Dear Parents,

Students, staff and families are to be congratulated and thanked for the adjustments they have been making in their lives in response to the COVID-19. Terms such as social distancing and self isolating were not part of our regular vocabulary a few weeks ago. Numerous new procedures have been put in place at school to protect our school community from COVID-19.

As a person of hope and optimism, I believe that we will weather the current challenges and that a return to ‘normal’ life will take place in the near future. I will keep you informed of any changes to routines so that you can discuss them with your family. At this early stage of the adjustments, it is most important to keep your child at home if they are showing any symptoms such as sore throat, coughing and generally feeling unwell. Your diligence with this is most appreciated.

On Monday I shared the first round of changes to our usual school routines including:

• Hygiene and preventative measures

• Gatherings of students and staff

• Excursions, school events and travel – Cross Country and all excursions for this term have been postponed until further notice. 

In addition to this information, the school has now implemented the following adjustments: 

• New lining up procedures before school, end of recess and end of lunch

• Bus lines have been changed to allow for social distancing 
• Eating Circles have been changed.  The students now eat as an individual class group outside their classrooms. 
• Hand hygiene: Each class has learnt how to best wash their hands, based on the attached video link. 

https://www.abc.net.au/btn/classroom/handwashing/12024720

• Weekly assemblies: These will no longer occur until the virus has passed. 
• Parent Helpers: Unfortunately, we will not be able to utilise parents and carers in any capacity within the school until the virus has passed. Our school has a rich tradition of family assistance with student learning. We look forward to inviting parents and carers to re-engage with us once the virus passes. 
• Bubblers: As the bubblers are a major health risk with the Corona Virus, I request that parents send two drink containers filled with water to school each day. The bubblers will be turned off from the start of next week but taps will still be available to fill up containers if required. 
• Grade masses: The school will not attend the Friday masses in the Church until the virus has passed, including this Friday.
• Youth Group for Years 5 and 6 has been put on hold until the virus passes
• Sacramental meetings will not occur until further notice. Information regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation will be shared with parents as soon as clarification with the Bishop’s Office has occurred. The scheduled long weekend in June ceremonies have now been postponed.
• Parent / Teacher meetings will occur through a teleconference where possible. 
• Parents and Friends meetings will occur via teleconference or using Google Zoom.

I am presently having a staff briefing each day. I encourage parents to continually go to the CEO site to view any systemic updates. 

Thank you for your assistance and support. 

Yours in Faith and Virtue,

Mr Christopher Paton