School rules around COVID-19 will change from Monday, the state government has confirmed.
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Singing and dancing activities are on their way back after March 8, and parents will be allowed back into school grounds under relaxed restrictions.
Parents and carers are urged to retain COVID-19 practices including physical distances when on school grounds. They will also be allowed to attend school sporting events.
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There are no recommended limits for choirs, recitation or other in-class educational activities but the government recommends a five-metre gap between singers and audiences.
The changes pave the way for dance classes, balls, formals and social events on the proviso that organisers choose venues with adequate floor space to comply with the rules.
P and C meetings can also proceed with appropriate cautionary measures.
NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said she appreciated the patience and innovation of schools during the onerous restrictions in the past year.
"We are grateful to parents, teachers and principals who have worked tirelessly to keep school communities safe during the pandemic and ensure students continue to receive a high-quality education," Ms Mitchell said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the change was due to the rollout of the vaccine, calling it a "terrific result".
"However, the pandemic is not over yet," he said.
"We still need principals, teachers, parents and students to continue to follow the health advice while at the same time enabling parents to support their children's studies."
No-one with symptoms should attend school until a negative COVID-19 test has been received.
This story NSW to loosen school COVID rules from Monday first appeared on Newcastle Herald.