Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs for Staff

Frequently asked questions

Staff wellbeing

• I think I need to speak with a counsellor. Who can I call?

  If you feel like you would benefit from some additional support, you can contact the School’s Employee Assistance Program. This service, provided by Converge International, offers confidential telephone and consulting counselling services 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. They can be contacted on 1300 687 327 or online here

  Alternatively, we have compiled a list of helplines, websites and other community related services available to provide support during these unprecedented times.  This can be found here.

• Further resources

  A range of fact sheets are available to assist with managing your wellbeing when working remotely, returning onsite or when navigating the challenges of life in general. 

  Please note: additional resources will be added periodically to the Staff drive under BGS Intranet / My Employment / Wellbeing. You can access this by locating the S Drive on your computer.

  Coping with stress during COVID-19 (PDF)

  Strategies for managing stress (PDF)

  6 Tips to protect your hands during handwashing (PDF)

   

Work related queries

• What are the protocols that have been put in place to support my return to working onsite?

  As you prepare for the Return to School of boys, and before returning to on-site work, please familiarise yourself with the COVID-19 Return to work protocols for Teaching and Professional Support Staff. 

• What happens if I arrive at school and have a temperature?

  If your temperature is above 37.5 degrees you will be reassessed by one of our Student Health Officers. A decision will then be made as to whether or not you need to return home (this may involve having your temperature taken a second time). If you are asked to return home you will need to remain at home until your temperature returns to normal. Depending on your symptoms, you may also be advised to see your GP or participate in the Government’s COVID-19 screening scheme.

• I had a flu vaccination provided by the School. Can I get a certificate so that I can visit a relative in a nursing home?

  To obtain a certificate, please email Magdalene at Health Watch stating your full name, when and where you had the vaccination. This is important as Health Watch conduct many vaccination sessions for different businesses. 

• I am concerned about what my workload might look like if a parent chooses not to send their son to school and I end up with half the class away?

  Parents have been advised that distance learning will not continue once the year level their son is in returns to onsite learning. You will not need to be planning to deliver your lessons in two different modes. You should however, continue to support boys who are at home because they are sick, high risk, or overseas and unable to return to school. We will monitor the level of voluntary absenteeism over the next few weeks and address it if required.

• Can we give a written test to a student and collect them?

  Yes, we suggest using hand sanitiser before and after the papers are handled. Some staff may encourage online tests only. We recommend that you speak to your Head of Faculty or Manager if you have concerns.

• I’d like to do some further training how to protect myself and others from COVID-19. Can you suggest any courses?

  The Department of Health has a COVID-19 specific training module which is short and informative. This online course is free and covers topics including signs and symptoms, keeping safe, hygiene and myth-busting. The link can be found here.

• What do I do if I am sick and cannot work?

  If you are unwell, you are required to follow the usual process of notifying your manager or DOBs, providing work etc. A leave form, and accompanying medical certificate (if longer than two days absence) will also be required.

Other

• Where can I go for further information about the return to onsite learning?

  The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee

  Safe Work Australia

• Who should I speak with if I have further questions?

  Further questions should be directed to your Head of School, Chief Operating Officer or Human Resources.