Principal’s Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

Once again, we have a level of uncertainty in our lives with COVID literally right on our doorstep. As always, the health and wellbeing of our students and staff is at the forefront of our actions and we will continue to monitor the situation and be guided by advice from the Catholic Schools Office and NSW Health. At this stage, our current Level Two restrictions will continue to be enforced which are the same as they have been this term. However, with an evolving situation, that advice may change quickly and with little notice. 

Last night, families were sent a communication from Mr Chris Smyth, Director of Catholic Schools. Mr Smyth’s letter outlined the stay-at-home requirements for families that have been in either Newcastle and the Greater Hunter region or in the Armidale LGA. Please note, attending school or work is a reasonable excuse to leave home if you are subject to stay at home orders. However, we are requesting that you obtain a negative COVID test result before returning to school. These test results must be sent to the school for your file. 

Overnight, there were some exposure sites listed in Tamworth and I would recommend keeping a close eye on those lists to ensure you and your family have not been exposed at these venues. In addition to this, it has been announced today that Tamworth will move to stay at home orders from 5.00pm this evening. If you have been in Tamworth since Thursday 5 August, these orders also apply to you. Once again, we request that you get a negative COVID test before returning to school. 

Please continue to be vigilant in looking out for cold and flu symptoms. If your child has any at all, please keep them home and get them tested as soon as possible. We still require to see your negative test results before returning to school. 

If you are notified of a positive test result, please contact us at school so that we can put in place our health and safety protocols. 

Throughout this year, we have continued to increase cleaning hours to minimise the risk of spread of disease. We will continue to remind students about good hand hygiene and stock the sinks with plenty of soap for hand washing. However, you are welcome to send in a small bottle of personal hand sanitizer for your child if you wish. 

Unfortunately, the current COVID situation has forced the postponement of the Diocesan Athletics Carnival this Friday. An alternative date will be set in the near future. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time of uncertainty. If you have any questions or concerns at all, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at school. I am away from school today due to being in Armidale last week for the Principal’s Meeting, but I am hopeful of being able to return to school soon on receipt of a negative test result.

On a more positive note, we would like to welcome Miss Chelsea Wheeler to Sacred Heart who is doing her work placement with us for the next 3 weeks. We hope her experience is a great one!

Take care of yourself and your loved ones.

Nick