On 22 April 2020, the IEU wrote to the Association of Independent Schools and the Diocesan Directors of Catholic Systemic Schools urging safety and certainty for members as Term 2 commences. The union is seeking a consistent approach to the operation of schools throughout the state. Key points in the union’s requests to employers include:
• unwell staff and students must remain at home
• signage should remind staff and students about COVID-19 protocols around coughing, sneezing, hand washing, shaking hands and physical distancing
• hand sanitiser to be provided at the entry to and in classrooms and work spaces
• soap to be provided and regularly topped up in all toilets
• contactless thermometers to be available on site
• vulnerable students and students whose parents are essential workers are to be accommodated at school at all times
• if determined by the school, a graduated return of students no earlier than Week 3 – not on a roster basis of one day per week; return should preferably by year group; for example, senior students in secondary schools and kindergarten in primary schools
• a teacher is to deliver via only one format at a time (either online or face to face – not both)
• on site classes to be split to ensure physical distancing is maintained. For example, a teacher/student ratio would not exceed 1:10 and classroom dimensions should be checked to ensure the number of students complies with 1.5 metre physical distancing spacing
• windows should be open to promote airflow where possible.
• physical distancing is to be maintained in staff rooms and office areas – including by permitting staff to work from home
• physical distancing needs to be maintained during movement of students around the school (for example, through narrow corridors)
• during supervision of lunch and recess, physical distancing needs to be maintained wherever possible in the playground and around the canteen – breaks should be staggered where possible
• cleaners to clean surfaces during breaks
• medically vulnerable staff and staff who have a medically vulnerable person in their household should be permitted to work from home
• distances need to be maintained at school gates during pick up and drop off
• existing staffing should be maintained; the hours of cleaning staff should be increased; casual staff should be employed as required; teachers who are on leave should be replaced by casual teachers.