Created by Lynnette Bates
Monday, 7 March 2022 @3:10PM
7.03.2022
Dear parents and carers,
Level 2 public health measures introduced from Thursday 3 March 2022, require adults and children in Year 3 and above to wear a mask everywhere. I thank parents for their support with these health measures. The students have managed this measure with great resiliency. The staff have been very supportive of our students enabling them to adjust to such measures. As with adults, there are exemptions that apply to children in regard wearing of masks. These are listed below:
Masks
· Staff and students from Year 3 and above must wear a mask at all times unless:
o the person has a physical, developmental or mental illness, condition or disability which makes wearing a face covering inappropriate;
o communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing and visibility of the mouth is essential for communication;
o the person is engaged in physical activity, including physical education classes and organised sport;
o the person is consuming food, drink or medicine provided, they do not need to be seated; and/or
o staff are providing teaching or instructions to students; however, staff are encouraged to wear masks even when teaching, where practicable.
Whilst not included in the Level 2 public health measures, masks are encouraged for Kindergarten to Year 2 based on advice from the Chief Health Officer. Parents may wish to provide a mask for their child if they are in Kindergarten to Year 2 also.
Adults, including parents and carers, must wear a mask on school sites, even when outdoors unless physical distancing can be maintained. Exemptions and exceptions continue to apply.
I thank you for your anticipated support as we manage the Level 2 public health measures. I have published some responses to questions you may have regarding the wearing of masks below.
Kind regards,
Lynne Bates
Principal
MASK Wearing
Q&A
What if I am unable to provide a mask for my child?
Students are expected to bring their own mask to school, but the school will have spare masks if a student arrives without one. Staff will provide a student with a mask if:
· they do not have one.
· their own mask is dirty or lost.
School staff manage the distribution of masks to students in these circumstances.
How will the staff support my child with the requirement to wear a mask in the classroom?
Staff will use positive reinforcement to encourage and normalise correct mask wearing, as with other desired social behaviours such as wearing a hat when playing, walking on the pavement, and taking turns.
Will my child have to wear the mask all day?
No, children will be able to remove their mask at break times when eating and playing.
Students will not need to wear their mask whilst participating in any physical activity.
What if my child refuses to wear a mask at school?
· Students must follow the public health directions and wear a mask indoors. Wearing masks in the classroom helps reduce the spread of COVID-19.
- The administration staff will discuss individual circumstances with families.
- Staff will use positive strategies to encourage compliance with mask wearing requirements, in line with other behaviour management strategies already used in our school.
Parents/carers who indicate their child is exempt
While principals do not need to sight medical certificates for students with a known disability that would also act as an exemption, the principal may request medical evidence where a parent/carer indicates an exemption for their child that is unknown to the school.
Parents/carers should speak with the principal to discuss any possible exemptions.
The principal may consider isolating a student while evidence is being sought with reference to the Emergency Management Act 2005 (WA), section 72A, and the COVID Transition (Face Covering) Directions (No 3).
I can see that some children at school in Year 3 and above are not wearing a mask. Why is this allowed?
Parents and carers are reminded that some students in our school have an exemption and are not required to wear a mask. Parents must not approach and question any student that does not wear a mask to school.