When year 11 and 12 students arrived at Canberra Girls Grammar on Monday morning, they were in for a school day with a difference.
Like several of Canberra's independent schools, the secondary campus had decided to welcome back just senior students initially, after the COVID-19 pandemic forced classrooms to go virtual.
As part of the new normal, parents weren't to step foot on campus as they dropped their daughters at school.
Sandwich boards dotted around the school reminded staff and students to keep their distance from each other while hand sanitiser was stationed at the entrances of each building.
Gaffer tape on the ground shows which direction people should walk along walkways and corridors. The lockers are taped off and the girls must carry their bags around from class to class.
It's taking a bit of practice as students swap hello hugs for foot and elbow taps.
Executive director of communications and engagement Claudia Doman said everyone was very happy to have the students back at school.
"I think it's gone really smoothly and the students were eager to come back. Although the remote learning worked very well in our school I think they did miss each other and their teachers.
"And the teachers are just stoked that they have their students back. It's a good feeling to have a school with the students' voices again."
The classrooms have been rearranged so that desks are separated to ensure students are seated 1.5 metres from each other.
Signs near every door say how many students are allowed to be in each room. For larger classes, halls and breakout spaces will be used instead.
Teachers are responsible for making sure their classrooms are kept clean between classes. Meanwhile, the cleaning staff have increased the frequency of their rounds.
"On top of the normal cleaning, they underwent specialist training and they are on top of all the cleaning.
"They do cyclical cleaning throughout the day, particularly all the handles, bathrooms, common areas just to keep reinforcing the cleanliness of the place," Mrs Doman said.
READ MORE:
- Independent school senior students first to return to classrooms
-
ACT schools: When is my child returning to class?
-
Parents welcome 'clear plan' for return to ACT public schools
Large gatherings are out of the question for now, including school assemblies and staff meetings. Video briefings are continuing for staff, who are keeping their distance from each other in staff rooms.
Visitors must make a health declaration that they haven't been in contact with any COVID-19 patients and don't have any symptoms.
At lunch time, year groups are separated into different areas of the school to limit mixing between students. The girls are encouraged to bring their own food and drink each day while the canteen is providing a limited menu.
It's day one of post-coronavirus school life and so far so good. Next week the year seven to 10 students will be back on campus with boarders set to return in coming weeks.
At the end of the day, the senior students head home with big smiles and a gift from the school. It's a Hershey's chocolate kiss with a note saying "Welcome back! We missed you very much."
.png?w=600)
