11 Sep 2021
The current restrictions in the Mid Coast Local Government Area (LGA) have been eased from 12:01am on Saturday 11 September 2021, meaning Gloucester High school will move to operating under Level 3 conditions as part of our COVID-safe return to school roadmap.
This means all our students will be expected back for face-to-face learning onsite Monday 13 September 2021. The best learning environment for students is in the classroom and we are looking forward to welcoming back our staff and students for the last week of term.
This time will be invaluable in re-establishing relationships and reconnecting as a class and school community.
Here’s what our families and student can expect when returning to school sites under COVID-safe Level 3 conditions:
- Staff will be required to wear masks indoors and outdoors while on school grounds.
- All students will also be required to wear masks indoors and outdoors on school grounds
- We will reduce overall mingling of our different student years which means no school assemblies or sport (outside of existing PDHPE classes), excursions or field trips.
- Only essential visitors will be allowed onsite and will be required to check-in and wear masks at all times.
- Our canteen will be open with appropriate hygiene measures in place. The canteen will operate with orders only. Students to order before school at the canteen.
- Parents and carers will need to remain outside of school grounds and follow physical distancing and avoid gathering for drop-offs and pick-ups.
- There will be enhanced daily cleaning of the school and wherever possible we will ensure classrooms will be well-ventilated with open windows.
We will continue online learning initially so we can transition our lessons from MS Teams. We ask all students bring their devices to school (fully charged) to allow this transition to occur. This also includes any loaned devices (with chargers) as students will continue to use these devices at school.
We have worked closely with NSW Health in developing our return to school roadmap and COVID-safe school plan. NSW Health will continue to monitor vaccination rates and transmission levels in our LGA and will advise us if settings need re-evaluation.
We are continuing to work closely with NSW Health and other relevant authorities to support our school staff to receive 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccination by 8 November. This will help protect our staff and students.
All students are expected - and will be supported - to return to school for face-to-face learning. While I know this may be an uncertain time for some students and parents I do encourage you to get in touch with us directly and visit the Wellbeing for students and families page for support materials.
Please have a look at the helpful tips for secondary students to support them in preparing for their return to school.
Thank you for your ongoing support. I look forward to seeing our students and staff back in the classrooms.
Mik Wisely, Relieving Principal