Queensland school camps, musicals, assemblies and parent-teacher interviews return for Term 3
School camps and excursions, assemblies, musicals and parent-teacher interviews are back on for term three as Queensland schools largely return to normal after COVID-19 chaos. But there are a few changes introduced that will remain.
SCHOOL camps, excursions, assemblies, musicals and parent-teacher interviews are back on for Term 3 as Queensland schools return to normal after COVID-19 chaos.
The Department of Education’s operating guidelines for Queensland State Schools reveals that schools are moving towards a regular final two terms of the school year, after the coronavirus pandemic first shut their doors and moved learning online.
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But any staff or students who are unwell must still not attend schools, with strict handwashing regimes, increased cleaning of high-use areas and all adults’ social distancing to remain.
Schools are still encouraged to follow federal Australian Health Protection Principal Committee guidelines, and can still use outdoor or larger learning spaces such as school halls for classes to decrease contact between cohorts.
And schools will still require parents not to gather around the gates, restricting their access to the grounds and staggering start, break and finish times.
Camps and excursions can be held under approved risk assessment plans at locations or businesses with an approved COVID Safe Plan and at the Department of Education’s Outdoor and Environmental Education Centres.
Subject to principal approval, parent-teacher interviews can resume, ensuring physical distancing is in place but teleconference or online platforms should be made available, the guidelines say.
Instrumental music programs, ensembles and choirs may occur with social distancing between singers and players, and strict hygiene measures, and be held outdoors if possible.
It comes after the announcement this week that school formals and graduations could be held.
And earlier this month it was revealed that school sport was also able to resume.
Education Minister Grace Grace said it was an exciting step forward with Term 3 promising the gradual return of school concerts, musicals, inter-school sport and local school camps.
“Over the past couple of months, it has been inspiring to witness the adaptability and creativity of our educators, departmental staff, students and wider school communities and there has certainly been no shortage of positive stories throughout this time,” she said.
“However, even as restrictions progressively lessen across the state, it’s important that we remain vigilant in what continues to be an ever-changing situation.”
Queensland Catholic Education Commission executive director Dr Lee-Anne Perry said schools were looking forward to reintroducing activities where they could be managed within the health guidelines.
Independent Schools Queensland executive director David Robertson said that following the “herculean effort” by all schools, staff and families to maintain student learning over Term 2, ISQ will continue to work closely with schools and health authorities to ensure the safe return of students to school-based learning in Term 3.