Principal's Report
Dear Parents and Carers
As we enter the second half of term 4 we are planning for the usual events that conclude the current year but also those that will set your child up for a successful 2021. As is continually the case this year, we are looking at how we can make these events as effective as possible while abiding by the ever-changing restrictions.
For our students graduating from primary and secondary school our ceremonies will proceed as day events on Friday, 4th December (Year 12) and Friday, 11th December (Year 6). All students will be involved in our Orientation Day on Tuesday, 8th December. As far as practicable, the students will move to the classroom they will be in and be taught by the teacher they will be with next year. Families of those students who are either new to the school, or will be changing sections, will be sent specific information regarding this via Compass in coming weeks. The following day Wednesday, 9th December will be a Curriculum (Pupil Free) Day during which school staff will be planning for 2021.
The focus for our school has been on re-establishing routines for our students, engaging them in their learning and building connections with their peers and teachers. The attendance has generally been very good and we are extremely pleased with the way that the majority of our students have settled back into schooling.
Please see below a message from Victoria’s Chief Health Officer.
Chief Health Officer Message for Parents or Carers of School-Aged Children
Dear parents, carers and guardians,
As students in both mainstream and specialist settings recommence on-site learning in Term 4, I want to thank you all for your efforts during this challenging time. I also want to reassure you that the health, wellbeing and safety of children, young people and those involved in their education continues to be of paramount importance.
Throughout the pandemic we have closely monitored the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on schools; the strategies that can be implemented in schools to reduce risk; and the health impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on children and young people, including those with a disability or complex medical condition.
Research by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute found that coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission in schools is uncommon when community transmission is low. A summary report of these findings is available to read.
With declining case numbers in the community, I am confident that the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission in mainstream and specialist schools is very low, when we have in place a range of health and safety measures.
The health and safety measures recommended for schools focus on the strategies we know are most effective. These include ensuring unwell staff and students remain home, good hand hygiene, enhanced cleaning and wearing face masks (only mandatory for those 12 years and over attending high schools). Temperature screening is not currently recommended for schools, given low levels of community transmission. I encourage you to read the health and safety advice for schools for further information on what schools are doing to keep students and staff safe.
The most important thing I ask of every family this term is to keep your child home from school if they have even the mildest coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms and to get tested as soon as possible. Staying home when unwell is one of our strongest measures to limit the spread of the virus. For more information on what to do if your child is unwell, see this fact sheet.
The good news is that evidence continues to show that children are less impacted by the virus, and are less likely to develop severe illness. Additional advice for families has been developed for those with medical vulnerabilities to support decision making about on-site learning at this time.
Working together to implement COVIDSafe strategies, I am confident Victoria’s students can continue to safely attend school throughout Term 4.
Adj Clin Prof Brett Sutton
Victorian Chief Health Officer
Principal Award - Daniel Thompson
Daniel has approached all tasks this year with an enthusiastic attitude and has completed his work in the required time and to a very high standard. Daniel always has a smile on his face and is always looking for ways to strengthen relationships, encourage others and support people when needed.
During remote learning, Daniel did an exceptional job of completing all of the tasks set for him and appeared in all of the class video calls. Daniel contributed to the final year 12 Integrated Unit called ‘Giving Back’, by choosing to be a part of the ‘art’ group. Daniel is a very capable student who has proved he is ready for life after school. Daniel should be proud of all he has achieved while at Concord School.
Keep up the great work Daniel and well done!
Principal
Jason Coningsby