Principal’s Patch 21/04/2021
WELCOME BACK
Welcome back to Term 2 everyone. It’s been great to see everyone looking so refreshed and relaxed after the Easter Holidays. The children have each grown 5cms taller since I saw them last and the sense of joy and energy pervading the classrooms this week has been uplifting. I have loved hearing their stories about their holidays, friends and even new dogs and pets! Holidays have been kind to my staff too – they look so fresh and enthusiastic. A big thanks to Mrs. Inglis, who together with Mrs. Amos and Mr. Buckingham supporting, have this school humming – it is such a joyful place to be! It is lovely to see our children enjoying the rich social interactions they missed out on last year and staff wise, great to see our new graduate teachers kicking goals and working so well with our experienced teams to ensure your child gets our best every day.
TERM 2 – COVID-19 PRACTISES
Until we have widespread vaccination of our community, the following conditions apply to staff and students given our numbers and high density:
Stay home when unwell
The most important action our community can take to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19, is to ensure that any unwell staff and students remain at home and get tested, even with the mildest of symptoms. This will be strictly enforced and students and staff presenting with symptoms will be sent home immediately.
Students and staff with underlying conditions (such as hay fever or asthma)
If a student or staff member has persistent symptoms due to an underlying condition such as hay fever or asthma, the student should still be tested for COVID-19 if they develop symptoms that are different to or worse than their usual symptoms.
Parents/carers and staff should also consider getting a medical certificate from their treating GP to confirm that it is safe for them to attend school with persistent symptoms that may overlap with some of the symptoms of COVID-19 such as cough or runny nose. Symptomatic staff and students may be sent home without this doctor’s certificate.
Young children with persistent mild symptoms
Younger children (pre-school up to Grade 2) may have prolonged post-viral symptoms such as a runny nose or cough and may return to school following a negative COVID-19 test even if they are not completely free of symptoms. They will need a medical certificate from their GP to confirm they are otherwise well or have recovered from their acute illness.
Any worsening of symptoms will require review and repeat COVID-19 testing, if considered appropriate by the doctor.
Students with a negative COVID-19 test whose symptoms have completely resolved do not need a medical certificate to return to the school.
Continuing Measures:
Hand hygiene remains one of the critical measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Hands should be cleaned with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser or washed with soap and water for 20 seconds. Teachers and Parents will continue to positively reinforce this behaviour at school and at home.
Students and staff should be encouraged to cough or sneeze into their elbow or a tissue.
Physical distancing should be encouraged where possible.
Density limits apply in office spaces and areas generally accessed by the public, such as reception. Please avoid congestion within the school and at entry points where feasible.
Cheers, Gary
