Firstly, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all those affected by the current and ongoing bushfires in our Perth Hills. The loss of homes, property and impact of evacuations is having a toll on many people. Let us continue to pray for and remember at this time those families directly affected by the fires, as well as, our dedicated DFES personnel, police, volunteers and locals, who are all working so hard and courageously to defend properties and lives.
Following my COVID-19 Update #2 on Sunday afternoon and as you would undoubtedly be aware, the State remains in a hard lockdown until at least 6:00pm on Friday, 5th February. Following WA’s third consecutive day of zero locally-acquired cases, it does appear, at this stage at least, that the hard lock down may indeed end on Friday. However, the Premier made it clear today that this does not mean all restrictions will be automatically lifted at this time. Further, the Premier has announced that at least 14 days of no community transmission of the virus is required before the State will return to the arrangements which were in place prior to the commencement of the lockdown.
Although we are hopeful that our School will reopen on Monday, 8th February, some form of restrictions will most likely be in place for at least 14 days from Sunday, 31st January. To this end, all upcoming St Dominic’s calendar events have been put on hold, as some will need reviewing once we are aware of the restrictions placed on us by the WA Government later in the week. In addition, following an online meeting with all staff yesterday, we are spending time this week reviewing our ‘Curriculum Continuity Plan’ (Remote Learning), ‘COVID-19 6-Step School Response Plan’ and our increased hygiene practises, to ensure that if school closures continue next week or occur at some stage throughout 2021, we are prepared.
Further information will be provided to us by Catholic Education Western Australia once the Premier announces details of future restrictions later in the week, which I will share with you as soon as possible.
We understand that students, and particularly our younger children, may be distressed by the current and possible future COVID-19 lockdowns. Outlined in the image below are several agencies, websites and phone numbers that may assist if you are concerned about any member of your family.
You may also find, ‘Coping with the Corona Chaos’, an article written by Maggie Dent (Parenting Expert) last year, another helpful read.
Coping with the Corona Chaos
If you have any questions, or concerns about your child, please do not hesitate to email me at leon.bolding@cewa.edu.au.
Please continue to stay safe and look after each other during this time. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we can see each other once again.
Leon Bolding
Principal