Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope you were able to enjoy some family time over the Easter Break whatever your plans may have been. I have already heard many wonderful stories from your children about camping and beach visits and exciting trips! Family holidays make up the amazing experiences we share with our children and while they have their high points and challenges, they are the special memories that children retain.

COVID-19 Updates

As we return to school for Term 2, ACT Health COVID-19 guidelines have changed for schools. St Michael’s priority will be to deliver on-campus learning with COVID smart measures in place to minimise transmission of COVID-19 onsite. We will regularly review, and update where required, our approach to managing COVID-19 as appropriate. Our approach is informed by the National Framework for Managing COVID-19 in Schools and Early Childhood Education and Care Settings, and the latest advice on winter season preparedness from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee. 

The following is a brief outline of changes for Term 2 2022.

Check in requirements

Digital check in with the Check In CBR app is no longer required for staff and students. However, QR codes will continue to be available for voluntary use, including for allied health staff.

Masks

The use of face masks will be eased from Term 2. Staff, students and visitors are not required to wear masks on school or ELC sites. (Masks will need to be worn if a person is a close household contact of a positive COVID case – this does not apply to children under 12.)

Cohorting

Cohorting will no longer be required. However, we have been advised, where possible to minimise the length of time or number of students involved in organised activities that bring mixed groups together.

Physical distancing   

Physical distancing should be maintained on school sites where possible. Density quotients no longer apply.

Close Household Contacts

Household contacts will not have to quarantine if they have no COVID-19 symptoms but will need to comply with the following requirements for seven days from the time the first person in their household tests positive for COVID‑19:

• Advise ACT Health that they are a household contact by completing a COVID-19 online declaration form. https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/stay-safe-and-healthy/exposed-to-covid19#What-should-I-do-if-I-have-been-exposed-to-COVID-19-
• Wear a face mask in all indoor spaces when outside of the home, if aged 12 years and over.
• Parents/Carers notify the school of their child being a household contact.
• Students who are household contacts must undertake COVID-19 testing and return a negative result in the 24 hours prior to returning to school and then every 48 hours if ongoing attendance is required.

Daily Reporting of COVID Cases

Schools will notify parents only if there are a significant number of cases within the community and/or a cohort.

The health and safety of students and staff remains as always, our priority. If there are high numbers of COVID-19 exposures at our school, consideration will be given to whether any of the following additional COVID-19 Safety Measures should be reintroduced, with authorisation by Catholic Education Office. These measures aim to limit the potential for further transmission and will generally be limited to a short period of time (e.g., 1 to 2 weeks).

• Additional testing recommendations such as to test before returning to school/ELC and again in 48 hours
• Masks Staff and visitors may be asked to wear a mask when indoors and when physical distancing of 1.5 metres cannot be maintained
• Limiting parents and carers on site Parents and carers may be asked not to attend a school/ELC site without an appointment
• Cancelling permitted activities Any of the planned permitted activities may be cancelled or rescheduled to another date
• Cohorting It may be necessary to cohort a particular class or year level so that they don’t mix with other students or staff across the school
• Remote learning Some or all students may need to return to remote learning. This measure will be limited as much as possible, however may also be enacted in response to workforce shortages arising from COVID-19

Rapid Antigen Tests

St Michael’s will have access to Rapid Antigen Tests for distribution as needed if the student is a close household contact. Parents are asked to contact us if RATS are required. Parents or students who are symptomatic should not attend the school to collect a Rapid Antigen Test. Those families are encouraged to access testing through an ACT Health testing facility.

Rainbow Awards

Rainbow Awards will be given out Friday at morning assembly.

Online Family Event – Family Engagement Makes a Difference

Coinciding with National Families week - Australia’s annual celebration of the importance of families, The Council of Catholic School Parents Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn (CSPACG) in collaboration with Catholic Education are hosting an online family event in Term 2.

This event is an opportunity for families to learn more about the Catholic School Parent Council and the ways it provides advocacy, leadership, representation, and support for families in our Archdiocese.  There will also be an opportunity to discover some practical ways for families to engage in their child’s learning. Registration details are on the flier attached to this newsletter.

Cross Country Carnival

Information regarding our Cross Country Carnival is also included in this newsletter, we will be going ahead at this point depending on weather. Volunteers have been contacted.

Pick Up

We will confirm any changes to pick-up arrangements next week, as our Year 5/6 students will no longer need to cohort for oval pick up. Pick up will remain the same this week however in wet weather Year 5/6 can be collected from drive through. Parents who wish to park on the basketball courts in wet weather can still collect their children from the canteen gate.

Thank you for your ongoing support, hoping for good weather tomorrow.

Many Blessings

Judy Egan