Now the colder weather is upon us, it is inevitable we are going to catch colds and different bugs from each other no matter what we do. The school staff remain vigilant with hygiene routines to keep our learning environments safe.
Over the past two weeks, influenza and various infections, including COVID-19, have been making many in our community unwell, including myself. It is essential that we all follow the instructions given by the doctor regarding the potential contagious periods. For example, returning to school while I was potentially still infectious would have put the students and teachers at risk. I am incredibly grateful for the community's understanding around absences, especially staff. Daily our care for students has been put under extreme pressure due to staff shortages, but we do our utmost to ensure our duty of care is covered, and students continue quality learning. I can't thank the whole team enough for their flexibility and willingness to fill in when needed. If you have any concerns regarding these matters or the return to school of your child after a period of illness, please speak to your child's teacher or make an appointment to talk with the principal.
Pupil Free Day
Friday, June 10, there is a Pupil Free Day and a reminder that Monday, June 13, is the Queen's Birthday Long weekend.
Face Masks
While masks remain recommended by the Chief Public Health Officer, from May 30, staff, parents, adult visitors, and secondary students are no longer required to wear masks when attending the school. Those who continue to choose to wear masks will be supported to do so. However, families are asked to note that masks continue to be required to be worn by those aged 12 years and over:
1. When riding on public transport; and
2. Who are close contacts, for 7 days after exposure, as per the SA Health close contact guidelines.
Additionally, face masks will be required to be worn in education settings where COVID-19 transmission reaches certain thresholds, based on SA Health advice. In these instances, face masks will be required to be worn indoors by students in Years 7-12 only and all staff and visitors in the school for 14 days. If we reach an outbreak threshold at our school, you will be advised of the dates required for face masks. Exemptions to mask-wearing will continue to be made for students or staff who have medical conditions, such as problems with breathing, a severe skin condition on the face, a disability, or a mental health condition.
COVID-19 Positive and Close Contacts Protocols
Thank you for continuing to support our school as we follow the SA Health advice and for your cooperation in keeping students home from school if they display even mild symptoms.
Asymptomatic close contacts must take five Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) over seven days and wear a mask when leaving home.
Close contacts who develop symptoms must get a PCR test and isolate until a negative result is received.
Mid-Term Intake and Enrolments for 2023
In the coming weeks, we are commencing meetings with parents for the Mid-term enrolment intake and Reception enrolments beginning in 2023. So far, it has been an absolute joy to see the excitement on the faces of the children as they start the process towards their first year of schooling. If there is anyone you know contemplating where to go next year for Reception, please let them know to contact the school to arrange an appointment. They won't be disappointed.
Kind Regards
Ros Oates
Principal
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