As you would be aware, on Saturday, 1st May, Premier Mark McGowan advised that there had unfortunately been three new cases of community transmission of COVID-19 in Perth. As a result, the Premier advised that all residents of the Perth metropolitan area and Peel region return to wearing masks outdoors, effective at 6pm last night.
Earlier today, the Premier provided a further update advising that no new positive cases of community transmission had been recorded overnight.
The Department of Health website HealthyWA has been updated with new exposure sites. Anyone who has been at an exposure site is required to go for COVID-19 testing and complete 14 days of self-quarantine, regardless of the result.
While there were no further restrictions to school operations announced today, it has been emphasised that maintaining COVID-safe practices is essential in mitigating the risk of further transmission.
I ask all in our community to be vigilant in established COVID-safe practices. This includes maintaining good hand hygiene, physical distancing where possible and observing the directions provided by Premier Mark McGowan and the Department of Health.
Below is an outline of the arrangements and restrictions as they now apply to our school. Essentially, the only change since COVID-19 Update #11 is that parents, caregivers, staff and visitors to our school are required to wear a mask at all times (indoors and outdoors) whilst on the school grounds. All other arrangements outlined in COVID-19 Update #11 remain unchanged.
Masks
- All staff members are required to wear a mask whilst at school (indoors and outdoors), however, are not required to wear a mask while teaching.
- Students in Kindergarten to Year 6 are not required to wear a mask.
- Parents, caregivers and visitors to our school are required to wear a mask at all times whilst on the school grounds (indoors and outdoors).
Parents, Caregivers and Visitors on School Premises
Parents and caregivers continue to be able to enter school grounds to drop off and pick up their children and are now able to enter classrooms if absolutely required, however, must:
- enter and exit the school through the main school gates located on Beatrice Street,
- sign in using the SafeWA app (QR code located on main school gates),
- wear a mask at all times whilst on the school grounds (indoors and outdoors),
- practice 1.5 metre physical distancing, where practicable,
- not congregate in groups,
- follow good personal hygiene practices, and
- use the hand sanitiser located at the entrance to the school grounds.
All parents, caregivers and visitors to the school during the day (outside of drop off and pick up times) are required to adhere to the above directives, as well as report to the main office before entering the school.
Indoor Activities
- St Dominic’s Church continues to operate at 100% capacity, however, masks must be worn inside.
- Our indoor facilities such as the school hall and classrooms remain subject to the two square metre capacity rule.
Drop off and Pick up
The drop off and pick up procedures that have now become the norm over the past year, will continue to be in place throughout this week and beyond.
Student Attendance
Students who are unwell should stay at home and parents are asked to seek medical advice if their child exhibits symptoms of COVID-19. The normal processes for advising the school of a child’s absence continues to apply.
Playground Use Before and After School
The junior and senior playgrounds remain closed before and after school. After collecting students from the classroom, families should exit the school in a timely manner via the main gate.
Water Fountains
Our water fountains remain on during this period, however, it is strongly recommended that students continue to bring a water bottle each day for their own personal use. These bottles can be refilled via the chilled water bottle refill stations installed earlier in the year.
Uniform Shop
Online orders are still our preferred option, however, parents may physically attend the shop by making an appointment with our manager, Peta Kelly. Masks must be worn at all times whilst in the Uniform Shop. To arrange an appointment time, please contact Peta via admin@stdominics.wa.edu.auor by calling the front office.
All students should now be wearing the correct winter uniform as outlined in our School Uniform Requirements document located here on our school website.
Let us continue to pray for the many less fortunate communities around our world, that they may find fortitude in dealing with the adversities they are facing, and that the support for their communities will be a source of hope and courage.
Leon Bolding
Princpal