Principal's message 

Dear parents and carers,

In the coming weeks students will return to school on the following days:

• Monday 18th, Tuesday 19th & Wednesday 20th October– Foundation students
• Thursday 21st & Friday 22nd October– Grade one and two
• Tuesday 26th & Wednesday 27th October – Grade 3/4
• Thursday 28th & Friday 29th October – Grade 5/6

You can stay up to date by looking at the calendar in Compass with your child’s return date and days onsite. When your child is not onsite, they will be learning online.

Student health and safety in the classroom

Teachers will be working closely with children to re-establish routines and ensure they are washing their hands and using hand sanitiser which will be available in every classroom. Children will also be reminded not to share food. The school’s cleaning team are responsible for daily cleaning, including high touch points such as desks, door handles and toilets.

COVID-19 Safety Plan

All Victorian schools have a plan in place to ensure we are complying with health and safety regulations at all times. I have attached the plan for you to download and read if you wish. More information is available on DET website. 

Staff vaccinations

Thank you to all staff who have taken vaccinations very seriously and have provided the school with their vaccination certificate. DET have introduced a new process whereby all staff must upload their vaccination certificate centrally. I am pleased to report that 100% of staff who are returning to school next week have had the jab.

Parents and carers do not enter the building or grounds

At drop off and pick up time, parents are asked to stay outside the school gates. We will have staff members there to remind parents about this. Our plan is to minimise the number of adults in the building and grounds at all times. If you need to speak to the office, please call and a staff member will meet you in the car park.

Entry and exit gates for F/1 and Grade two students

At drop off and pick up time, Foundation and grade one students will use the George St gates only. A staff member will be there to escort your child into the building via the door that is next to the soccer field. At 3:30pm please collect your child from the soccer field.

Grade two students will enter and exit the grounds via Napier St and a staff member will be there to guide your child to their entrance under the external metal stairs next to their classroom. At 3:30pm please collect your child from the basketball court.

Mask wearing for parents, carers and children

Parents and carers must wear a mask at all times. It has been recommended that children in grades F-2 wear a mask at school however it is not mandatory. If you would like your child to wear a mask during the day, please communicate this to your child and their teacher. The school has not yet received child size masks from DET, please supply your child with their own mask. 

QR codes

All adults who need to enter the building (parents, contractors, deliveries) must scan and check-in using the school’s QR code. You can find the QR code on the front door of the school, or on the wall outside the office.

Devices and learning packs

There is no need to return your child’s iPad, laptop or learning pack at this stage. Children are continuing to learn remotely and will need access to materials that the school has provided. If you require additional materials, please contact your child’s teacher.

Hats on in Term Four

Don’t forget to pack a hat in your child’s schoolbag with their name on it! We will be using outdoor learning spaces as much as possible in term four. Your child will also be playing outside during recess and lunchtime. You may also wish to put sunscreen on at the start of the day and put a tube in your child’s back for later in the day.   

You can buy a hat for your child at the gate in the morning, no cash please.

Timetable for classroom teachers and specialists

To minimise the number of adults in the building, your child’s timetable will be different. Your child will have one teacher for the full day. French and English classes will still run. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, specialist classes will run and a timetable has been put together so that children participate in Visual Arts, Performing Arts, STEM and PE. A timetable will be published before Monday.

Children’s personal items

We ask that you please keep any toys, games or personal items at home so that children are keeping their hands clean and healthy. 

Staying up to date

Please continue to check Compass to stay up to date with important information. SMS messages will continue to be used by the school. 

As always, thank you for supporting our school and please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need to discuss this further.

Angela Richmond

Principal

Fitzroy Primary School