Dear Parents and Caregivers

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of the parents and students who have continued to work with us here on campus and to those families who kept their children home at this very delicate time in our history. As you know as a Catholic school we are very much committed to the human and Christian education of the young, especially the poor through: Community Challenge and Choice. As with the announcements from our Prime Minister, Catholic Education and SA Health we have attempted to continue to deliver a quality education where we are inclusive and respectful where each individual is known valued and cared for.

Like many I am no expert about Health, Safety, Welfare nor Hygiene but I can promise you I have worked strongly with all staff and students to provide the safest environment we can at this time. I do want to thank parents, students and staff for their willingness to work with us at this time. I also wish to thank all of our community members for their suggestions, feedback and support. I thought it would be a good time to share with you just a number of the initiatives we have in place here at the college to again show we are doing all we can as an essential service (a school) being asked to stay open in providing a quality education. Below are samples of the initiatives and safety protocols we have in place as with many of us this continues to grow as we learn more:

Spray bottles and paper towel placed in classrooms to wipe down surfaces and equipment (desks, keyboards, door handles etc) – Gloves supplied.

A meeting with the cleaners was held about the need for wider and more thorough cleaning program across the school at this time. (Internal and External)

Where possible near break times we are to give students time to wash their hands.

There will be a number of hand sanitizers available in locations for staff and students to use.

Keep doors and windows open whenever we can.

Ball games at break times are not permitted for the time being

Social/Physical distancing should be taking place in the yard and classrooms and staff have been asked to ensure this takes place via desk and seating arrangements.

Online ordering from the canteen and if possible bring recess and lunch from home to avoid any unnecessary queuing.

Wash our hands regularly, particularly after using the toilet and before eating.

We have also sent out SA Health Videos on “Stop the Spread of the Virus” and “Social and Physical Distancing.”

Avoid spreading infections to others by staying at home if feeling unwell.

Cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue.

Single desks where possible and sit one person apart or wider if possible.

Encourage students to use their own water bottles in preference to the water fountains.

Students to stagger the use of lockers at break times.

Conduct lessons outside if possible.

Avoid any type of lining up at classrooms or printers and no congestion in corridors.

Wipes provided at photocopiers and communal phones along with signage.

Do not share food or drinks.

Many Health SA Videos and other Educational Posters throughout the college.

Daily updates on either SEQTA or emails to students.

Thanks again for your support over the past few weeks which have tested all of us. As a community we have stayed committed to delivering a quality education, inspired by the Gospel and are now in preparation for what may lay ahead of all of us.

Live Jesus in our hearts

Matt Williams
Acting Deputy Principal