According to the World Health Organisation, the COVID19 epidemic within Australia is currently classified as out of control.

P&C at North Sydney Boys High School wants air purifiers with HEPA filters to be installed in every classroom prior to the start of Term 1. This is to reduce the risk of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. These are to be used as a complementary protective measure, alongside other measures such as open windows, vaccination, RATs, mask use etc. Despite several attempts to consult with DoE, School Principal, SafeWork NSW, local MPs and Minister for Education, no reasonable explanation has been given for the ongoing refusal to allow the use of already purchased (using parent funds) Air Purifiers. No evidence of a proper risk assessment has been produced to give parents any comfort that classrooms are safe.

The P&C has explained that students at the school are over 90% CALD. Many of them have lost family members to COVID-19 in their countries of origin and therefore do not share the Department’s or the Minister’s cavalier approach to public health. Many of the students live in extended families and are worried about the mortal risk to elderly or infant family members should they bring the virus home from school.

As a selective school, the students do not live locally. Almost everyone travels by at least one bus and one train to get to school. This adds to parental concern as they have an increased likelihood of contracting COVID-19 this way and transmitting it unwittingly at school.

There is an autism unit within the school. The literature suggests these children are at increased risk because many won’t wear a mask or cannot wear them comfortably due to sensory issues. They are also at increased risk of negative outcomes/worse prognosis once they contract COVID-19.

The P&C has purchased at its own expense 40 air purifiers. These are Samsung AX90T7080, the same model supplied to Victorian schools.

The Department of Education has obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act to do everything reasonably practicable to prevent injury to the students (s 19(2)).

Workers, including the Principal, have an obligation under the Work Health and Safety Act to take reasonable care that his or her acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons (s 28).

Obstructing the P&C from installing air filters is a breach of the Principal’s and the Department’s duty of care and statutory duties.

This is also a breach of children's rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), in particular respect for the best interests of the child as a primary consideration.

Parents are demanding a  safe, healthy and positive environment for their kids at school.