Bushfire Zone Register
The Department of Education (The Department) is committed to maximising the safety of its students and staff. Armadale ESC has been added to the Bushfire Zone Register. Inclusion on this register means that the school may be required to invoke a pre-emptive closure on a day for which a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating (FDR) has been declared for the City of Armadale in which our school is located. A Catastrophic FDR means that if a fire starts, it is likely to be uncontrollable, inpredictable and fast moving.
What does this mean for our school?
When given advance warning by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) that a Catastrophic FDR has been forecast for a given day, the Deputy Director General, Schools may direct the pre-emptive closure of Armadale ESC. If the school receives such a directive, you will be informed of the possible planned closure by a letter sent home with your child. Parents of students absent on the day this letter is sent home will be contacted by telephone, so please ensure the school has up to date contact details for you.
In the intervening period between the delaration of the pre-emptative closure and the day of planned closure, DFES will keep the Department informed of any change to the FDR forecast for the declared day. The final decision to pre-emptively close the school will be confirmed with the principal no later than 4:30pm on the day before the planned closure. If the forecast changes after that deadline, the closure will stand, regardless of improvements to the weather conditions later in the afternoon of the day before the planned closure or overnight. The intention is tto limit confusion or uncertainty for parents and to allow you ample time to make alternative child care arrangements.
Parents will be advised of the confirmation of closure, or its reversal, by a note sent home with your children on the day before the planned closure. Again, Parents of students absent on this day will be contacted by telephone.
How will i know when the school is reopening?
It is anticipated that the school will typically only be required to close fo a single day at a time, however this will depend on the weather. You will receive an SMS text to advise you whether the school will reopen the day after the planned closure, or whether it will remain closed. The school website will contain a notice to advise you of the current status of the school closure and when it is expected to reopen.
I ask that you monitor local media for current information about fire danger raitings and notification of schools reopening. Staying tuned to ABSC local radio in your locality is advisable. You can also check with DFES on 13 DFES (13 33 37) ir www.dfes.wa.gov.au and Emergency WA website www.emergency.wa.gov.au. Alternatively, you can email sandra.boyd@education.wa.edu.au, text me on 0455 028 856 ir ring Regional Education Office on 08 9336 9563.
Please contact the school on 9497 6435 if you have any questions about planned closures during the bushfire season.