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COVID-19 Update | 28 January 2022
Return to school protocols are in place to ensure a safe start to the 2022 school year. As we prepare for Term One to commence next week, we are focused on delivering a positive and encouraging experience for our students and families.
In announcing the safe return to school plan for 2022, Premier Mark McGowan and the Minister for Education confirmed that Term One in Western Australian schools will commence from Monday 31 January 2022.
In keeping with the Premier’s announcement, Servite College will be open for students for the start of Term One, from Monday 31 January 2022.
We have plans in place to support the continuation of teaching and learning, including provisions for online learning, additional support for teachers and operational COVID-safe practices.
SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTS
In line with Department of Health advice, the College is undertaking an audit of all physical spaces and completing a deep clean to ensure we are prepared for the return of students. The following measures will support the continuation of teaching and learning:
- Use of well-ventilated spaces, as required;
- Physical distancing in compliance with the Public Health Orders;
- Staff, students and visitors reminded to use COVID-19 safe practices such as masks, hand and respiratory hygiene;
- Enhanced cleaning services and supplies.
We are awaiting advice from the Chief Health Officer regarding the use of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs). We hope that the State Government will make RATs freely available for use by students and staff in all schools, including Catholic schools, if and when required by the Chief Health Officer.
VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS
All Catholic schools are committed to keeping the community safe and to minimising the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
I affirm that all staff employed at Servite College are compliant with the Public Health Orders regarding mandatory vaccination.
Parents and carers are not required to show proof of vaccination when:
- dropping off or picking up their child from school, including entering the classroom
- volunteering at school on an ad hoc basis (attending only one school no more than once per week)
- attending an event such as an assembly, sports carnival or parent teacher interview.
Parents and carers who volunteer at the College more than once a week will be required to comply with the mandatory vaccination direction order to continue to be a regular volunteer.
Students are not required to be vaccinated, however all Western Australians aged 5 years and over are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. In line with the advice of the Chief Health Officer, parents are encouraged to have their children vaccinated.
Information on the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines is available on healthywa.wa.gov.au.
If you have any questions or concerns about vaccinating your child, please visit the HealthyWA website.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
All students are required to attend school unless they are unwell.
Staff, students, parents and carers are not to attend schools if they are unwell (symptomatic) or test positive to COVID-19, until permitted under public health requirements.
Parents and carers are asked to seek medical advice if their child exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 and are encouraged to notify the College if they have undergone testing.
Normal processes for advising the school of a child’s absence will apply for any parent who keeps their unwell child home.
MASKS
All students in Years 7 to 12 are required to wear a mask indoors and on public transport unless they:
- have a physical, developmental or mental illness, injury, condition or disability which makes wearing a face covering unsuitable;
- are communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing and visibility of the mouth is essential for communication;
- are engaged in swimming as a form of physical exercise;
- performing other forms of physical exercise; or
- are consuming food, drink or medicine.
Students are encouraged to take responsibility for ensuring they have a mask.
Please contact Ms Monica Maxwell, Deputy Principal – Community, via email to monica.maxwell@servite.wa.edu.au to advise if your child is exempt from wearing a mask.
Staff must wear a mask at all times while indoors, unless they are providing teaching or instructions to students, in which case they can remove the mask if they wish to do so.
Parents and caregivers are welcome on campus. Visitors are required to wear masks at all times when indoors and to sign in via the SafeWA app.
EVENTS
All College events are being reviewed to ensure alignment with current protocols. This includes the planned College Community Opening Mass. We will provide further updates around any changes to College events.
COMMUNICATION
We hope to keep all our staff and students safe and reassured during this uncertain time. We ask for parents and caregivers to communicate regularly with Homeroom Teachers, allowing them to better understand and care for our students.
Should you have any queries or concerns in regards to the start of school, please contact your child’s Homeroom Teacher or Head of Community.
Community notification of positive COVID-19 cases and contact tracing will be as per public health requirements.
We will continue to keep our school community updated regarding the ongoing management of COVID-19 and I provide every assurance that your child’s wellbeing and safety at school remains the highest priority for Servite College.
Ms Silvana Vicoli
Principal