Welcome to Week 6, Term 3.
Good afternoon Parents and Carers, we hope this newsletter finds you safe and well.
We have had an eventful past 6 weeks here at Wyong Public, and we look forward to what the remaining few weeks will bring.
Just to recap, some COVID-19 restrictions remain in place within the school setting. These are as follows; no non-essential adults permitted on the school grounds. Drop off and pick up procedures remain the same. No attendance permitted at school assemblies or events. Inter-school events cancelled. Excursions cancelled, and all choir and wind instrument groups cancelled as well. In regards to Kindergarten 2021, at this stage we are looking into alternatives to engage parents and children to prepare them for the transition to school. This will be communicated accordingly.
Please note the following Department updates below;
During the COVID-19 pandemic, anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, loss of taste, and loss of smell), even mild symptoms, should not be at school.
If, after testing negative, the person has ongoing symptoms which persist beyond 10 days, the student / family should arrange to see their doctor. The medical assessment should consider whether the symptoms are typical for that person (for example seasonal, allergic rhinitis), and provide documentation for the school if this is the case. If there are new symptoms at any time, the person should be tested again.
Isolated incidents of sneezing or coughing may not indicate that a student is suffering from an illness. Where a student is unwell arrangements should be made to send them home.
Schools will encourage parents to arrange for any student who is unwell to be tested so they can return to school as soon possible once their symptoms have resolved to minimise the absence from school. For people who are unwell with respiratory symptoms, a negative COVID-19 test result must be received and sighted by the school.
COVID-19 testing for students with complex health or disability may be challenging. In these situations, schools are to ask the parent/carer to have their child assessed by their medical practitioner. Where a medical practitioner determines that a COVID-19 test is not indicated, a medical certificate must be provided to the school to confirm that the student does not have symptoms that warrant a COVID-19 test. The certificate must also indicate that the student is able to return to the school environment.
Schools have reported concerns with obtaining COVID test results from some families. In these situations where a parent/carer is unwilling to allow their child to undertake a COVID test or provide the school with a negative COVID-19 test result, the student is to be excluded from school for a 10 day period. Additionally, the student must have been symptom free for at least 3 days before returning to school.
It is also important to note that with tighter restrictions in place, in order to minimize COVID-19 transmission within schools, until further notice all visitors are required to sign in. A signature in the ‘external visitors’ register, each time they visit, even if it is just to collect a sick child. This acts as evidence that the visitor is aware of, and will abide by their obligations to comply with the health advice of the day, including hygiene and distancing requirements.
As you are aware we have had multiple maintenance projects happening around the school over the past few weeks. Good progress has been made and the grounds and buildings are looking refreshed. The toilet in the unit is coming along nicely and will be complete soon, and the front entry pathway and carpark are complete and are looking fantastic and most importantly are more accessible. The electronic sensor gate will be arriving prior to the end of term as well. The interior painting of the hall has also begun. This is wonderful, however it has meant that we have had to postpone our Planetarium Incursion that was planned for next week (Week 7). New dates will be announced shortly through our communication channels.
Unfortunately, the annual swimming/water safety school scheduled for Term 4 also had to be cancelled this year due to the current health advice. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
We as a school were lucky enough last fortnight to have the Message stick handed over to us from Tacoma Public School. It made its way around all of the classrooms here, delighting students and teachers alike. On Monday we held a short assembly to forward it on to the Principal of Wyong Creek Public as it continues its journey through the Ngarra AECG schools.
This week we recognise and celebrate SAS Staff Recognition Week. All of our SAS staff work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring our school runs smoothly at all times. From our office admin staff to our SLSO’s and to our wonderful GA, we say thank you for all that you do to support us. We couldn’t do it without you.
Lastly, please be reminded that our wonderful P&C committee are holding a virtual ‘online Father’s Day stall’. Orders close on Monday the 31st August, so make sure you get your order in soon to secure something special for Dad or that someone else special in your life. I hope all the Father’s in our community have a wonderful day.
