Covid restrictions ease

NEWS FROM DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Covid restrictions ease

Tuesday 9th March, 2021

Subject: SRE/SEE/VSA COVID-19 restrictions

Dear Approved Provider,

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the way we operate our schools as well as across the wider community. The NSW Government has recently eased restrictions across the state on the advice of NSW Health. The department has also continued to work with NSW Health to revise the current advice to schools.

Special Religious Education (SRE), Special Education in Ethics (SEE), and Voluntary Student Activities of a Religious Nature in Schools (VSA) volunteers are permitted on school sites and must operate in a COVID-safe way.

Providers of VSA should ensure their volunteers understand the guidelines before they contact schools to negotiate the return of VSA. VSA occurs under the supervision and auspices of the principal. Principals will make the decision if VSA will recommence at their school.

SRE/SEE/VSA classes/groups are to be held for no longer than one hour and should take place in a suitably sized room or outdoors. There is currently no limit on class sizes.

There are no limits on the number of volunteers per class/group and observers/helpers are permitted. All teachers, support staff and parents must maintain physical distance from each other (1.5m).

Singing and/or chanting activities can recommence. During solo and group singing, chanting and rapping events, a distance of 5 metres between themselves and any person they are facing, including staff, students and audience members is to be maintained, where practicable.

Providers need to ensure all SRE/SEE/VSA volunteers:

  • sign in using the Service NSW COVID Safe Check-in via the COVID Safe QR code posters when they enter the school.

For more information, visit the department’s advice for families page and return of SRE/SEE page.

Regards,

Josh Chenery
Special Religious Education & Special Education in Ethics Officer | Curriculum Early Years & Primary Learners