COVID-19 Update

UPDATE ON COVID-19 SITUATION IMPACT ON SCHOOL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

We would like to take this opportunity to connect with you and provide an update in relation to the impacts the current COVID-19 virus and situation will have on school events and activities.

 

We understand and appreciate that there are many questions within the community due to the dynamic nature of this global situation that is ever changing. To assist and answer some of the basic questions you may have, please find attached a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document we have developed for your reference.

 

As you are aware, the Australian Government has advised that all organised, non-essential static mass gatherings attended by more than 500 people must be cancelled from Monday, 16 March 2020.

 

While the announcement is very clear that schools will remain open (at this point in time, based on the information available), it would include activities such as concerts, formals, fairs, open days, assemblies etc needing to be assessed as to whether they proceed.

 

Schools have been advised to critically examine the need to hold events and gatherings and consider postponing those that aren't deemed necessary.

 

In light of advice from the Australian Government and Department for Education, Lockleys North Primary School has made the following decisions in relation to key events and school activities to ensure the health and safety of our community is our priority.

 

The following events have been postponed until further notice:

  • Sports Day
  • Cultural Awareness Week + Harmony Day (in class activities to continue)
  • Choir Cluster
  • Mellor Zoo Excursion
  • SA Water Incursion
  • Underdale Cup
  • School Assemblies

Please be aware all funds paid for any of the above outlined events and excursions will be credited to families school accounts and will be used once events are able to happen again.

 

Camps

We have critically examined whether or not the Year 7 Camp should proceed. Due to the remote nature of the camp and with the information we currently have, it has been decided to continue with Year 7 Camp.

 

Note, all other camps have been placed on hold until we have further information regarding the situation.

 

Hygiene

Schools play a vital role in assisting our communities to contain the virus. Personal hygiene and the hygiene standards in all schools are critical to reducing the risk of infection.

All students and staff MUST:

  • Wash their hands regularly, particularly upon arrival, before and after recess and lunch, before home time and after using bathrooms.
  • Avoid spreading infections to others by staying home if you are unwell.
  • Cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue or elbow.
  • Practice social distancing by holding off on handshakes, hugs, high fives. Instead try thumbs up and waves.

Keeping Students Home

Those families that choose to keep their children home due to COVID-19 and request work for their children, please be mindful that we are still operating and providing quality learning programs on site. Staff will endeavour to provide learning when time permits for students who are off site. If you are choosing this option please contact the school regarding your child's leave. 

 

Communication

We will continue to update you on emerging issues as they arise via email. In the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19 we will be notified by SA Health immediately and will follow their direction.

 

Parents, caregivers, staff and students will be informed by SMS as well as by email, about what is required. This will result in the school being closed for at least 24 hours to allow SA Health to determine who may have come into contact with the infected person and to determine the areas within the school which the person visited, and which requires cleaning.

 

During the school day tomorrow (Thursday 19th March) we will be sending a test SMS to confirm recorded mobile contact details. If you do not receive an SMS by 4pm, please email dl.0911.info@schools.sa.edu.au providing your name, student name and updated mobile contact as soon as possible.

 

Teaching and Learning

As a school we use GSuite (Google) as our Learner Management System to provide lesson notes, homework and assessment. PLTs are in the process of  sharpening our focus on the level of detail required to support student learning through this online platform.

 

We are currently preparing for the possibility of either a short or long-term closure. In the event of a short-term closure (24 to 48 hours) the GSuite will be the primary resource for student learning. If the school were to close for an extended period, we will activate our plan for remote teaching and learning through the GSuite. As a school we are in a strong position to provide learning for students if the school closes.

 

Term 2

In relation to planning for Term 2 and the rescheduling of events, we will address this as we are provided with further information. If you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to contact the school.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to publicly express my sincere appreciation for the professionalism and caring that LNPS staff are displaying with the students in this difficult time, as well as thank all parents and caregivers for being  patient and understanding.  Together with our children's resilience, we are all doing our best to adapt to the new challenges each day and to continue to provide excellent learning outcomes for our children.

 

Tyson