From the Principal's Desk
Back to School: Operations Procedures
As announced by the Acting Premier and communicated to you all yesterday, all students will return to school tomorrow, Friday 11th June.
While this is wonderful news for everyone, there are some levels of restrictions and operations by which we need to abide.
So upon return tomorrow the following procedures will be put in place-
Stop Kiss and Drop
Stop, Kiss and Drop, signs will be reinstated at the front and the rear of the school.
In the mornings, children can be dropped off from 8:30 am (as usual), however, parents are not permitted past the 'Stop, Kiss and Drop' signs placed at each entrance.
In the afternoons, parents collecting children from the back of the school are permitted to space out in the Ormond Road playground. Parents collecting children from the front of the school are permitted to space out on the basketball court. Please observe the 1.5m SOCIAL DISTANCING RULE.
This is in an attempt to avoid congestion around the gate exits.
We would all love to stay around and have a chat but at this stage, it is just not appropriate. We ask that all families leave the school grounds promptly.
Please avoid multiple members of families coming onsite to collect children and please DO NOT GATHER AROUND CLASSROOM DOORWAYS.
Please give particular attention to reducing the risks associated with congregating at the school gates and please remember the 1.5m SOCIAL DISTANCING RULE
Don't forget, OSHClub (before and after school care) is available for all families to access.
No Access to Classrooms
As has been the case with our re-opening procedures in the past, families will not be permitted to enter our learning spaces (classrooms) at this stage. Communications are to be conducted electronically unless special circumstances dictate otherwise.
Stay Home when Unwell
The most important action school communities can take to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 is to ensure that any unwell staff and students remain at home and get tested, even with the mildest of symptoms.
Students with Underlying Conditions (such as hay fever or asthma)
If a student has persistent symptoms due to an underlying condition such as hay fever or asthma, the student should still be tested for COVID-19 if they develop symptoms that are different from or worse than their usual symptoms. Students whose symptoms are clearly typical for their underlying condition can continue to attend school. Parents/carers should also consider getting a medical certificate from the child’s treating GP to confirm that it is safe for them to attend school with persistent symptoms that may overlap with some of the symptoms of COVID-19 such as cough or runny nose.
Young Children with Persistent Mild Symptoms
Younger children (pre-school up to Grade 2) may have prolonged post-viral symptoms such as a runny nose or cough and may return to school following a negative COVID-19 test even if they are not completely free of symptoms. They will need a medical certificate from their GP to confirm they are otherwise well or have recovered from their acute illness. Any worsening of symptoms will require review and repeat COVID-19 testing, if considered appropriate by the doctor. Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (Ltd) School Operations Guide – Term 2, 2021 Page 11 states that students with a negative COVID-19 test whose symptoms have completely resolved do not need a medical certificate to return to the school.
Return of Devices
It is important that all families who have borrowed devices throughout this remote learning period, return them tomorrow so that they can be re-distributed to classes.
Chromebooks are to be returned to the front office. Please make sure the device has been cleaned (with disinfectant wipes) and is returned with its power cord.
Learning Expo
Due to current restrictions, our much-loved Learning Expo will once again be canceled. However... because our teachers and children are so creative and flexible we will present our learning as an Online Expo!
Stay tuned for further developments.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Alison Feely (Year 4W) who has been selected in the School Sport Victoria: State Swimming Team for 2021. We are super proud of her efforts.
Have a wonderful week
God bless
Anthony Hyde
(Principal)