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Coronavirus information 17/03/2020
Dear Parents/Carers,
I am writing to you after receiving advice from the Minister of Education last night. At this time the best advice we have from Public Health officials is that continuing to keep schools open, whilst exercising good hygiene practices, is appropriate. For this reason, schools will remain open for as long as it is safe.
To remain as safe as possible, and for the safety of the broader community, particularly those who are vulnerable, there are a number of measures that we need to now put in place to ensure this.
Cancellation of gatherings:
As a precautionary measure to reduce exposure the following activities will be cancelled:
- all assemblies and presentation nights
- excursions (including Learn to Swim offsite)
- travel
- fetes and fairs
- concerts (with audiences)
- all sports carnivals
- school camps (both local and interstate)
- parent teacher meetings (consider using phone or other technology)
This reflects advice that limiting occasions on which a number of people, larger than a class group, come together and are in close proximity to one another, lowers the chances of spreading the virus. The restriction on these activities will be in place until further notice.
Supporting good hygiene practices:
- To protect ourselves and each other, the best thing we can do is to make sure we are regularly washing our hands and refraining from touching our mouths and faces. Practising these simple steps can reduce the spread of illness by up to 80%.
- We will be adopting strict hand washing protocols.
- Students and staff will also be encouraged to limit personal contact and use their elbow to cover their nose and mouth when they sneeze.
- Hard surfaces in classrooms, such as door handles, keyboards and desks will be regularly wiped down.
As we have already seen across the world, this situation is likely to continue for some time and is constantly evolving.
A fact Sheet has been developed to assist you with having conversations with your child around Coronavirus.
Further Information:
The Department is continuing to provide up to date information for parents on the situation as it evolves. I suggest you follow the Departments Facebook page -
as well as the Alerts website page –
For the latest advice, information and resources about coronavirus go to the Australian Government Department of Health website at:
and follow the link from the homepage.
For general information about coronavirus, including the national response, call the National Coronavirus Information Line on 1800 020 080.
Geoff Williamson
Principal