Principal's Message
COVID19 guidelines update
As you may be aware, the Department of Education released revised guidelines for school operation for the remainder of Term 3. These guidelines are in-line with current health advice and have been put in place to maintain the health and safety of the students and staff in public schools.
For Boorowa Central School this means the cancellation of upcoming excursions and sporting events which is very disappointing. I was very much looking forward to school life returning to normal and the students being able to represent the school again. Hopefully, Term 4 will see the restrictions ease.
We must continue to operate the student drop off/pick up-gate in Pudman Street and I must insist that if any parents need to enter the school grounds they do so through the main entrance and sign in at the office. We cannot have parental helpers at this time (excluding the canteen) and we must not hold parent functions.
More information can be accessed in the parent guide that has been included in this edition of the newsletter.
Student pick up in Dry Street
We have had several near misses in Dry Street in recent weeks with students going between buses to cross the street to be picked up. When running between buses it is impossible to see oncoming traffic and difficult for buses to see the children if pulling out onto the road. We cannot maintain the safety of these students if they cross in this area as staff are managing the students getting onto buses.
For the safety of our students, I would ask that parents pick up their children in Pudman Street or Brial Street. Students can walk through the bus bay gate and down to Brial Street to be picked up if waiting in the bus lines.
If you have any concerns regarding this, please give me a call at the school to discuss further.
Protecting Year 12 students from COVID-19
Year 12 students will now have their COVID-19 test result fast tracked through pathology. They simply need to advise the nurse or doctor doing the test they are HSC students.
Results will be fast tracked to reduce disruption to their studies and exams. We also want to reduce potential anxiety around getting tested and ensure students self-isolate at home until results are known. This will help protect the whole community.
It is important that all Year 12 students:
· Stay 1.5m apart where possible
· Wear a mask if physical distancing isn’t possible
· Get tested asap if they have even the mildest of symptoms
· Tell the clinician doing the test they are a Year 12 student and to mark the referral ‘Urgent - HSC student’
· Stay home and self-isolate until results are known
· Receive a negative test result before returning to school; showing the school a screenshot of an SMS result is sufficient
· Call the contact number provided by the clinic if results are not received within 36 hours
As social young adults, senior students may be at greater risk of COVID-19 than the younger children at school. They’re also more likely to be out and about in situations which could put them at risk of COVID-19 if they don’t stay vigilant.
Find the nearest testing clinic at:
www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics
School Excellence Cycle
All Department of Education schools have a new school report process called the School Excellence Cycle, replacing the school planning cycle. This 4-year cycle includes a Situational Analysis of the school, development of a Strategic Improvement Plan (SIP) with community consultation, implementation and monitoring and an annual review. I am currently working of the collection of data as part of the Situational Analysis and once this is complete, I will be looking for opportunities for parents and community members to have their say about the school. I will be activating a parent 'Tell Them From Me' survey and bringing the School Assessment Tool to P and C meetings each month for regular feedback. I look forward to gaining your perspectives to include in the SIP.