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 also be contacted on 1300 687 327.

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

• I am a little nervous about return onsite. Does the School have a COVIDSafe plan in the event that there is a suspected case?

  A review of the School’s emergency management plan has been undertaken and the Senior Executive is comfortable that we are prepared in the event of a potential COVID-19 case.

  As required by the Victorian Government, the School has a COVIDSafe plan which outlines the steps we have taken in order to protect our staff, students and visitors during the return to onsite learning. This plan also contains the steps the Headmaster/Senior Executive would take should there be a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 at BGS.

• I am classified as a vulnerable individual. What options do I have to continue working remotely?

  As per advice provided by the Victorian Chief Health Officer, teachers and other school staff may be at greater risk of more serious illness if they contract coronavirus if they are:

  • Aged 70 years and older;
  • Aged 65 years and older and with chronic medical conditions;
  • Of any age and have a compromised immune system;
  • Are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and are aged over 50 years with one or more chronic medical

  Should you fall into any of these categories, or have concerns about returning to work, please contact your Head of School, the Chief Operating Officer or Director of Human Resources.

• Given it is mandatory to wear a face mask whenever we leave home, will the school be providing masks for us to wear?

  BGS face masks (reusable/cloth and triple layer) were provided to staff during Term 3. Please contact Main Reception (ext 200) if you have not received your mask.

  Please note: you may choose to wear your own cloth mask or a disposable surgical mask. Surgical masks will be available from all reception areas around the School. All staff are reminded of the need to change their surgical mask after 4 hours of wear whilst also disposing of their used surgical mask appropriately.

  Should you opt to wear a reusable cloth mask, please remember to wash your mask after each use. If during the day your mask becomes visibly dirty or wet, please collect a new disposable surgical mask from reception.

  Further information regarding face coverings can be found on the DHHS Face coverings at work webpage.

  All staff will also undergo compulsory training in the use of face coverings prior to returning onsite. Staff will be required to acknowledge their participation in the online training.

• 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)

  Tips for remote working for professional support staff (PDF)

  How to wear a face mask (PDF)

   

   

Work related queries

• What are the protocols I need to be aware of when returning onsite?

  The School has established a comprehensive list of protocols to support a safe and supportive return to working onsite. These can be found here. All staff are asked to familiarise themselves with these protocols prior to their return.

• I’m a teacher and would like to know when I will be required to return to onsite teaching.

  Academic staff will be required to attend school when the year levels they teach return to onsite learning. Academic staff who do not have teaching/pastoral commitments at either end of the day are encouraged to come in later/leave early.

  You should only be onsite when you are performing duties that require you to attend onsite.

• I am a Professional Support Staff member. When will I be able to return to working onsite?

  At this stage, professional support staff who are not in roles that require them to be onsite, must continue to work remotely. The School is closely monitoring Government advice, and the Victorian roadmap, and will advise when this is able to be changed.

  We appreciate that many of you have been working remotely for many months now so it would be great to be able to offer some flexibility when we are able to do so. 

• Will I need a permit when I am required to return to onsite teaching/working?

  All staff who are required to be onsite will need an authorised work permit.

  Academic staff are required to contact their Head of School to organise a work permit if they do not already have one. Professional Support Staff are to contact the Chief Operating Officer to organise a permit.

  Please note: this may change over the course of the term. Any changes to this requirement will be communicated as they come into effect.

• With the staggered return to School this term, my children are still at home and I am required to be onsite. What should I do?

  Staff with children who have not as yet returned to school, and no other arrangements can be made (e.g. they return to their school as a child of an essential worker), are asked to speak with their Head of School, Chief Operating Officer or Director of Human Resources to discuss support available.

• I have missed socialising with my colleagues. Will I be able to do this when I return onsite?

  You are welcome to catch up with colleagues on your breaks; if doing so, it is preferred that this takes place outdoors (for e.g. at the tables and benches located outside for staff use) with social distancing requirements being kept in mind.

  Please refrain from eating lunch with colleagues in common rooms or offices unless social distancing requirements can be met.

• I’d like to do some further training about 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.

• 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

• 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. It might also be helpful to review the comprehensive return to work protocols that have been distributed via email.

  Please contact Human Resources if you require a copy of these protocols.