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Issue 1
|
Thursday 21 January 2021
A conversation with the Head of College Mr John Weeks HAPPY NEW YEAR AND WELCOME BACK From all of us at the College we trust you enjoyed Christmas and the holiday break. We are well prepared for welcoming all students back to school and we are looking forward to a great year together. You should have received direct correspondence from the Heads of Campus concerning the start up arrangements for all boys and girls from our Preparatory school through to the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools. If you have not received this information, it is repeated in this edition of The Roar. Should you require further information feel welcome to call one of our helpful administration staff members as follows; Preparatory and Junior School – Mrs Belinda Boshier Middle School – Mrs Jeanette Cranney Senior School – Mrs Rebecca Norris CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2020 HSC STUDENTS I hope you read the earlier reports of the successes of the 2020 Year group. Once again, we congratulate them and the staff who worked so closely together throughout a very difficult year for all. The results speak for themselves with Scots All Saints claiming the best results in the city and one of the best of all regional schools. Almost 20% of the year group achieved ATAR ranks over 90 with Kate McEwen leading the College and the region with an outstanding 99.45! COVID-19 We still must adhere to restrictions to minimise health risks to our community. The latest advice is included in this edition of The Roar. However, the following concession applies to Prep children, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 7: Parents and carers
Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
for Preschool, Kindergarten and Years 1, 2 and 7 students will be allowed on the school site on orientation days to drop off their children at their classes provided they follow physical distancing and hygiene measures implemented by the school and the department. NEW STAFF COMMENCING THIS YEAR I am delighted to welcome and introduce you to the following staff members who will join us this year; Mr Andrew Weeding – Mr Weeding has been appointed the Deputy Head P-12 and Head of the Senior School. He will work closely with Ms Leaf who will be establishing the new Staff Research and Development Unit. As Deputy Head Staff, Mrs Leaf will oversee all teacher recruitment, induction, accreditation and development. Mr Weeding will join the College on 1 March. Rev. Michael Bennett – Rev. Bennett has been appointed our College Chaplain. Michael and his family will join us at the start of Term 2. Rev. Bennett is currently working in New Zealand and will be relocating to Australia through the appropriate channels as determined by the COVID-19 protocols. Mr Mark Wilkinson – Mr Wilkinson has been appointed as the Sports Administrator. Mark and his family will be joining us from the start of Term 1. Coordinating all sports across both campuses, Mark will be working closely with Mr Justin Adams and Mrs Kay Nelson to keep our students active and our parents well informed on all things sports. Mr Luke Gillmer – Mr Gillmer has been appointed as a teacher of HSIE in the Senior School. Mr Gillmer and his family will be joining us from Term 1. Mrs Susan James – Mrs James has been appointed to replace a teacher who is on leave during 2021 and will be teaching HSIE and Christian Studies in the Middle School. continued page 2
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Mrs Lucy Fairley – Mrs Fairley has been appointed to replace a teacher who is on leave and will be teaching Year 2. Ms Robyn Blackford – Ms Blackford has been appointed to assist in delivering our After School Care service. FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS Under the direction of Property Manager, Jeff Reeks, there has been significant work undertaken since the start of the holidays. Campus East 1. Relocation of the Lithgow Campus modular buildings to Campus East to create the Agricultural Centre – including installation of new carpet, classroom furniture, solar panels, toilets and path from the Ag Centre back to the main quad classroom area. 2. Conversion of the old Agriculture classroom into general learning area. 3. Conversion of a general learning area into office space for the Year 11 & 12 Team Leaders.
4. New kitchen facilities in Thompson Boarding House. 5. Painting of Senior Girls area and Courtyard of Galloway House. 6. Arrival of new 68 horse power Kubota tractor. Campus West 1. Installation of Promethean boards in all Junior School classrooms. 2. New furniture for 2 x Kindergarten classes. 3. Conversion of 4 Junior School classrooms into the Preparatory School. 4. New Preparatory School playground. 5. New Junior School soccer field. 6. Installation of irrigation on Junior School oval.
New Agriculture Centre and pathway back to the main quad classroom area.
Work on the new Preparatory school playground and signage.
New junior school soccer field.
Work on the Innovation Centre on Campus West. Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
New Kubota tractor.
