Clayfield College’s proactive mask requirements to limit Covid wave

Students at an elite Brisbane school have been told to carry masks at all times and wear them indoors where they cannot social distance in a proactive move that has drawn criticism from parents. Should masks be mandated in schools? TAKE OUR POLL

Students at an elite Brisbane private school have been told they must carry masks at all times and wear them at assemblies or events, under strict but proactive Covid-safe measures.

Clayfield College principal Dr Andrew Cousins confirmed students had been asked to carry masks in their pockets at all times.

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Further, Dr Cousins said students were asked to wear masks in highly-populated settings like assemblies, events, or public transport where social distancing was not possible.

The proactive mask requirement drew criticism from a College parent who questioned why the school was going “above and beyond” with mask wearing when there was no state government mandate for adults.

Clayfield College principal Dr Andrew Cousins. (AAP Image/Claudia Baxter)

It comes after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk pleaded with Queenslanders to wear masks while indoors after 11,000 new Covid cases were recorded overnight.

Dr Cousins said the requirement was introduced following the premier’s recommendation that masks be worn in indoor settings where social distancing is not possible.

“Our central focus continues to place student learning and community safety at the forefront of our decision-making process, in partnership with our families,” Dr Cousins said.

Clayfield College students Mia Felsman, Alice Gardner and Myra Dhingra. Picture: Josh Woning

The parent said masks were particularly distressing for prep-aged children and also fogged up for those who wear glasses.

“We take offence at the school making requirements above what the government has made and that teachers are enforcing it without parental consent,” the parent said.

“While we recognise we all have a role to play in protecting the vulnerable in the community, if it’s not mandated, then how can teachers decide to this?”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk this morning pleaded with Queenslanders to wear masks while indoors.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk encouraged mask wearing indoors. Picture: Dan Peled

“If you are at school, please put on that mask,” she said.

“And I’m asking parents to talk to their children, to please wear a mask.

“Some people might think it’s not cool, but if you have elderly grandparents, you could be helping to save their lives.”

Many other Queensland schools have also encouraged mask wearing, including Our Lady’s College at Annerley.

In a post on social media, Our Lady’s College said it supported the state government’s recommendation about wearing face masks indoors.

“This means that while it is encouraged, your children, our staff, and visitors to our school can choose to wear a mask, it is not compulsory,” the post read.

Clayfield College students Mia Felsman and Alice Gardner. Picture: Josh Woning)

Independent Schools Queensland chief executive Chris Mountford said the current wave of Covid-19 would have a considerable impact on all schools.

Mr Mountford said it had shared the latest health advice to its school members but it was up to each school how it managed cases and preventive measures.

“What this impact will look like will differ from school to school due to factors such as school size, student and staff population, and location,” Mr Mountford said.

“Schools are now well versed in managing increasing case numbers in their communities and minimising the impact on student learning, and do so to the best of their ability.”

The Queensland Teachers Union encouraged parents and caregivers to help students prepare and understand how they can do their part to navigate the pandemic.

“The union encourages everyone to do their part to stop the spread of Covid-19 in our schools and the broader community,” a union spokeswoman said.

“This means taking a personal responsibility for social distancing, staying home when sick, wearing a mask where possible, washing hands regularly and keeping up to date with vaccinations.

“Queensland state school students range from very young children to adults and no other industry faces such unique challenges in managing risk from Covid while keeping classrooms open.”