The Newlands Times

Letter to Parents

CONTACT TRACING COMPLETE AND SCHOOL RE-OPENING

 

LETTER FOR PARENTS AND CARERS

 

Dear Parents and Carers 

 

I’m writing to update you about the situation at our school, after a contractor tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).

 

I’d like to thank the entire school community at the outset for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.

 

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), as the lead health agency, has now completed its risk assessment and has advised the school it can reopen from Monday, 13 July, 2020, after appropriate cleaning was completed.

 

You would be aware of recent announcements about arrangements for the beginning of Term 3 for schools in the metropolitan Melbourne area and Mitchell Shire.  For our school community this means that the school holidays will be extended for a further week. Further details will be communicated on these arrangements including students who may require supervision and care on site.

 

As part of its investigation, DHHS has also identified people who have potentially come into close contact with the contractor who tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). It provided direct and specific advice to these individuals and their families about quarantine and looking after themselves.

 

If DHHS has not contacted you to advise that you or your child is a close contact of a coronavirus (COVID-19) case, you are not required to quarantine.

 

It is important that we all continue to monitor our own health and the health of our children daily during this time. If you or your child develops any symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath:

  • stay at home and do not attend school
  • seek medical advice – call ahead to alert your doctor about the confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) at the school and any symptoms before visiting, and take this letter with you
  • call the school to let us know.

More information regarding coronavirus and schools is available from the Department of Education and Training (DET) on the DET website or by contacting the DET coronavirus (COVID-19) hotline on 1800 338 663.

 

I am proud to belong to such a caring and supportive school community and I thank you for your understanding at this challenging time.

 

I ask you to please respect the contractor’s right to privacy.

 

The school will continue to work closely with both DET and DHHS during this time, and we wish the affected contractor a speedy and safe recovery.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Ross DudgeonPrincipal

Newlands Primary School