05 May 2020
“A Managed Return to School” from Week 3 Monday May 11
Dear Cessnock High School Community,
Firstly, I would like to say thank you so much for all of your ongoing support and patience. It has been quite a challenging few months in education for both schools and the community. The information below relates to the Premier’s announcement during the second week of the holidays, where she stated that “schools will begin a managed return to school in phases”. From Monday May 11, we enter what is known as “Phase 1”. At this stage I am presenting a school plan for weeks 3 and 4. Obviously, any changes beyond this phase will be dictated by what is happening across our state and the level of impact COVID-19 is having, meaning, this is all still subject to immediate change when and where the government feels appropriate.
Student Days:
YEAR 12: Year 12 will return to school four days each week (Monday to Thursday) from Monday May 11. All of Year 12 will be at school for entire days, unless they have a flexible timetable. All Year 12 teachers will be on site to deliver these lessons. I understand that some students in Year 12 may not be able to return to school, due to illness, or the need to remain in isolation, and for this reason the program that teachers follow will be a two week block of work (as per present arrangements). Therefore, students will need to bring their own devices, totally charged (spare devices will be issued to those without one). If your child will not be returning to school, please inform me as soon as possible. In light of NESA stating that HSC Examinations will go ahead as normal, I feel it is important to begin face to face delivery straight away. The HUB will operate only as a study centre for students off class.
With regard to Year 12 students who are completing major works for the HSC, they will be required to attend for whole day project work development on Fridays during weeks 3 & 4. If you have any concern over this model of support please contact me at the school as soon as possible.
YEAR 7-11: Each year will be divided across the week as per the table below. Students will attend their regular timetabled classes for the day with their classroom teacher, however, they will be following the online program posted for the two week block of work (as per present arrangements) but at school, instead of home. Therefore, students should bring their work booklets with them, or students working online will need to bring their own devices, totally charged (spare devices will be issued to those without one). This structure has been directed by the department. Students will be placed in larger rooms, exercising social
distancing, to support the governments direction around harm minimisation and the spread of further cases.
Both Weeks 3 & 4
Monday - Year 7, Year 12
Tuesday - Year 8, Year 11, Year 12
Wednesday - Year 9, Year 12
Thursday - Year 10, Year 11, Year 12
Friday - Year 12 Major Projects only
The school will be open and operational for students of essential workers that need to attend outside of their allocated day, but where practical, parents are encouraged to keep their children at home. When at school these students will be supervised in the Library whilst completing their on-line work.
Day Structure: The year groups at school will follow the regular school bell times. Students working from home can maintain self-paced student learning, staff will be online with classes Tuesdays and Thursday during regular timetabled lessons.
Roll Call / Class Organisation / Staff organisation: Every day Roll Call will be in the Main Quad from the 9.15 am bell. Students not present will be marked as absent. If your child is not in attendance on their allotted day, please reply to the SMS message that will be sent out, as our normal daily procedure, detailing the absence, and reply explaining if they are working on that day from home.
Break Times: Breaks will be at the normal times, as per the timetable and not staggered. All students will be placed in the main quad, the school oval will be out of bounds. I am confident that we can exercise a common-sense approach to social distancing and student safety in these areas. Staff are not expected to enforce social distancing, but use common sense and professional judgement. Year 12 will have their breaks in Senior Quad
Canteen: Students will only be able to order food in the morning before school starts – which they can order for either break. They will not be able to purchase food during the breaks.
Additional Cleaning: To support this managed return to school a number of measures around cleaning will be implemented. The school will be allocated 25% more cleaning hours. Toilets and high touch areas are to be cleaned after each break. The school is also receiving bottles of hand sanitizer and paper towel. This will be allocated as appropriate.
Take care and be safe.
Yours Sincerely,
Peter Riley
Principal – Cessnock High