This week is the final week onsite for our Year 12 students. I thank all the students and staff for the way in which they have worked within the restrictions to bring the year to a close in a COVID-safe manner. Last night we held our Valedictory which was a combination of pre-recorded presentations of students in House groups and a livestream into homes which celebrated the achievements of the class of 2021.
I fully appreciate just how uncertain the times are for everyone as we embark upon rolling back all year levels into school over the next fortnight. We are doing everything possible to maintain safe learning and working environments for all, this involves a number of layers of protection.
Physical Hazard Removal
- We have remote learning underway, limiting the number of people onsite at any one time.
- There are no visitors or parents allowed onsite.
- A clear requirement exists to stay home if you are unwell.
Isolating people from the hazard
- All students from Year 3 and up are to be wearing masks.
- The School is following the mandatory vaccine policy for all staff and all staff will be vaccinated as children return to school.
- We have regular cleaning cycles operating throughout the day across the School.
- Hand sanitiser stations are in each classroom and meeting room.
- We have set occupancy levels for all indoor spaces and have established distancing procedures around the School.
- We have installed safety screens at reception and Canteen.
- We have high-flow mechanical ventilation systems in operation across the School and where these systems did not exist and cross-flow ventilation through use of window and doors.
- Isolation rooms established to manage an infection should someone fall ill onsite.
- Dedicated separate examination rooms for students in Year 12 who are primary close contacts of a positive COVID-19 case.
Changes to the way we work
- QR code on entry to the site to track movement.
- Wherever possible students are eating outside.
- COVID-19 safety offices supervising activities.
- Mask and PPE when required if a person is suspected to be COVID positive.
We are keenly aware that the transition back into the more intense social environment will be challenging for some following such a long period of remote learning. With this in mind, we are adjusting the program delivery to focus on supporting our students with this reintegration as that takes place.
A COVID response initiative
I have seconded Allan Griffin, our current Head of Learning Development, to a new project role for 2022 to develop a proactive response to support our recovery from COVID-19. This role will see him working closely with the Deputy Principals in developing programs to address to student wellbeing matters. This initiative promises to develop a structure and sequential wellbeing program to further supplement the systems and structure we already have in place.
I do expect the next five weeks to be rather unpredictable and I thank you in anticipation for your support as we work through finding the best solutions. We appreciate your support in encouraging students to maintain a positive and flexible attitude and we will savour every opportunity we have to be together and learn.
With best wishes,
Jonathan Walter
Principal
