Associate Principal, Operations Report

I noted an article in last Saturday’s “Age” newspaper which contained some comments which resonated with me.  John McDuling wrote:

“The most useful advice this week about the novel coronavirus spreading across the planet was not really advice at all.

“Jurgen Klopp, the manager of Liverpool Football Club, was asked in a press conference midweek whether he was worried about the spread of COVID-19 and the potential impact of the outbreak on his high-flying team.

“Klopp, doing something famous people seem less and less inclined to do these days, dismissed the question, citing a lack of expertise on the underlying issue.

“’Look, what I don’t like in life is that (for) a very serious thing, a football manager’s opinion is important.  I don’t understand it,’ Klopp told reporters

“’It’s not important what famous people say.  You have to speak about things in the right manner.  Not people with no knowledge, like me, talking about something.’”

Many opinions are aired and stories develop about all kinds of news events and, at this time particularly, stories about the coronavirus spread quickly.  Not all are from people with some understanding of the situation – as the decision by some folk to hoard toilet paper during the spread of an infectious virus that causes respiratory illness demonstrates.

The College, as the Principal has indicated and shown previously, is acting on advice and seeking to take decisions which are aimed at looking after the safety of our school and local communities.  We are monitoring health advice from the authorities.

We acknowledge that the situation is fluid but, at this moment, the following applies to those involved with the College:

1. Personal hygiene is important.  Hands need to be washed with soap and water regularly; sanitiser can be used when no soap is readily available; cough into elbows rather than hands; use tissues; avoid touching faces with fingers.
2. Anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms should stay at home.  Medical advice should be sought.
3. When it becomes available, have the “flu shot.”
4. Notify the College if you are intending to travel overseas to ascertain any restrictions which will be in place regarding a return to school once back in Australia.  Contact the school on return to check that the situation has not changed and to confirm return to school arrangements.
5. Similarly, take action to self-isolate if you believe you have been in a situation where you have been in close contact with someone likely to be carrying the virus.
6. Be aware that lesson content and advice remain available to students electronically if they are prevented from being at school.

In addition, remain informed … by the right sources of information!

Neil MacLean