Update from the Principal

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I welcome all students back from the holidays and I hope and trust that everyone has had a restful and relaxing break.

We remember at these times those members of our community that have been affected by the fires that have devastated our country over the summer.

As we return to work this week, I appreciate that the emerging outbreak of novel coronavirus may be of concern for our students and families. The safety and care of our students is paramount to all within our school community.

I am writing to you following new advice from the Department of Education regarding novel corona virus.

All children who travelled to Hubei Province of China, are advised to stay at home and avoid public settings, including attendance at schools and early learning centres, until 14 days after last being in Hubei province, China. This applies to all students even if they do not show any symptoms of the virus.

Should this apply to your child we ask that you contact the school office who will pass this on to the Assistant Principals, Anne McDonald and Mick Sweeney and our First Aid Officer, Nicole Van Brakel, so that we can support your child’s absence and return at the appropriate time.

Children who are well and have travelled to other provinces in China, or any other areas where there have been reported cases, are NOT recommended to be excluded from schools unless the following applies:

• The person is a confirmed case of novel coronavirus
• The person is a close contact with a confirmed case of novel coronavirus in the past 14 days.

If you think your child is showing any relevant symptoms of coronavirus, please call the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to discuss further actions on 1800 675 398.

This advice is also being provided to teachers and other school staff to ensure we mitigate any risks associated with the spread of this virus.

Please find a fact sheet provided by the Victorian Government on our website  providing advice and information about the novel coronavirus, including what actions to take if your child is feeling unwell following travel to the Hubei province, and practical steps to avoid the spread of the virus.

In circumstances like these, there can understandably be a lot of concern and uncertainty about the safety of your child. We will continue to provide any released advice as soon as it becomes available.

Yours sincerely,

Nicky Walker

Principal