School Council Update

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Re:  Keeping students safe on their return to school 

As we look forward to a return to onsite learning, School Council is committed to ensuring that our classroom environments are as safe as possible. 

One of the school’s key strategies relates to increasing air quality in classrooms. To this end, more than $25,000 has been spent this year refurbishing external windows in classrooms to promote cross-ventilation. 

Research also clearly indicates the benefits of using air purifiers to mitigate the risk of COVID-19. You can read here about the effectiveness of air purifiers. 

As a result, School Council agreed in August to investigate the purchase of HEPA air purifiers for teaching spaces and staff areas. Following extensive research, including consultation with medical professionals within our school community, $65,000 was allocated at last month’s meeting to purchase 55 HEPA air filters, the first batch of which arrive this week. 

School Council believes our proactive decision is in the very best interests of our school community – especially in the context of surging state-wide demand for purifiers as restrictions ease. The State Government this month announced it would commence a rollout of air purifiers to schools - however, its limited scope does not ensure a purifier for every classroom. 

School Council’s decision prioritises the safety and wellbeing of our students, families and staff. But it does come against a backdrop of significant pressure on school finances caused by the pandemic’s impact on fundraising activities. As a result, the cost of the purifiers will be met by reducing budget allocations to furniture procurement, classroom budgets and technology upgrades. 

The pressure on our budget means we are now reaching out to families who may be able to donate even a small amount to help offset this unexpected cost. 

If you would like to donate please click here. 

As always, your support of our school is greatly appreciated. 

Sincerely, 

Brian Bird, 

School Council President