We are looking forward to welcoming students back on campus next week for the start of the school year and trust you have had a restful and fulfilling break.
As you would be aware, the return to school will include some Covid related changes that all parents/guardians must familiarise themselves with beforehand.
The Tasmanian Government has recently released the Return to School Operational Plan 2022, which is aligned with the National Framework for Managing COVID-19 in Schools and developed by education and health experts to achieve the best possible education and health and wellbeing outcomes for students and teachers.
Additionally, Catholic Education Tasmania (CET) has released the Covid-19 Return to School – Advice for Parents/Carers can be viewed by clicking on, or copying and pasting the link below into your web browser:
CET Covid-19 Return to School - Advice for Parents/Carers Link: https://catholic.tas.edu.au/CO...
Please note the following requirements effective at the start of the school term.
These will be reviewed and changed accordingly, and we will continue to keep you informed as necessary.
EDUCATION
Quarantined Covid-positive students, or those in isolation as a close contact, will continue their studies from home by following the class scope and sequence on Schoolbox. This will be used as the primary communication tool between teachers, students and parents/guardians during this time.
We recommend that all students test their login to the Schoolbox Student Portal from a device at home. As you can appreciate, we require students to be prepared to continue their studies online from home via Schoolbox if the need arises. If they encounter any issues, students must bring their device to the IT Centre at the College as a priority and staff will assist further.
We recommend using Google Chrome and a desktop computer when using Schoolbox as the mobile app doesn’t have full functionality.
In addition, parents/guardians may choose to access additional learning resources for students provided by the Department of Education. These can be accessed by clicking on, or copying and pasting the link below into your web browser:
Department of Education Learning at Home Resources Link: https://www.education.tas.gov....
VACCINATION
Public Health recommends vaccination as a measure to reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 illness and COVID vaccination is highly recommended for students.
THIRD-PARTY ORGANISATION VACCINATION MANDATE
Although highly recommended, Catholic Education Tasmania has indicated there is no current requirement for students or staff to be vaccinated. Please be mindful, however, that there are a number or businesses and organisation providers that the College uses who may require staff and students to be fully vaccinated unless medically exempt to access their services.
TasTAFE has advised they require all staff and students who are undertaking training facilitated by a TasTAFE teacher, regardless of the venue, to be fully vaccinated unless they are medically exempt.
We appreciate your understanding that some third-party providers may require this.
MINIMISING RISK
The College will continue to implement a strict hygiene and cleaning regime and will identify opportunities to reduce the risk of the virus spreading where possible. These include:
- Middle School students will be released for break 10 minutes earlier, to reduce time spent with other students.
- Activities and gatherings will be moved outdoors where possible.
- Windows and doors will be opened in rooms for cross ventilation.
- Air purifiers will be provided for internal rooms and those where windows cannot be opened.
- Parents/guardians (etc) will initially be restricted from watching indoor sports on campus.
- The Middle School swimming carnival will be split over two sessions.
- The Senior School carnival will be cancelled.
- Camps are still under review and parents/guardians will be updated on the outcome.
SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT/COVID RELATED ABSENCES
All students, staff and visitors must not attend the College if they are unwell, have symptoms of COVID-19 or if they have been directed to isolate by Public Health.
For student absences, please contact the Front Office on 6341 9988 or submit a Student Absentee Form via the College App prior to 9:00am on the day of absence.
If a student displays COVID-19 or cold or flu-like symptoms during the school day, they will be required to be collected from the College and return home.
RAPID ANTIGEN TESTING
The College will provide two rapid antigen test kits for each of our staff and students. It is hoped that the kits will be available by the commencement of Term 1.
WEARING A MASK
Staff and students are required to wear a mask while indoors and travelling on buses unless medically exempt. Students will need to provide their own mask and a limited number will be available if required.
Students may remove masks indoors while participating in vigorous exercise, as permitted by their teacher.
All visitors to the College campus must wear a mask when indoors.
MASK EXEMPTION
We understand that there are members of the College community who may have an exemption from wearing a mask. In such cases, we are required to sight the exemption. Where student exemptions are validated by the College, badges will be provided and must be worn so students are not continuously asked to wear a mask.
If your child has an exemption to wear a mask, please complete the Mask Exemption Form by Tuesday 1 February. Please note that supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate, is required in addition to the form to complete the exemption claim.
[Form link removed. Parents and guardians, please refer to St Patrick's College Covid Safety Information email sent Thursday 27 January 2022]
HEARING-IMPAIRED STUDENTS
To support our students with a hearing impairment, teachers are permitted to remove their mask when located at the front of the class at an appropriate distance from students. The College is also investigating assisted hearing technology for applicable students.
To ensure our records are up to date and that teachers are aware, if your child has a hearing impairment, please complete the Hearing Impairment Notification Form, by Tuesday 1 February.
[Form link removed. Parents and guardians, please refer to St Patrick's College Covid Safety Information email sent Thursday 27 January 2022]
VULNERABLE STUDENTS
It is important all students continue to access education through these times and that students with a disability and who are medically vulnerable will be adequately supported. If your child has a disability or is medically vulnerable and you feel they may be impacted by Covid related events, please complete the Vulnerable Student Notification Form below by clicking on, or copying and pasting the link into your web browser, by Tuesday 1 February. If you have any supporting documentation you wish to provide the College, please email this to student.services@stpatricks.tas.edu.au or provide a copy to the Front Office as a priority.
[Form link removed. Parents and guardians, please refer to St Patrick's College Covid Safety Information email sent Thursday 27 January 2022]
We will continue to communicate with our parent community regarding any developments and I emphasise the importance of regularly checking your emails and Schoolbox to ensure you receive any important updates.
We expect the situation will evolve and anticipate the need to provide parents/guardians with updated information, therefore please note that all correspondence and important information can be located on this page.
Irrespective of these changes, we look forward to continuing the education journey of our students with families and anticipate another successful year.