Dear Parents & Carers,
As you are aware, 42 of our families (including staff) were required to spend the whole school holiday period in quarantine.
This has been an extremely challenging 14 day period for these 27 families and 15 staff members. We are all familiar with the challenges of isolation which we experienced during our whole school closure in July and wouldn't wish that experience on anyone.
Fortunately there was no transmission to any other students or staff onsite. Our procedures and practices including the urgent response from all concerned, ensured that everyone remained safe.
Unfortunately however, transmission occurred within the affected family’s home and the family are all still recovering. We keep them in our thoughts and pray that they will all heal very soon.
In order to ensure the wellbeing of families and staff still suffering from their quarantine experiences, we have made some adjustments to our programme for Week 1 this term.
Adjustments to the Week 1 programme
Flexible learning will resume on Monday 4 October at the normal time however, the school day will finish at 2:30pm for onsite and offsite students during Week 1 only.
Specialist Day will take place on Tuesday this term until further notice
To minimise staff exposure and numbers of staff onsite, teachers will be allocated to one day over a 10 day period onsite. When a teacher is onsite, they will only be available for the 9am Zoom meeting for their class on that day. The teacher will notify their class when this occurs. The teacher will not be available to contact or mark any set work on that day.
Adjustments to onsite criteria for families
Due to the high number of cases across Melbourne and the need to minimise risk for our staff and children, we are unable to offer the same flexibility around on-site numbers. Please refer to the adjusted criteria below.
All applications must be emailed to Jenny principal@spmurrumbeena.catholic.edu.au by Friday 1 October for Week 1
Both parents must be essential workers and hold a permit
NCCD students classified as extensive only may apply to come onsite
There will be less fluidity around drop off and pick up arrangements. Children must be dropped off by 9am and picked up at a designated time in writing.
Team Kids will be available for onsite students
Temperature screening will recommence
If a parent is unwell, then please ensure you get a covid test and keep your children at home until you receive the result
If a student is unwell, they must not be sent to school
Further information with regard to Week 2 onwards will be shared with you during Week 1.
This will include and update on mandatory vaccinations for staff, air purifiers, outdoor learning and year level safety learning and play bubbles as we progress ahead in the coming weeks.
A huge shout out to our wonderful staff and families who are starting to come out of quarantine. We thank them for playing their part in keeping our community safe.
Thanks to all of you for your support and understanding as we prepare for a new term and work together to keep all children, staff and families at St Patrick's school safe and well.
As always, please email me with any further questions.
Jenny Hawkins
Principal
