09 Jul 2021
As we welcome back students for the start of Term 3, there are some minor changes to school operations for ACT public schools as we continue to adapt to living with the COVID-19 pandemic.
These changes relate to the use of the Check in CBR app and interstate excursions.
The Chief Health Officer is now strongly encouraging all adult visitors to schools, including parents and carers dropping off children, to use the Check In CBR app.
We are asking adults – parents, carers and visitors to use theCheck In CBR app when they enter school grounds.
The general rule is that if leave your vehicle and enter school grounds, find a QR code and check in. You can also check in using the unique six-digit code for your school by selecting the “Enter code manually” option in the Check in CBR app.
Taking a moment to check in will make contact tracing far easier if we have a confirmed case at a school.
We are now mandating that most interstate excursions should not proceed at this time, given the recent outbreaks in Australia and the risk posed by travel.
However, lower risk camps and excursions to the local area can still go ahead.
This includes to neighbouring Local Government Areas in South East NSW including Yass Valley, Goulburn Mulwaree, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Snowy Monaro, Snowy Valley, Eurobodalla, Bega Valley and Shoalhaven.
While students may be disappointed not to go further afield, this will mean some excursions can proceed because the destinations are lower risk and geographically closer, and that groups can return quickly by road travel if needed. The recent cases across Australia are a reminder of the importance of this.
Members of our school communities have been keen to clarify whether staff and students will need to wear masks when they return to school. Masks are not required to be worn by students and staff in school, including in before and after school care.
However, anyone is free to wear a mask to school if they choose and staff, parent volunteers and students aged 13 and above are encouraged to wear masks if visiting a crowded indoor venue off-campus, for example, on an excursion.
A reminder that families who have travelled interstate during the school holidays should check the ACT Government’s COVID-19 website 
and follow the health advice if you have been in any of the exposure locations listed.
Tighter restrictions are now in place for ACT residents who leave Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour. These new restrictions mean that anyone entering the ACT from these areas after 11.59pm on Friday 9 July 2021, will be required to quarantine for 14 days.
It is also important to remember that everyone in the ACT should be following COVID Safe practices. If your child is unwell, they need to stay home and get tested with even mild symptoms.
You can find updated questions and answers and our revised ACT public schools COVID-19 document on our COVID-19 school arrangements page.