17 Mar 2020
To our School Community
Follow up regarding implemented COVID-19 measures
The school has been active in response to the Department of Education’s directive received yesterday regarding the implementation of measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.
We fully appreciate the urgency of the situation and it is vital that we continue to do all we can to support the health and wellbeing of our students and staff – and their families. Some of the changes implemented at the school have been:
· 150 Posters have been put up at strategic places around the school as visual alerts to wash hands, cover a sneeze, avoid anyone with cold and flu symptoms, and stay at home if unwell.
· Bathrooms are checked several times a day to ensure soap and paper towel is stocked up, and we request that if anything empties that students notify the office.
· Our WHS committee convened yesterday to address risk and implement procedures should we have a student or staff member that displays symptoms that may require to be diagnosed.
· Teachers are reminded that if they are unwell, that they are obliged to stay at home. We anticipate that this will result in increased staff absences and may have result in classes being covered by casual teachers (where available) or other available staff covering for unwell colleagues.
· Students have all had lessons in their Crew classes around practicing safe hygiene and minimizing contact.
· All excursions have been cancelled until further notice.
· On site visits from outside groups have been cancelled
· Alternatives to sporting activities are being finalized. Students in Years 8 to 10 will either partake in an outdoor activity or an indoor, alternating each week
· Door wedges are being set up on the outside door of all student bathrooms to hold the outer door open so that students don’t need to use hands to open upon entering and leaving. This will not impact on privacy.
· Counsellors are on hand for any students who are experiencing concerns regarding the current challenges.
The wellbeing of our school population is paramount and measures are being quickly implemented and enforced. However, it is vital that at a time where there is much distress experienced globally, we are also striving to provide as consistent, supportive and calm environment at possible for our young people.
Please be assured that we will continue to update our school community as to progress or changes. We appreciate your patience and understanding during such challenging times.
Keep well.
Yours sincerely
Carolyn Lasker
Principal