While the situation regarding COVID-19 continues to evolve, the Department of Education has established plans and a team to support us in schools. It is important that as a school community we apply common sense based on factual information and a practical approach to COVID-19.
As we address the challenges and changing state of the health restrictions/implications in place, we will endeavour to keep you updated.
We hope this provides you with key facts and reassures you.
Key messages:
- Who cannot attend school
The Prime Minister has introduced measures on ALL international arrivals into Australia from 9pm on Sunday 15 March requiring them to complete a mandatory 14 day self-isolation upon their arrival.
Students or staff who have been tested for COVID-19 should follow the advice of the WA Department of Health and stay away from school whilst awaiting results.
Students or staff also need to self-quarantine if they have been informed by public health authorities that they have been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus. They must isolate themselves for 14 days after the date of last contact with the confirmed case.
- School-based actions to promote health
We are ensuring students are separated at recess and lunch into groups of fewer than 500 students.
Our teachers are being very vigilant with students handwashing before eating and will continue to promote positive hygiene routines.
We are promoting handwashing with signs in all student toilet areas.
Our cleaners are engaging in more rigorous cleaning procedures before and after school.
- Home-based actions you can do to support health
We require families to support us by taking the following actions;
If your child is unwell please keep your child at home and let them recover before returning.
If your child presents at school unwell, you will be contacted to collect them.
If your child has a chronic medical condition or immunosuppression and may be at risk of disease, please consider special arrangements and work with your healthcare providers and follow their advice.
Be aware of the COVID-19 symptoms.
Access information from reliable sources (government sites).
- Changes to School Activities
School assemblies are cancelled until further notice.
The summer sport carnival for year 5 and 6 students, the year 6 camp and swimming lessons for years PP-4 are cancelled.
Incursions and excursions have been cancelled until further notice.
NAPLAN 2020 will not proceed.
All after and before school clubs are cancelled until further notice. This includes
- Lego Club
- Breakfast Club
- Journalism Club
- Year 5 Extension Club
- Jump Jam, and
- Choir
We will continue to review the school calendar of events and advise parents of any further changes.
Our Families and Schools Together (FAST) program will be cancelled.
- Temporary School Closure (if required)
Ensure your contact details are up-to-date.
Ensure you have access to Connect notifications (email).
If a WA school has to close due to a confirmed case, it will be on advice from the WA Health Department’s Chief Health Officer.
The Chief Health Officer will, if there has been a positive COVID-19 test result in our school, close our school temporarily while assessment and tracing of exposure is conducted. A thorough school clean will then be carried out to make the school safe for the return of students and staff.
In this situation the Department of Education will work with the school Principal to provide direct advice and support regarding the closure process and communication.
- Continuity of Teaching and Learning
Learning in classrooms will continue, as per usual.
- Wellbeing
We acknowledge that this is an anxious time for all our community members. Please extend kindness and respect to each other, as we interact in our school.
- Contact Details
Please ensure your contact details are up-to date.
Check you can receive messages through Connect.
We thank you all for your support at this time.
Glen Purdy