Parents/Caregivers

The Department of Education has directed that Western Australian schools are open for learning. Busselton Senior High School is committed to the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff, families, and the wider school community. These guidelines have been developed for schools as Western Australia transition towards living with COVID-19.

Testing and isolation protocols 
Students and Staff who are symptomatic must stay home and test for COVID-19. Refer to the WA Government’s testing and isolation protocols for details on testing and isolation requirements for students and staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 or been identified as close contacts.

Close contact
A close contact is defined as:

  • a household member or intimate partner of a person with COVID-19 who has had contact with them during their infectious period
  • someone who has had close personal interaction with a person with COVID-19 during their infectious period, where they spent greater than 4 hours of cumulative contact with them in a residential setting in any 24-hour period, (i.e. a home, accommodation facility) where masks have been removed by both people during the period of contact
  • someone who is directed by WA Health that they are a close contact.

Asymptomatic close contacts are not required to isolate but do have to follow testing and mask wearing requirements. Refer to the WA Government information on close contacts.

Vaccination requirement
Effective from 12.01am on 10 June 2022, staff working at a school site and visitors including parents and carers who regularly visit, volunteers, third party providers and contractors are no longer required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccination mandate continues to apply to workers in healthcare and health support settings (which will apply to staff of the School of Special Educational Needs: Medical and Mental Health), residential aged care and residential disability settings. Schools coordinating student work placements in these settings should work with employers to meet the vaccination requirements of their sites.

Masks
The indoor mask mandate is no longer in place. Masks are encouraged where physical distancing is not possible. Staff and students may also choose to continue to wear a mask.

Masks are required for staff and students (Years 7 and over) in the following situations:

  • when on public transport, passenger transport (including school bus services) and ride-share
  • if identified as an asymptomatic close contact and attending school.

Health and hygiene
Arrangements to continue to reduce direct contact, enhance personal hygiene practices, and strengthen cleaning regimes in schools are to be encouraged. Each person has a responsibility to protect themselves and others. This is achieved through the ongoing promotion of the following good hygiene principles and practices:

  • staff, students, and parents must stay home when sick
  • avoiding unnecessary physical contact and physical greetings (e.g. handshakes, hugs)
  • covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, using a flexed elbow or tissue and disposing of tissues appropriately
  • washing hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, including prior to meal breaks
  • supplies of soap and other cleaning agents are available for all schools
  • ventilation strategy, including air purifiers and CO2 monitors

After COVID
HealthyWA – After COVID-19

 

In the event of a temporary school closure, please click here for information to ensure that students, staff members, parents and guardians are aware of the approach that we will follow and the resources and support that will be available.

Schools will roll out their remote learning plans, including online learning resources and hardcopy learning packages where applicable, if required to do so.
Learning from Home from Department of Education

If you require advice or support for your child’s education due to COVID-19, your school or Education Regional Office can assist you. For further advice or support phone 1800 882 345 (8.00am to 4.00pm) or email CoronaVirusSupport@education.wa.edu.au.
Wellbeing and Support from Department of Education

It is very important that we have up to date contact information for all families. Please email Busselton.SHS.StudentServices@education.wa.edu.au or text 0400 212 523 if you need to update your contact details. Please follow our Facebook page to stay up to date with information. Please ensure you have current access to Connect and Compass.