in place.

Students and staff with flu-like symptoms will need to be tested and provide a copy of a negative COVID-19 test result and be symptom-free before being permitted to return to their school.

• Topics:

• Education