Dear Parents, 

Following a challenging time for many members of our school community, a new school year has commenced. I would like to formally welcome you all. Yesterday all students had a very settled day and there were many happy and smiling faces leaving the playground in the afternoon. As a school community, our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has experienced loss or suffered trauma in some way. I ask all parents to monitor your child’s emotional needs and contact us immediately if we can assist in any way. Another email will be sent home to parents today offering assistance if required. 

All Catholic schools have been advised to share the following information regarding the Novel Coronavirus. This is a serious health alert and we do ask parents to co-operate to keep our students safe. 

The NSW Government has today requested that children who have visited China in the past two weeks not attend school or childcare services until 14 days have lapsed from their date of departure from China. 

Anyone who develops a fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath within 14 days of travel to Hubei Province or contact with a person with confirmed coronavirus, should immediately isolate themselves from other people, contact their GP or local emergency department or call the healthdirect helpline 1800 022 222.  

Late yesterday afternoon Professor Brendan Murphy, Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, advised that while most Novel Coronavirus infections are spread by those showing signs of the disease there is now some evidence that a very small number of patients yet to show signs of the disease may also be infectious. His advice is to take a highly precautious approach to prevent the spread of the disease.

The Australian Government Chief Medical Officer’s advice is as follows:

• People who have been in contact with any confirmed Novel Coronavirus cases must be isolated in their home for 14 days following exposure;

• Returned travellers who have been in Hubei Province of China must be isolated in their home for 14 days after leaving Hubei Province, other than for seeking individual medical care.

 Due to this new information we are updating our advice for staff and students who have visited Hubei Province:

• Any student or staff member who over the last 14 days has visited the province of Hubei in central China is excluded from school and should not return to school or child care services for a period of 14 days after leaving Hubei Province, as the Novel Coronavirus’ incubation period can be as long as two weeks.

The NSW Department of Health and Education still recommends that any student or staff member who was in China, including Hong Kong over the past 14 days should not attend school or child care services for a period of 14 days after leaving China, as the coronavirus’ incubation period can be as long as two weeks.

Students and staff who returned to Australia more than 14 days ago and have shown no symptoms are able to return to school.

NSW Health has processes in place to identify any close contacts of cases confirmed in Australia. Advice about not attending school would be provided to these close contacts.

Catholic Schools NSW continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health to monitor and respond to the unfolding international Novel Coronavirus situation.

In accordance with normal protocols staff and children who are unwell with respiratory illness should remain at home until symptoms resolve. Schools should continue to follow infection control guidelines.

Please make contact with St Michael’s School Nowra about the Coronavirus immediately if required. 

Next week we have our opening school year mass in the School Hall church setting. This mass will be on Wednesday 5th February 2020 commencing at 11.30am. We look forward to families joining us. In next week’s newsletter I will share further information about all of our teaching staff, especially our new teachers. I am excited about the 2020 school year and look forward to supporting our students and families as the year unfolds. 

Finally, would there be any parents available on Friday morning from 8.45am to assist moving extra tables and chairs from the hall foyer to under the Parish building? We have had a concerted cleanout of additional tables in classrooms to ensure less clutter! We will be moving tables and chairs from the hall foyer and the task will require you to wear runners or comfortable shoes. Under the parish centre is a bit dusty as well. If you are able to assist please contact my direct email : patonc01@dow.catholic.edu.au

Yours in Faith and Virtue,

Mr Christopher Paton

Netball registrations are now open for 2020. For further information on different clubs, please follow this link for Shoalhaven Netball Association:

http://sna.nsw.netball.com.au/

NORTH NOWRA NETBALL CLUB

North Nowra Bomaderry Netball Club registrations are now open for 2020. Girls and boys aged 4 and up. Take advantage of our Early Bird Special throughout the month of January to receive a $10 discount. Active Kids voucher available. For more information head to our website http://nnbnc.nsw.netball.com.au/ or contact us at northnowrabomaderrynetball@gmail.com.

LYREBIRD NETBALL CLUB

ALBATROSS NETBALL CLUB

Albatross Netball Club are now taking registrations for the 2020 netball year.

For more information, please check out their facebook page, otherwise members will be at the Shoalhaven netball courts on Saturday 8th February. 

Please see attached flyer for details.