Covid Update
Similar to many communities, we have seen an upsurge of COVID cases in the past week or two. This is consistent with predictions and advice from NSW Health. They indicate that there is likely to be a short-term increase in numbers and ‘bursts’ of infections in certain areas at certain times.
Health have also advised that there are other conditions prevalent that manifest the same symptoms but may not be COVID. A flu season is predicted for 2022.
It remains that if your child is sick with any flu-like symptoms, please use the provided RAHT kits to test. If your child tests positive or is symptomatic, keep them away from school until well. Even if negative, students should not come to school with cold symptoms. The cooperation of the school community to get to the end of term is much appreciated.
Expedition Information for Secondary Parents
We ask that all students (and staff) conduct a rapid antigen test (RAT) on the morning of their departure for expedition.
No one should go on their expedition if:
- Their RAT shows a positive COVID result
- They have been diagnosed with COVID 19 in the previous 7 days
- They are in a period of 7 day isolation as directed by NSW Health
- Have flu like symptoms
- Have a temperature above the normal range (greater than 37.5o C)
If late withdrawal is necessary due to any of the above, parents are asked to inform the expedition leader by phoning the school.
Expedition participants will be required to wear a mask while in vehicles (including bus trips to and from the expedition site). In some cases, while in communal indoor spaces the wearing of masks will also be required. Students should bring a mask.
Please note that some venues may require students and staff to undergo RAT testing at the commencement of the program. If there are participants displaying COVID symptoms, staff may ask that an RAT test be administered. If you do not give permission for this to take place, please contact Mr Mark Doran (Deputy Principal) in the next few days to discuss this.
Also note that in some circumstances, if your child is suspected of having COVID or a RAT provides a positive result, you may be called upon to collect your child from the expedition venue.
Thank you for working with us to keep everyone as safe as possible.
Additional information will be provided in an email for parents of students in Year 10.
Covid letter from the Federal Department of Health
Dear Principal
We are writing as the Chief Medical Officer and Coordinator-General of the National COVID Vaccine Taskforce to thank you for your help to date supporting the national vaccine rollout and to seek your assistance to improve COVID-19 vaccination rates amongst school children.
Australia is one of the most highly vaccinated countries in the world. Around 95 per cent of Australian adults are fully vaccinated. Over 50 per cent of 5 to 11 year old children have received a first dose. This is ahead of vaccination rates in other countries but there is more we can do to ensure our children and our community stays protected.
As leaders in your community, we are seeking your support to promote and encourage uptake of COVID-19 vaccines by children. In addition to supporting children to receive first doses, we also want to remind children and parents that may now be due for their second dose; available 8 weeks after the first.
COVID-19 vaccines are a safe way to protect children, their families and friends from getting sick. Currently two vaccines are available – Pfizer for 5-11 year olds and Moderna for 6-11 year olds.
Vaccines reduce potential disruptions to learning, allowing children to continue to attend school and extracurricular activities. Vaccines have been through a rigorous testing and approval process and it is critical that we stress to parents the safety of getting a vaccine.
Schools are a key foundation in strong and connected communities. I am hoping for your support to promote COVID-19 vaccines to the parents of children attending your school. I have attached a fact sheet and a draft letter which could be distributed to parents. The Vaccine Clinic Finder can be used to book a vaccination appointment for children, and more resources are available on the Department of Health website at: www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/who-can-get-vaccinated/children
