Principal's Chat

Good afternoon OLSC families   

It seems almost unreal that we are over half way through the term!  There are just 4 weeks to go. 

Learning Conversations

On Monday 19th June 2023 and Tuesday 20th June we will be holding learning conversations.  Families are asked to book in for these conversations with their child's teacher.  These conversations will take place on Monday 19th June during the normal school day and so students will not have school on this day.  On Tuesday the 20th the conversations will take place after school.  

Crossing Supervisor 

I am sure that many of you have noticed that Lucy has ben absent from the crossing on Howqua Way.  Lucy has been unwell and I am pleased to let everyone know that she on the mend and likely to return next week.  

Thank you to everyone that let us know when the crossing has not been 'manned' so that I could adorn the high vis and oversee the safe arrival and departure of our students.  

Current Guidelines for COVID Cases 

Facemasks:

Staff and students who wish to wear a face mask should be supported to do so, and schools should continue to make face masks available for staff, students and visitors.

The Department of Health recommends that masks should be worn by a person who is a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 when leaving home.

Additionally, the Department of Health recommends that masks should be worn by a person who has COVID-19 for at least 7 days after a positive test when they need to leave home.

Infection prevention and control:

All staff, students and visitors to schools should practise good hand hygiene, particularly on arrival to school, before and after eating, after blowing their nose, coughing, sneezing or using the toilet. Staff should direct or supervise young students where required.

Management of suspected cases of COVID-19 in schools:

A staff member, student or visitor who is symptomatic should be recommended to undergo testing for COVID-19. Parents of students who are symptomatic will be asked to collect their child from school and to keep them home until they are no longer symptomatic.

Managing a confirmed case of COVID in schools

The Department of Health recommends that a person who tests positive to COVID-19 report that result to their employer, school and household.

Where a student or staff member is identified as a positive case Parents/carers should should notify the school.  

Students who report a positive result are recommended to isolate for a minimum of 5 days and not attend school until their symptoms have resolved. 

We appreciate your support with the above.

Unprecedented Student Illness 

In the last couple of weeks we have recorded high numbers of students absences.  I appreciate that many families are keeping students at home if they are unwell, however we have had quite a few cases of sick students attending school that have been dosed up on medication or asked to 'see how you go'.  If there is any doubt that your child is well enough to attend school, please err on the side of caution and keep them home.  

Stay well this winter!

Symptoms of influenza (flu) can hit very quickly and may last several weeks. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting the flu. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended from mid-April each year and is free under the National Immunisation Program for those at higher risk of complications from the flu. 

Parents, carers and students are encouraged to practice prevention measures, including: washing and sanitising hands regularly, avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, staying home if unwell and consulting a general practitioner (GP) or Nurse-on-call as required and staying up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. 

Flu vaccinations can be booked through GPs and pharmacies, many of which can also provide COVID-19 vaccinations. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over. Some people are more at risk of complications from flu and are eligible for free vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program. 

National Simultaneous Storytime

On Wednesday 24th May, National Simultaneous Storytime was held in schools across Australia. This yearly event is an initiative that celebrates Australian authors, illustrators and publishers and this year, the book that was chosen was The Speedy Sloth by Rebecca Young. At OLSC on this day, the students listened to the story of Spike the sloth and participated in a variety of tasks from colouring, illustrating and creating their own digital sloths. It is a wonderful story that celebrates having a positive attitude and showing persistence no matter what lies ahead of us.

Colour Run  

On Friday June 9th we are having our school Colour Run.  Please see the flier below for inofrmation regarding our Colour Run.  At today's assembly students were very eager by the chance to slime Amanda, John and myself.   

Is Your Child in Year 5? - please read! 

If your child is in Year 5 and you plan for them to attend MacKillop in Year 7 in 2025 it is time to start the enrolment process with the college.  

Enrolment applications for Year 7, 2025 close on Friday August 18th.  

Manor Lakes Library 

The library should not be utilised as a free after school care care.  Many of families meet at the library after school which is a great idea and very convenient, however the centre should not be used as an after school care for students while they wait for parents to collect.  If your child/children are using the library they should be supervised by a family member or carer.  There have been some unfortunate incidents reported from library staff that have involved both OLSC and Manor Lakes College students.  Please keep this in mind when making arrangements for your children after school.  

Community Sporting Opportunity 

Please see the community section of the newsletter for some information regarding junior football and T-Ball opportunities.  

Have a great weekend, stay safe and see you all next week.  

Justin and all of the staff at OLSC