Especean

Deputy Principal

A big thank you for your continuing efforts in supporting our school and students during the pandemic – especially prioritising safety and learning. 

 

The Premier and Minister for Education recently announced changes to school settings for the remainder of Term 1. These updated settings were developed in close consultation with NSW Health and key stakeholders to ensure we continue to keep our schools open for learning, while keeping up with changing community settings.   

 

The following changes are due to come into effect:

  • We will continue the use of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) for twice-weekly testing of students and staff until Friday 25 February.
     
  • From Monday 28 February, we will move to symptomatic testing. Tests are to be used at your discretion such as if your son is symptomatic or there are cases in their class/cohort. Our school will provide each student and staff member with four tests this Friday 25 February during homeroom. We will distribute an additional four tests per student and staff member once the second delivery has arrived at the College.
     
  • For some excursions and activities, the College may deem it appropriate to have students undertake a RAT if the risk of transmission is high. 
     
  • Beyond that, students and staff can access PCR tests or buy their own Rapid Antigen Tests. 
     
  • Should a student test COVID-positive, the Principal needs to be notified and the result lodged with Service NSW.  He will need to isolate for seven days. If there is a household contact who tests positive, this will mean all students in that household need to isolate for seven days (unless they were COVID-positive within the last 28 days).
     
  • Should a student present to the Health Centre with COVID-19 symptoms, parents will be contacted to collect their son. No student should be sent to school if they exhibit any symptoms. These include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell/taste, muscle/joint pains, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting, extreme tiredness, unexplained chest pain or conjunctivitis (eye infection).
     
  • Students isolating at home may be well enough to engage with their learning. Where possible and practical, teachers will lodge work on CANVAS and invite the student to class using a Teams link. A Teams link may not be appropriate for some classes (Practical classes, examinations, etc). Teachers will keep in contact with your son.
     
  • ALL STUDENTS - From Monday 28 February, students from Year 5 to 12 no longer need to wear a face mask. However, those who wish to continue to use them will be supported to do so. Face mask will be required for any student 12 years and over who travels by public transport.
     
  • FOR SECONDARY - From Monday 28 February, staff who teach or work with secondary school students do not have to wear a mask in their presence. However, those who wish to continue to use them will be supported to do so. 
     
  • FOR PRIMARY – Due to the lower vaccination rates of children in primary school, staff who work with students in the Junior School will continue to wear a mask until Monday 7 March. The mask mandate also applies to all parents, visitors and volunteers connected to the Junior School. However, those who wish to continue to use them will be supported to do so.
     
  • Co-curricular Activities: The current COVID-19 restrictions for indoor activities (limit of two spectators, mandatory face masks) will continue this weekend. There will be no restrictions for spectators from Saturday 4 March.
     
  • From Monday 28 February, visitors can be allowed back on school sites by appointment during the school day. Our school will consider activities such as assemblies, parent-teacher meetings, and other gatherings in the coming days. We will let you know if these can proceed with our school in a COVID-smart way. All visitors are asked to follow our usual sign-in and sign-out process if you are coming in to visit Accounts or meet a teacher during the school day. 
     
  • The Canteen will resume full operations before school, recess, and lunch from Monday 28 February. Parents can still use Flexischools to order food for their son(s).
     
  • The Uniform Shop will resume normal operations. See the Uniform Shop page in this newsletter for trading hours.
     
  • Our College will continue to ensure our layered COVID-smart measures are in place, including maximising natural ventilation in learning spaces, continued good hand hygiene practices and enhanced cleaning.

Adrian Byrne

Deputy Principal