Coronavirus (COVID- 19) Update

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A message from St Peter’s Primary School, Inglewood

19 March 2020
Dear Parents

RE: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

I wish to update you with information and decisions made by St Peter’s regarding the Coronavirus.
This letter will also be posted on the School Website, under News, for future reference.

Community Support – I begin by thanking students, parents and staff for the overwhelming support of our school as we seek to positively respond to the challenges associated with the Corona Virus. We are working very closely with CEWA on all issues pertaining to COVID-19 and will follow their direction and that of the Government as far as is practicably possible.

School Closure – Whilst there has been reference to the possibility of school closures, St Peter’s is yet to receive any formal direction to close nor do we have any idea of the time when this might occur. The latest announcement by the Prime Minister was very clear on keeping schools open as long as possible. Any such closure would be under the direction of the Department of Health. In the meantime, St Peter’s has a developed a plan to facilitate the effective delivery of curriculum using the ‘Teams’ and ‘See Saw’ Digital platform. I congratulate our dedicated staff for developing the Learning Continuance Templates.

Proceed with Caution – I encourage all parents to keep their child at home if they are not feeling well. I understand that children/parents are concerned about missing lesson time and or assessments. However, I assure you that situations will be handled with great empathy by the relevant teachers. I also understand the difficulty in accessing doctors at the present time.

Important Requirements

• If a student does have COVID-19 symptoms, they should not attend school until they have medical confirmation that they do not have the virus.
• If a student has been in close contact with a person being tested for COVID-19 they are to self-isolate until the result has returned negative.
• Parents are requested to advise the Principal as soon as possible if their child develops symptoms and is being tested for COVID-19.
• Any student who has been tested for COVID-19 should stay away from school whilst awaiting results.
• Any students informed by public health authorities that they have been in close contact with a confirmed case of Coronavirus, must isolate themselves for
14 days after the date of last contact with the confirmed case.

Overseas Travel and Self Isolation – Students and staff who return from international travel must self-isolate for 14 days. This includes all parents, contractors and school visitors. Ideally, students or staff members in the same house as a person
self-isolating should make alternative residential arrangements to mitigate any possible spread of the virus. If this is not possible, staff and students residing in the same residence as a self-isolating person MUST ensure they do not have any contact with the individual.

Goodwill and Open Communication – Clearly, we rely on the goodwill of the St Peter’s community to communicate with us on their travel plans and overseas visitors. On the recommendation of the Government, and to assist in reducing community transmission, students and parents are strongly encouraged NOT to travel overseas. However, if you plan on travelling overseas you are requested to advise the school. We must commit to open two way communication to ensure the safety of everyone in our community.

Cancellation of Activities/Events/Practices/Excursions – St Peter’s has made decisions regarding scheduled activities/events/practices for the remainder of Term 1. We have given careful and due consideration to each event, and whilst we know that the cancellation or postponement of some events may be disappointing, the health and safety of all those within our school community is paramount.
The following school activities/events/practices/excursions have been cancelled until further notice:

Assemblies
GATE Talented Young Writers
Parish Masses
Indonesian Dance Incursion
Constable Care
School Disco
Swimming Trials
Swimming Carnival
Year 6 Camp
St Peter’s Dad’s Movie Night
Easter Reflection
Reconciliation Parent Meeting
All After School Training Activities
Choir
Band
Guitar Ensemble
School Banking

Parent/Teacher Meetings – We are aware that parents have selected a time to meet with their class teacher. This can no longer continue face to face. Rather, you will have the opportunity to speak during your allotted time via a phone call, if necessary. Please email your class teacher your preferred contact number if this is something you wish to pursue. The call will take place at the allocated time you selected through the online booking system. Therefore, bookings for appointments are still open until 3pm on Wednesday 25 March.

Other Cancellations – Over the holiday break, the Leadership Team will meet to identify any necessary changes to the Term 2 Calendar and notify parents via SEQTA.

Hygiene and Social Distancing – St Peter’s continues to promote high standards of personal hygiene with students. Teachers are consistently reinforcing with students the need for ‘social distancing’ and the necessity to maintain high standards of personal hygiene.

If you have any questions in relation to this information and advice, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please remember our new mantra:

Stay Healthy, Stay Calm and Stay United.

Kind Regards

Pina Hutcheson
PRINCIPAL