St Brigid's Primary School - Welcome to 2024

from Mr Russo

Letter to Families

12 March 2020

 

Dear Parents,

Re:      Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) - Update

Our first priority at St Brigid’s is the health and safety of our school community. I want to reassure you that our school is well informed and well-prepared for the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus).

We are being provided with the latest advice from the Australian and Victorian Chief Medical Officers by the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria Ltd to ensure that our school practices are helping to keep our school community safe from the outbreak.

Any incidents that arise will be addressed in accordance with our Critical Incident and Emergency Management Plan. We will also have access to resources and support from Catholic Education Melbourne and the Department of Health and Human Services.

As parents, you have a critical role in helping the school manage this situation:

  • Exercise good judgment by keeping children home if they are feeling unwell for any reason
  • Talk to children about the situation, as they may be feeling anxious or stressed. You have a key role in helping students feel prepared and safe
  • Encourage children to be proactive and committed to their schoolwork, and to stay connected with the school and their teachers.

The Department of Health and Human Services has a number of resources on its website, which explains the virus, details risk-reduction practices and behaviours, and answers frequently asked questions. These are available at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

You can also find information about Catholic education’s response at http://www.cecv.catholic.edu.au/Coronavirus-information-for-parents

This is an evolving situation, but we will keep you updated as soon as changes occur.

I ask that you continue to work closely with the school and to contact my office should you have any concerns.

As this stage our school will continue to operate as per normal but we want to remind our students to protect themselves against Coronavirus by observing standard hygiene practices. We are currently following the advice and implementing best practice supplied by the Australian and Victorian Chief Medical Officers as directed by the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria Ltd.

Posters have been put around the school as a reminder of best hygiene practice:

  • Wash your hands immediately after blowing your nose, and before eating.
  • Soap and water is the best method, however if not available hand sanitiser should be used.
  • Avoid touching your mouth, nose & eyes.
  • Cough into your elbow, not your hands if tissues are not available.
  • Wash hands thoroughly after going to the toilet.

 

The likelihood of a person needing to stay away from school, whether a student or a staff member, to self-isolate, because they have been directly or indirectly in contact with a person who has the virus is increasing as reported in the media and via various medical experts. Postponement or cancellation of activities and the possibility of a period of school closure may be actions we need to undertake or be mandated to undertake in regards to compliance with the advice we receive.

 

I have attached the following websites for your information.

 

 

The well-being of your child continues to be of paramount importance to myself and our school staff. I will continue to share information and advice about the coronavirus outbreak and any adjustments to our plans here at St Brigid’s as it becomes available.

 

Thank you for your support as we work together to keep our students safe.

 

Yours Sincerely,

 

Michael Russo

PRINCIPAL