From the Principal's desk

We are well and truly settled into the term, and I am always amazed at how quickly the weeks pass.  We have been fortunate to have had only a few Positive Covid Cases in the first half of the term. However, we have recently seen an increase in cases, so I want to assure you our school is taking all COVIDSafe steps to keep students and staff safe. 

Your child's safety and wellbeing is our highest priority. We are keeping our school as safe as possible with a comprehensive list of safety measures such as RAT screening testing for students as well as teachers and support staff, maximising ventilation, promoting vaccination for students, requiring staff to receive a third dose of a Covid-19 vaccine and having clear processes to handle positive cases. 

No single measure ultimately reduces risk, and we are adjusting strategies over time in line with the changing risks of transmission in the community. However, the most important line of defence is that you continue to monitor your child for symptoms (please do not send your child to school if they are unwell) and test your child twice a week using the RAT.  A reminder that you may collect your child's RAT from the office or contact the office, and we will organise to have the test sent home with your child. 

As per departmental guidelines, teachers will provide families with learning activities that students can complete whilst they are in isolation if they are well enough to do so. However, the Department has advised that schools do not provide a remote learning program. Student wellbeing is a priority, and teachers and leadership are here to support your family. Miss Epskamp's article in the newsletter for this week will highlight our approach. 

We are learning to live with Covid-19 in our schools and our communities, and with this is an understanding that students and teachers will be absent from school due to Covid-19. Still, it is also important to remember that members of our community will continue to get sick from causes unrelated to Covid-19. Additionally, life has resumed for people in terms of attending weddings, holidays and other personal events that have been on hold for the past two years. 

Students returning from isolation can expect a warm welcome, and as always, our school values and expectations around treating one another with respect drive the culture in our classrooms. Please speak to your child's classroom teacher if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's wellbeing. 

Together we are better! I have to say that our staff are actively living our mantra Care, Connection and Commitment to the students and the school. I want to take this time to thank our wonderful staff for their agility and adaptability. 

Thank you all for partnering with us to support your children in their learning and in creating a positive and caring school community.