Tough new restrictions on activities for local schools came into force today.
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Year 12 students look to be the hardest hit and HSC students may have to miss out on the traditional rites of passage in their senior year after the NSW Government announced that "school formals, dances, graduation[s] or other social events are not permitted" in Term 3.
A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Education said increased measures will be put in place to ensure "public schools can continue to operate full time with face-to-face teaching and learning throughout the COVID-19 pandemic".
Muck-up days, formals, captaincy assemblies, and graduations are all under a cloud with the new restrictions.
The department of education has encouraged these end-of-school celebrations to be delayed in the hopes that restrictions will allow for gatherings later this year.
"Schools may hold a year 12 assembly at school without parents to recognise the completion of school or consider delaying events until later in the year," the spokesperson said.
Member for the South Coast, Shelley Hancock took to Facebook to explain why the restrictions were being implemented.
"While they may seem tough, we know it will help ensure the health and wellbeing of the school community and the public," she said.
"Please be patient with your teachers and school staff as they implement these new restrictions."
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.A raft of new requirements came into effect today [Wednesday].
From term 3, students will be required to remain in class or year groups at all times.
Excursions outside of the community group will no longer be permitted.
Interschool sport and zone carnivals will be restricted to 100 people per venue and must be held within the local area.
Spectators, including parents, will not be permitted within school grounds or at school-based sporting events.
Group activities including choirs and musical ensembles will not be permitted.
In particular, the use of wind instruments in group settings will no longer be allowed.
However, dance and drama activities will be permitted provided schools to adopt a COVID-19 safety plan.
Likewise, HSC-related activities and exams will be permitted, with additional safety measures are in place.
Organisations and community groups that use school grounds must also adopt a COVID-19 safety plan and encourage strict compliance.
