Acting Principal's Message - 17th February 2022
Newsletter Thursday 17th Feb 2022
Good afternoon all and welcome to week 4 of Term 1.The students have well and truly settled into their learning and it is a real credit to both parents and staff at how engaged the students are.
This week, we have seen a slight rise in the diagnosis of COVID amongst our students, however I am so very grateful that families are continuing to do the right thing and undertaking the RAT tests and informing the school immediately. We have been checking in with families to monitor the health of their children and providing work for them whilst they recover at home. More RAT tests were issued this week to families.
You may have noticed that some of the playground has been roped off with the red and white safety tape. There are some OH & S concerns that the school is following up as we speak and once the issues have been rectified, the children will be allowed to access these areas. For now, however, they are being asked to play in other areas of the school in order to keep them safe.
I am working closely with Dom Veltin, our maintenance man and we have designed a new sandpit and sensory play area which will be open later this term. We are very excited about this.
Covid Update
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
If there is a positive case at school…
The school will NOT be required to close as a result of the positive case attending the school.
If your child is not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, they can continue to attend school, but you should monitor for symptoms.
Students who show symptoms of COVID-19 must get tested immediately using a rapid antigen test, or a PCR test if you can’t access a rapid antigen test. Students with COVID-19 symptoms must isolate and return a negative result before returning to school.
Students should continue with twice-weekly rapid antigen testing on school days.
Students who have recovered from COVID-19 do not need to participate in surveillance testing for 30 days after testing positive.
If your child receives a positive COVID-19 result, you must:
- quarantine your child for seven days
- advise the school about the positive result
- ensure that your child stays home until their symptoms have resolved and they are well
- ensure that everyone in your household who is a close contact isolates for seven (7) days from the date your child is tested for COVID-19.
Advice and further resources about what to do if your child tests positive to COVID-19 or you are a contact, are available on the following Coronavirus Victoria web pages or you can call the 24/7 Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398:
Checklist for COVID contacts
Checklist for COVID contacts
- Checklist for COVID contacts - coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checklist-contacts
- Checklist for COVID cases - coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checklist-cases
Reporting your child’s positive test
If your child was at school during their infectious period, you need to report the positive case to office@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au or please phone the school office on 5943 9000.
If your child tested positive using a rapid antigen test you must also report your child’s positive test to the Department of Health via the COVID-19 Positive Rapid Antigen Test Self-Reporting Form or call centre on 1800 675 398.
General advice and support
Advice and further resources about coronavirus, including what to do if you test positive or if you have been told you are a contact, are available on the coronavirus website www.coronavirus.cgov.au or you can call the 24/7 Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
Other resources on the Coronavirus Victoria website include:
- information on symptoms - coronavirus.vic.gov.au/symptoms-and-risks
- how to get tested - coronavirus.vic.gov.au/taking-test-covid-19
Further information for languages other than English
For school information in languages other than English, call TIS National on 131 450.
For translated written information about COVID-19 and health advice in languages other than English, visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/translated-information-about-coronavirus-covid-19
Parents, guardians, carers and/or students can also call the Department of Education and Training COVID-19 hotline on 1800 338 663 and they will help interpret.
Please be aware that we are unable to provide any information about students, family members or staff who may test positive to COVID-19. I would ask that all in our community continue to pray for those who are unwell with COVID-19 and respect their privacy.
The health, safety and wellbeing of the school community remains our highest priority. We are committed to continuing to communicate with you as promptly as possible and supporting you and your children during these challenging times.
If you have any questions about the arrangements, please contact office@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au or call 5943 9000
Staffing update
I will be conducting interviews on Tuesday with Lisa McDonald for a new administration officer for our school office. Thanks to parents for being patient throughout this process.
Thanks to Cindy and Chris for all the extra hours they have put in these past few weeks to stay on top of everything. Thanks also to Tania Parmley, one of our ESOs who has been working in the office as well to support Cindy and Chris.
Reminders for parents
Students are continuing to arrive well before 8.30am and being left unsupervised. This is an enormous safety issue on many levels and I am asking parents to adhere to the 8.30 timeslot. If you have to come earlier, please do not leave your child unattended!
Family Learning Conversations will be held in week 6 of this term on Tuesday the 1st and Wednesday the 2nd of March. Bookings can be made via PAM and will be open from Monday.
Our First Assembly is at 2:30 Friday 17th Feb. Our year 6 leaders will be introducing themselves to the school.
Meg Escalante