School-based activities have been further relaxed in NSW but parents remain on the outer.
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Many parents have welcomed the relaxing of COVID-19 inspired restrictions and backed the NSW Government in announcing a staged resumption of school activities, including a return to school sports from Term 3.
But those who spoke to the Mercury expressed frustration at certain decisions excluding parents from school-based activities.
Many of the P&C organisations contacted would not comment on the record but some parents agreed to talk as long as they weren't named in the story.
"While I understand the health reasons given by the department, I think we should be allowed to come into our children's schools," one parent from the Illawarra's northern suburbs said.
"The school community is suffering and I believe the time is now to relax restrictions in relation to parents."
A mother of two primary school aged children in the region's south, said some smaller schools relied on parents to volunteer to help run canteens and school uniform shops.
"I know arrangements have been made but surely we can look to reintroduce parents back into schools."
Another parent though "worried there would be a spike in COVID-19 cases", and pointed to the recent positive test at Laguna Street Public School in Caringbah.
A Department of Education spokesman said in line with health advice, there should be no visitors to school sites unless they are essential.
"Schools have provided their communities with guidance as to who is considered essential," the spokesman said.
"Schools are using a variety of ways to continue to communicate with parents and carers about their child's progress.
"Canteens and uniform shops may open at the discretion of the principal."
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the majority of school-based activities resumed June 15, with school sport to start at the beginning of Term 3 on July 20.
P&C meetings can also resume in Term 3 but there is a strong preference for on-line where possible
Parent/teacher meetings can also take place in Term 3 if really needed.
We continue to ask parents and carers to limit their access to school sites except for essential parent/teacher meetings, although parents and teachers can continue to use online meetings.
- Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell
"Canteens and uniform shops can already operate with volunteers. External providers like music and drama tutors can provide services on school sites and community use activities such as dance schools can resume their use of school premises," Ms Mitchell said.
Importantly, support services such as early intervention programs and external counselling services can take place on site, providing support for our most vulnerable students.
"External visitors and community providers must ensure they maintain physical distancing and abide by all health and hygiene requirements," Ms Mitchell said.
"We continue to ask parents and carers to limit their access to school sites except for essential parent/teacher meetings, although parents and teachers can continue to use online meetings."
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
