The Department of Education has asked us to implement the following additional measures until otherwise advised:
If your child is sick/symptomatic. To keep our school communities COVID-19 safe, students must not attend school if they are unwell or have COVID-19 symptoms .
Parents of symptomatic students may attend their local Queensland Health testing clinic where they will be prioritised to receive a rapid antigen test (RAT).
If the test result is negative and the student is well, they can return to school. If the test is positive, student will need to follow Queensland Health quarantine and isolation requirements .
Management of positive COVID
Communication will be provided to families when there has been a COVID-19 case on a school site (it is important to know that specific information of the case will remain confidential).
This advice will be provided to you as part of regular updates to the school community.
Community members will be advised to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and stay home if unwell and follow any direction provided by the Public Health Unit (PHU) or Queensland Health in relation to isolation and testing.
If your child becomes symptomatic at school
Students will be immediately isolated in a safe place, and their parents or carers will be contacted to collect their child.
When the student is collected, the parent or carer will be offered a RAT to administer at home. (i.e. When Rapid Antigen Tests are made available to schools)
If the test result is negative and the student is well, they can return to school. If the test is positive, they will need to follow Queensland Health quarantine and isolation requirements .
Face masks
Please regularly check the Queensland Government website to stay up-to-date with the current COVID-19 restrictions for wearing face masks, as this advice can change frequently.
Face masks may be removed in some circumstances (e.g. if physical distancing can be maintained).
It is not compulsory for Primary age students to wear face masks.
All school staff and school visitors are required to wear masks while standing or moving about indoors, but may remove their mask when seated or if able to maintain a 1.5 metre distance from others while teaching or interacting with students or when outdoors.
Suspension of school camps, excursions, assemblies, and large gatherings
From 7 February – 4 March 2022, school camps, excursions, assemblies and large gatherings are suspended.
More information will be forthcoming in relation to camp, sport and event delays including Year 6 Leadership Camp and District/Regional Swimming.
I realise these latest developments may create added challenges for families, but please be assured these decisions have been taken as a necessary response to the current COVID-19 situation.
The Department of Education will continue to keep me and all principals up-to-date with any further required changes to school arrangements over the coming weeks and I will continue to provide parents with this information as soon as it becomes available.
Further information for parents is available in the Department of Education’s frequently asked questions.
I encourage you to stay informed of the latest developments regarding COVID-19 by regularly visiting the Queensland Government’s COVID-19 website
Thank you for your understanding as we continue to work together during these difficult times.
Yours sincerely, Linda Short- Principal Chevallum State School