Dear Parents and Carers,

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) – School Closure Preparation
Thank you for the support you have shown the school. We are in extraordinary times and appreciate the way you are pulling together as a community. However, it is important that we all keep vigilant. As time continues it is easy for us not to see many manifestations of illness in our circles of contact and become complacent. This will change in the days and weeks ahead and we need to instil behaviours now that will keep our families and children safe for the long term.

You will have heard that NAPLAN testing has been cancelled for this year.  The Education Council, consisting of all education ministers, indicated that the decision was “taken to assist school leaders, teachers and support staff to focus on the wellbeing of students and continuity of education”.  They also reiterated that the National Cabinet has agreed, on the advice of the chief health and medical officers, that “pre-emptive closure of schools are not proportionate or effective as a public health intervention to prevent community transmission of COVID-19 at this time.”

Since that statement on Friday the Victorian Government has announced a range of broader restrictions which will see non-essential activity curtained and school holidays brought forward from this coming Friday to commence Tuesday.  The NSW Premier has indicated that government schools will remain open on Monday with further advice to come on the situation beyond that.  It is clearly a very fluid situation.

Our College is well advanced in our planning for this eventuality as we have previously indicated.  We are prepared for extended holidays or partial or full closure of the College.  We will be acting on the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) which advises Government and the decisions of Government schools.  The College will close if:

·       we are directly to close based on AHPCC advice,

·       Government schools close, or

·       we need to do so to meet the necessary requirements for staff and student health.

If the College closes our intention is to provide ongoing support on campus to students of those working in essential services or otherwise unable to make alternative arrangements.  This may, be limited, if necessary, to meet any Government restrictions or health advice.  If your family is in this situation, please let us know as soon as possible.
Please be assured that the College is working to prepare for all contingencies. We will ensure your child has all they need to continue their learning and achieve their learning outcomes. We will continue to update you as more information comes to hand.

Bless you in these times of uncertainty.

Sharon Sopher
Principal
22 March 2020