The Reason for this Special Newsletter

As we all know the situation regarding the global pandemic - Coronavirus has escalated exponentially. I hope that by providing this additional special edition newsletter to families will provide accurate information that is free of speculation. I will be producing this newsletter twice weekly - Monday and Wednesday, until the end of term. This will be in addition to our main newsletters each fortnight.

The information I will be sharing with the community will be directly from the Department of Education and Training (DET). I hope you find this special newsletter and others to come helpful as we enter an uncertain and stressful time for all our communities - global.

Coronavirus Update as of Monday 16th March

, * As of today Premier Daniel Andrews implemented 'A State of Emergency'.

* There are no school closures other than those schools which have implemented this action mainly non-government schools.

* Federal and State governments have not advised schools to close; refer message below on school closures.

* We highly recommend families visit the relevant website, such as the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) to obtain relevant and up to date information.

What are We Doing at Newlands PS?

* Latin Fiesta Cancelled - For those who missed last weeks newsletter we have cancelled the fiesta as it would in all probability exceeded the definition of a gathering.

*Classroom furniture - Students tables and chairs will be sprayed and wiped twice daily to minimise the spread of the virus. This will be carried out by staff before lunch eating time and at the end of the day. We welcome volunteers who could be available to assist and reduce the extra work load on staff.

*Doors and benches - Will be regularly wiped down to reduce bacterial build up and possible infection.

*Student Toilets - All toilet areas especially the boys and girls toilets display posters to help children to understand the message of better hygiene practices. There is and has been soap dispensers operating in the student toilets and they are all full and in working order, as do the taps, I have checked them.

*School assembly - We have now cancelled assemblies until further notice. This action is our decision and is not at the direction of DET. We feel where we can, we should minimise social gatherings.

*School meetings - For the remainder of the term we will only be operating staff briefings to restrict social gatherings

*Other meetings - Meetings where parents attend, such as curriculum meetings and others are cancelled until further notice. We expect to resume normal business in term two.

*Newlands Before & Aftercare - Will be operating as usual. As part of the school we know it's is important to provide this service for families who have no other way of having child/ren cared for out of school hours.

* Incusions/Excursions - DET has directed all schools not continue with these until further notice. For us that means the remainder of our interschool sports season does not continue. If there are incursions/excursion planned for term two then they will only happen if DET lifts the restrictions.

* Curriculum Delivery - As many of you who have children in the 4/5/6, the students use Microsoft Teams as part of the daily learning. We intend upskilling all teachers in preparation for possible restricted school access in term two.

* Outbreak at school - If we do have an outbreak at school be it a staff member or student, I, as the principal will inform DET of the situation. It is DET which implements the protocols and procedures. As principal my role is to pass on information to the relevant authorities not make decisions on behalf of DET or DHHS.

* Hand sanitisers - While we would like to provide this option the availability is near impossible and what is available is being directed to other priority areas of the community. I have been advised by medical practitioners that only alcohol based hand sanitisers are effective, and that soap and water is still the best option.

What Can You Do?

* Reinforce the message around hygiene with your child/ren.

* If your child is showing symptoms or if a family member is showing signs of flu like symptoms we would ask that you keep your child home.

* When informing the school of an absence please do not use coronavirus as a reason unless you or your child is officially in self imposed quarantine as advised by a medical expert. We recommend indicating parent choice (illness) as your reason for the absence.

* If you or family member has been identified with coronavirus please immediately contact the school so we can inform the relevant authorities.

* Base all your decisions on the evidence not on what would pass as the here say others or popular media. If there ever was time to listen to the science, it's now.

Department of Education & Training - 16/03/2020

School Closures

On 13 March, the Prime Minister announced a number of measures that all Premiers agreed to, on the basis of the advice from Australia’s Chief Medical Officer and Chief Health Officers of the states and territories.

All non-essential planned gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled from 16 March.

These measures do not include the closure of early childhood services, schools or higher education institutions.

Closures will be made on the recommendation Victoria’s Chief Health Officer. Once this occurs, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will inform the Department of Education and Training, and we will then work with the school, service or institution to implement the closure.

Newlands Fortnightly

Issue 6 · 16 Mar 2020

In this issue