Dear Parents, Guardians and School Families
A major change will come into effect tomorrow (Monday 28th February), as schools will assume the role from the Health Department for identifying the infectious period for a positive case prior to undertaking ‘close contact’ determination and the notification of families.
This is a significant burden on school administrators, and we thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we work to do our best, act promptly, keep up with changes and care for students, families and staff at Emmanuel.
All changes are aimed at ensuring that schools remain open. This information relies on the Department updates which are effective Monday 28th February.
The current situation at Emmanuel is the following:
YEAR 12
- All Year 12 students are in 7 days of isolation from 22/2/22.
- They may undergo a PCR test on day 6 (28/2/22) OR a RAT on day 7 (1/3/22).
- End of quarantine is Day 7.
- Return to school Day 8 (2/3/22) if negative, no symptoms and no positive cases in household
- Year 12 teachers are not considered ‘close contacts’ and are at school providing remote learning.
- Remote learning is in place during quarantine time and students are encouraged to remain connected for teaching and learning.
YEAR 10
- One Year 10 student has tested positive to COVID-19 and is isolating at home and following the 7 days requirements.
- Students and Staff in Year 10 are not considered ‘close contacts’ and may attend school.
YEAR 7
- One Year 7 student has tested positive to COVID-19 and is isolating at home and following the 7 days requirements.
- Students and Staff in Year 7 are not considered ‘close contacts’ and may attend school.
YEAR 6
- Two Year 6 students have tested positive to COVID-19 and are isolating at home and following the 7 days requirements.
- ALL Year 6 students and some staff are now isolating for 7 days from 24/2/22.
- They may undergo a PCR test on day 6 (2/3/22) or a RAT on day 7 (3/3/22)
- End of quarantine is Day 7
- Return to school Day 8 (4/3/22) if negative, no symptoms and no positive cases in the household.
- Remote learning is in place during quarantine time and students are encouraged to remain connected for teaching and learning.
YEAR 5
- One student has tested positive to COVID-19 and is isolating at home and following the 7 days requirements.
- Staff and students in year 5 are not considered ‘close contacts’ and may attend school.
- Year 5 Students in the MAG class are considered ‘close contacts’ and are isolating at home and following the 7 day requirements.
MASKS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Until Level 2 conditions are in place, there is no mandate for primary students to wear a mask. Although some schools have mandated the wearing of masks in primary grades, this is NOT the case at Emmanuel.
However, we do suggest that parents carefully consider the wearing of masks for their children in Primary years. Mask wearing has prevented several Secondary classes from having to isolate for 7 days but the lack of masks has meant that Year 6 is having to isolate. If your child is anxious and is reassured by the wearing of mask, we suggest they do so.
The uniform shop has a supply of reusable, child sized cloth masks for sale, AISWA is sending a small supply to schools and we have sourced a small number for use if and when needed.
Thank you for praying for our school as we meet these new requirements, whilst still ensuring that classes go on as usual and as far as possible school remains ‘normal’ for our students.
Your messages of encouragement and support have been very appreciated.
In Christian Service,
Carol Davis
Principal
A prayer:
Be present God and protect us, that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world may rest on your eternal changelessness. In Jesus’ name. AMEN