Covid-19 has caused major disruptions for all schools throughout Australia. Most have either temporarily closed or have been functioning with limited student attendance as per the relevant state recommendations.
Schools have had to rapidly adapt to these changes by implementing remote learning capabilities such as online classes/online learning materials and video conference communication. Parents have also had to take a more active role in home education during this time.
But what happens when restrictions are lifted and students start to return to the classroom? It’s important to have a plan in place to encourage both social distancing and good hygiene practices.
Social Distancing Stickers
Social distancing is still critical in slowing the spread and it’s something that everyone can do. To provide gentle reminders, organisations across Australia have started to use floor stickers to maintain social distancing recommendations. Schools are the perfect location to take advantage of these stickers as well. They are available in a variety of designs and styles to fit your needs.
Fully customised stickers with a full-colour print that can include your school emblem and care message such as “Thanks for social distancing” “Students please keep your distance” “Line Up Here” “Keep your distance”.
These have a minimum order quantity of 25 and are made in Australia to support local business. They can be supplied in nearly any size you need (price on request).
Pre-template stickers are also available with a lower minimum order. They are already printed so can be dispatched to you express and are available in a variety of styles.
These have a minimum order of just 12 and are also made locally in Australia.
Hygiene Products
Encouraging students to wash their hands and practise good personal hygiene has never been more important.
Schools can do this by having stickers in the bathrooms, regular announcements and frequent education regarding the importance of washing your hands.
Another must-have hygiene product is hand sanitisers. Either giving students individual bottles or having communal bottles in classrooms and frequented spaces.
Hand sanitisers are available in bulk with a blank template label or with custom printed labels that include your school name and message. Custom options have a longer production time but allow you to send a targeted message.
Other Tactics Schools Are Using to Reduce The Spread
- Alternating timetables to reduce crossover interaction of students
- Rewards for students that practise social distancing and good hygiene
- Increasing the ratio of student to teachers
- Having clear communication channels on social media/website for students and parents
- Strict student drop off rules
- Stagger lunch/playtimes so there are smaller crowds
- Frequently cleaning of classrooms and public spaces
- Send staff/students home who are in any way feeling unwell
- Teach students to sneeze into their elbow or tissue and dispose of straight away and then wash hands
- Social distancing when lining up for class
- Arrangements of classrooms to allow for social distancing
Looking To The Future
The way individual schools handle students returning is going to have big impacts on the future. Ultimately keeping students, parents and teachers safe while providing top-quality education is everyone’s common goal.
We specialise in promotional products for schools and custom gifts to show appreciation and have an experienced team on hand that is ready to provide you with solutions. Talk to one of us instantly by calling on 1300 303 717 or contacting us online. We can give suggestions for back to school gifts or rewards you can offer students.
Not all bad, there seems to be a silver lining to the situation. Schools have been “thrown into the deep end” with remote learning capabilities which is only going to allow for opportunities in the future for remote learning. It’s also going to better educate kids about the importance of washing their hands and thus help combat other contagious illnesses.
Matt has spent over eight years in Australia’s promotional products industry. As part of the Promotion Products marketing team, he manages product catalogues and content, keeping brands up to date with what’s new and what works. A contributor to the APPA Magazine, Matt brings practical insight into how quality merch helps businesses stand out.