Novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are responses to some of the Frequently Asked Questions that we have received from parents and carers in our school communities. Click on any of the questions to view the answer.

Please check back regularly as this information is subject to change.

If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact your school in the first instance or send us an email.

Administration

Are schools still open?

Yes. From Monday the 13th of September Level 3 restrictions be in place. This means all schools will reopen and all students are required to attend as usual. Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) Level 3 COVID safe guidelines will be in place at all schools. 

Now that the stay at home orders have been eased, can I continue to teach my child/children from home? 

No. It is a legal obligation for students to attend school every day that it is open. If you choose to keep your child at home when high level restrictions are not in place, and you do not have an approved exemption (a medical certificate to verify a compromised immune system) you will need to register your child for homeschooling if you choose to keep them at home.

Will my child be provided Learning from Home materials if we live in an area under a Public Health Stay at Home Order?

Yes. The school will provide some Learning from Home materials with a focus on literacy and numeracy for primary age students. Secondary schools will continue to provide access to learning materials through the school Learning Management System such Google Classroom, Canvas, Schoology, etc. 

Will Learning from Home material be provided to students who are required to self-isolate?

When students are displaying COVID symptoms (see above), and are waiting for the results from a COVID test or unable to attend school for other reasons, schools are not required to provide Learning from Home material. These absences are considered regular absences. 

If Level 4 restrictions return and Stay-at-Home orders come back into place for our school, how will my child/children access their learning materials? 

If Regional Stay-at-Home orders are re-issued by the government and students are not able to attend school, learning content will be shared via Learning Management Systems such as Google Classroom, Schoology, Canvas, Seesaw or email.

CEDWW schools are committed to providing relevant Learning at Home materials to support ongoing learning during these rapidly changing and  uncertain times. School staff will be available to discuss your child’s learning and will work with you to support your child in these circumstances. If home learning becomes a requirement again and you have any questions, please contact your school directly as they are best suited to respond to individual needs.

NESA/HSC Advice

Can I access updates from the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)?

There are many publicly available pages available for parents/carers and students related to NESA updates. 

Advice for K-10

Schools are able to provide learning to students that best supports their learning and wellbeing. NESA have provided principals discretion when determining learning based on the needs of their students, families, staff and school communities. 

HSC Specific Advice

HSC written exams that are going ahead in 2021 must follow strict COVID-safe exam protocols. See NESA Covid Safe HSC Exams for further details.

For Parents/Students:

Student Wellbeing – The Stay Healthy HSC hub has advice on staying healthy, active and connected during the HSC. Students can use the resources for studying, self-care and staying informed.

Key messages to students

• Processes are in place to ensure your hard work is rewarded.
• No exam is more important than your wellbeing.
• Keep learning and submitting assessments.
• Keep preparing for exams.
• Follow NSW Health advice.

For the latest NESA, see the NESA newsletters page. You can also subscribe to the latest updates from NESA through this subscription page. 

How can my child complete and/or submit their HSC major works and projects?

Schools have put in place COVID-safe measures to ensure the completion and submission of major works and projects can still be made. Contact your school for details.

Will the HSC still be on this year? 

Planning continues for HSC exams to proceed from 9 November in a COVID-safe way, in line with Health advice.

What will happen to HSC Practical and Oral Exams and Major Projects?

For up to date information see HSC exams and major projects – Coronavirus advice and HSC important dates practical and performance exams 

Are there any special considerations given to students who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic if they are undertaking performance exams, language oral exams and/or major projects? 

NESA has provided Special Consideration Programs for Performance and Language Oral Exams and Major Projects and Submitted Works. It is best to discuss the specific details regarding the impact of COVID-19 restrictions with the teacher of the course. They are able to inform you of any processes that may be applicable to you. 

Are there any other circumstances where a student can apply for illness or misadventure if they are affected by COVID-19? 

There are several reasons whereby students can apply for illness and misadventure to be considered. Some examples include:

• Testing positive for COVID-19
• Feeling unwell having flu-like symptoms at the time of an exam
• Unable to access teaching and learning for an extended period 

For more details regarding criteria to apply, contact your school and see the NESA Illness and misadventure site.

HSC Minimum Standards 

NESA has made changes to the requirement related to Year 12 students and the HSC Minimum Standard. Year 12 students will not sit HSC Minimum Standard online tests for the rest of 2021 as part of the COVID-19 Special Consideration Program. Schools will provide information to NESA regarding students eligibility for meeting HSC Minimum Standards.

Student Wellbeing

Where can my family access counselling and wellbeing support services?

During this time of uncertainty, Centacare remains committed to supporting the wellbeing of everyone, especially our kids. Centacare is here to support you, children and parents especially through this time.

Centacare continues to offer support through their online platform TEAMS. If you or your child needs support contact them on 1300 619 379 to arrange an appointment. Centacare offers support in Psychological assessment, counselling, mediation, family education support and NDIS support. For further information see Centacare COVID Fatigue and Mental Health. You can also visit the Centacare website 

My child is worried about COVID-19. What can I do to reassure my child during this time?

Expert advice suggests that it is helpful  to keep things as simple and close to normal as possible in times where challenging emotions may be experienced. Here are a variety of different wellbeing sites, tools and apps for a range of mental health and wellbeing issues. It is worth having a look through to find the one that suits you and/or your child best.

• Emerging Minds – Supporting Children’s Mental Health During a Pandemic Toolkit 
• Centacare COVID Fatigue and Mental Health Document 
• Schools TV COVID Fatigue and Mental Health and
• Other Schools TV COVID special reports
• Beyond Blue – Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak
• Headspace – How to cope with stress related to Coronavirus for young people
• Australian Psychological Society – Coronavirus: psychologists offer advice for maintaining positive mental health
• National Association of School Psychologists – Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19
• Reach Out – A comprehensive library of wellbeing apps. 

My child has anxiety-are there any activities we could do to help?

• Social and emotional learning activities for schools, parents and educators
• Mindfulness Activities (Primary) 
• Reach Out have a comprehensive library of wellbeing apps. You can sort through a variety of different wellbeing tools and apps for a range of mental health and wellbeing issues to find the one that suits you best.

While public Masses are suspended during the current lockdown, there are a number of options to watch Mass online. An option on television and online is Mass for You at Home.

Resources in other languages

The NSW Ministry of Health has advice regarding COVID-19 that is translated into many languages. You can access these resources here and here. 

Explaining Coronavirus to kids

The video on the right can be used to help explain Coronavirus to young children.