From the Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School
Safe school environment
In the last Newsletter, details were provided about a range of different measures taken to reduce the risk, as far as practicable, to the students and staff onsite at the College. In addition, the College has completed a number of comprehensive risk assessments in the lead up to the full return to onsite learning from Monday 25 May. These have been referenced against the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) Guidelines for Schools and checked by Marist School Australia to ensure they are in accordance with current health department advice.
One of the key measures in the risk assessment is the explicit requirement that students are not permitted to attend the College if they are unwell or displaying any cold or flu-like symptoms, including fever; runny nose; cough; sore throat; shortness of breath or muscle aches. A daily screening occurs in homeroom each day and students who display any of these symptoms will be directed to the Health Centre for further assessment. Depending on the outcome of this assessment, parents may be contacted and asked to collect their son or daughter so they can either attend a COVID-19 testing clinic or attend an appointment with their doctor. Students will be required to remain at home until test results are known or until they are medically fit to return to the College. These procedures are in accordance with the directives from NSW Health. A summary of this information is provided on the attached information sheet, accessed by clicking on the first link below. The other links provided additional information that may be helpful to parents.
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Documents/testing-clinics.pdf
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Documents/who-to-call.pdf
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Documents/easy-read-pho-directions.pdf
Bus and train travel
Given the recent announcement from the NSW Government regarding restrictions on passenger numbers on public transport, the College has sought and received further clarification from Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW). We have received the following information that confirms that school children will be given priority and not left behind at any transport stop.
The NSW Government’s COVIDSafe Transport Plan that was announced yesterday emphasises the need to maintain physical distancing on buses, trains, ferries and light rail. Distinctive green dots will be used on trains, buses and ferries to show passengers the safest places to sit and stand. A ‘No dot, no spot’ will see passengers asked to wait for the next service. Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has advised that school children will be given priority access to these servicesand students will not be left behind. Further details on the NSW Government’s COVIDSafe Transport Plan is available here.
In addition, TfNSW has initiated a twice-daily teleconference with CSNSW, other education sectors and other government agencies. This group is tasked with examining current operational issues and it provides an opportunity for CSNSW to raise issues and/or concerns, including in relation to private operators providing school travel. TfNSW has also deployed ‘Transport Commanders’ to attend congested transport hubs to alleviate community and transport provider concerns and provide support to schools if required.
The information sheet issued by Transport for NSW states that physical distancing does not apply to dedicated school bus services.
If parents and carers have any concerns, please communicate these to me and I will forward these onto the relevant agency for their information, advice and any action.
Busabout – Timetable Changes
We have been provided with updated bus timetables from Busabout that are effective from Monday 1 June. A copy of the updated timetable has been sent to all families and a copy is also available on the College Facebook page and Website.
Canteen
The canteen operation has been running smoothly and students have been observing the physical distancing and space requirements. However, with the full school returning next week, one way of reducing the length of lines is for students to make use of the online ordering system Flexischools to place orders for lunch. This will ensure more efficient service, provide certainty about what food is available, limit congestion and minimise wastage.
Paul Brooks
College Deputy Principal / Head of Senior School