Dear Parents, Guardians and School Families,
I write to update you with most recent Health Department changes and the effect on our school.
Over the past week 60 of our students and 6 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 and needed to isolate for 7 days. This has meant whole classes being considered ‘close contacts’ and had to remain at home. In recent days, just as Years 3,4 and 5 were returning to school, our Pre-Primary, 1 and 2 classes had to remain at home.
From tomorrow the rules for ‘close contacts’ will change.
- Close Contacts to a COVID-19 positive household member – MUST ISOLATE FOR 7 DAYS.
PCR day 6 or RAT day 7. If positive must isolate for 7 days.
- Students who test COVID-19 positive: inform the school: admin@eccs.wa.edu.au OR cdavis@eccs.wa.edu.au AND upload the result to the Department of Health.
- School based close contacts with symptoms – isolate 7 days and be tested.
- School-based close contacts, with no symptoms – MAY ATTEND SCHOOL.
HOWEVER, they must still isolate for 7 days from all non-school activities.
What this means for school families is this:
- Children who have no symptoms, and do not live with a person who is COVID positive may return to school tomorrow. This includes students in Pre-Primary, Years 1 and 2 and any others who have been isolating based on the previous definition of a ‘close contact”. When they leave school, they should continue to isolate from the rest of the community.
- Students living with family members who are COVID positive should remain at home, isolating.
Mask wearing is still mandated for students in Year 3 to Year 12. We encourage younger students to wear them also.
We know that the disruptions to schools and families over this past week have been frustrating and upsetting. The positive attitude and support of so many parents was reflected in your children today, when many returned so happily to their classrooms.
We thank you for your prayers, support, patience and understanding during what is a difficult time for so many.
In Christian Service,
Carol Davis
Principal