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Junior School Mr Anthony Roohan Director of Junior School
I hope everyone has enjoyed a restful break and managed some quality time with friends and family. Junior School teachers are looking forward to welcoming our K-4 students back on Thursday 28 January. Students should wear their Summer Uniform. Students are expected to arrive between 8:25 am and 8:55 am. Junior School students will gather on the Chapel lawn to meet their Class teacher before being directed to their new classroom. There have been many changes taking place across the College during the holidays; Year 1 have moved into one of the former Pre-K classrooms, Year 2 have moved into the former Computer Labs whilst the new Preparatory School has been a hive of activity and is taking shape nicely. K-4 teachers are as follows: Kindergarten Mrs Jennie White Kindergarten Miss Bronte Murray Year 1 Mrs Maggie Walsh Year 2 Mrs Jodie Shurmer & Mrs Lucy Fairley Year 2 Mrs Victoria Mackey Year 3 Mr Anthony Roohan & Mrs Sally Allcorn Year 3 Mrs Lynette Inglis Year 4 Mrs Sarah Willis Preparatory School classes also begin on the 28 January for those students who attend on a Thursday. Drop off is from 8:25 am. All Preparatory School students can be collected from 3:15 pm. After School Care is also available on this day. Preparatory School teachers and starting days are as follows: Wattle 3 day Mrs Chelsea Chapman Friday 29 January Waratah 2 day Mrs Chelsea Chapman Thursday 28 January Eucalypt (Flexible) Mrs Jacinta Rivett Dependent on days Banksia 4/5 day Mrs Sally Parsons Thursday 28 January
Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
I’m looking forward to a great year ahead with lots of great opportunities and experiences for all of our students. Active Afternoons On Friday 29 January K-4 students can wear their Summer sport uniform for our first Active Afternoon session of the new year. Kindergarten will commence Active Afternoons in Term 2. They can wear their sport uniform on a Friday and will be led by Miss Murray and Mrs White. Junior School Drop off/Pick Up To ensure we keep our community safe we ask that parents remain off campus grounds unless approved by the Head of Campus or Head of College. Parents of students in K-4 should use the car park at the front of Esrom House behind the new black fencing. Parents of Preparatory students should use the car park adjacent to the new Preparatory School. Furthermore, I would like to remind everyone that supervision commences each morning at 8:25 am. After School Care After School Care will initially operate out of the previous space. We envisage that After School Care will move to the Prep School site in the first few weeks. Simply record in your child’s diary if you wish to use this service. Parent Information Nights You can meet your child’s classroom teacher and find out all about the year ahead at the Parent Information Night. Information nights will be held in your child’s classroom and because of COVID restrictions we ask that only one parent per child attends. Dates and times are as follows: Wednesday 3 February • Kindergarten Parent Information Night (5:00 pm in the classrooms) • Year 1 Parent Information Night (5:30 pm in the classrooms) • Year 2 Parent Information Night (6:00 pm in the classrooms) Thursday 4 February • Year 3 Parent Information Night (6:00 pm in the classrooms) • Year 4 Parent Information Night (6:30 pm in the classrooms)
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Middle School Mr Chris Jackman Head of All Saints Campus / Director of Middle School
Welcome to a new year of school at Scots All Saints College Middle School. There has been a hive of activity around the College grounds during the holidays and I look forward to the opening of many new facilities this year. The Innovation Centre and Middle School playground is on track to be finished towards the end of Term 1. Our new Preparatory School for four year olds will begin in the new facility from day one. There has been a new playground, new fence, new bathrooms and much internal and external work done to their classrooms. There has also been a lot of work done in the Junior School with new Kindergarten furniture, many classrooms painted and all classrooms now have new Active Boards (touch LCD screens). We especially welcome all of our new students to the Middle School. I trust that their first few days will give them an opportunity to meet lots of new friends and teachers and settle in to their new environment. We welcome Mrs Susan James to the Middle School staff who will be teaching Year 7 and 8 HSIE and Christian Studies. Uniform for First Day back – Thursday 28 January Middle School Active Afternoons will be on first day back so all students are required to wear PE uniform to school. Calendar for First Two Weeks of Term Wednesday 27 January • Boarders arrive and settle into houses from 2:00 pm onwards Thursday 28 January Orientation Day for all students.
Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
• 8:55 am – Students are expected to arrive between 8:25 am and 8:55 am. Middle School students meet on Library lawn to meet their Core teacher. Please note that parents should drop their child off at the front of Esrom House and who will be guided to the Library lawn. Friday 29 January • Orientation Day continues for Year 7 students. All students should wear Summer Uniform except Year 7 students who should wear PE uniform. Tuesday 2 February • Year 5 and 6 Parent Information Night (7:00 pm in Kemmis Building) Friday 5 February • 9:00 am – Commencement Service – Chapel Lawn • Year 7 and 8 Parent Information Night (7:00 pm in Kemmis Building and core classrooms) Parent Information Nights You can meet your child’s teacher/s and find out all about the year ahead at the Parent Information Night. Information nights will be held in your child’s classroom and because of COVID restrictions we ask that only one parent per child attends. Please see calendar above for the dates. Middle School Drop off/ Pick Up To ensure we keep our community safe we ask that parents remain off campus grounds, unless approved by the Head of Campus or Head of College, other than when you are dropping off or picking up your child. continued page 5
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Middle School students should be dropped off and picked up at the front of the school and, if parking, parents should use the carpark behind the new black fence that leads to the bus shelter. I would like to remind everyone that supervision commences each morning at 8:25 am and school finishes at 3:15 pm each day. Class/Core Teachers 2021 Core Teachers Year 5N Mrs Jo Nicholls (Stage 3 Coordinator)
Active Afternoons All Middle School students participate in Active Afternoon after lunch on Thursdays. Middle School students are required to wear their sports uniform to school on Thursdays. After School Care for Year 5 and 6 Students After School Care will initially operate out of the previous space just below the library for Year 5 and 6 students. We envisage that After School Care will move to the Prep School site in the first few weeks.
Year 5M
Mrs Kay Murray
Year 6G
Miss Louise Gillespie
Year 6H
Mr Trent Hemsworth
Year 7W
Mr Chris Walsh (Stage 4 Team Leader)
All student devices will need to be set up prior to use on the new network. This will occur under the guidance of the ICT Team during the first two days of term.
Year 7T
Miss Stacey Tomlinson
Phones
Year 7N
Mrs Kay Nelson
Year 7S
Mr Patrick Sinclair
Year 8S
Mrs Michelle Simcock
Year 8C
Mrs Liz Casey
Year 8H
Mr Hugh Hunter
Year 8D
Mrs Catherine Dundon (Stage 4 Team Leader)
Students will not be allowed to use their mobile phones whilst on campus between 8:25 am and 3:20 pm. If a K-6 student needs to bring a mobile phone to school, they are to hand it to their Class or Core teacher where it will be placed in a basket for the day. They need to collect it at the end of the school day.
DAILY SCHEDULE Start
Stop
Length
Period 1
8:55
9:40
45
Period 2
9:40
10:25
45
Period 3
10:25
11:10
45
Recess
11:10
11:35
25
Period 4
11:35
12:20
45
Period 5
12:20
1:05
45
Lunch
1:05
1:45
40
Period 6
1:45
2:30
45
Period 7
2:30
3:15
45
Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Setting up Laptops for Year 7 and 8 Students
Year 7 and 8 students must place their (turned off) mobile phone in their locker at the start of the school day and not take it out or use it until 3:20 pm. It is the student’s responsibility to keep their locker secure and will need to supply their own combination lock. If a child is seen using a mobile phone at school between 8:25 am and 3:15 pm their phone will be confiscated and given to the Director of Middle School for a week (7 days).
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Senior School Ms Tracey Leaf Deputy Head K-12/ Teaching and Learning
Day One – Thursday 28 January 2021 Term 1 commences on Thursday 28 January. Students are expected to arrive on campus between 8:25 am and 8:55 am. 2021 Diary Collection – Please make your way to the marquee on the front lawn between Karralee and Aikman Hall. (If the day is rainy, the tables will be set up inside the Hall). The tables will be arranged in year groups, so look for the table relevant to you. Sign-in to collect your college diary and personal timetable. You should then make your way to the Day House where normal supervision will occur. Thursday 28 January Schedule: Period 1 8:55 – 9:40 2 9:40 – 10:25 3
Activity 9-12 Commencement Assembly Students & staff only (Aikman Hall) Team Leaders Meeting with Stage/Year groups Normal class
10:25-11:10 4
Normal class
11:35-12:20 5
Normal class
12:20-1:05 6
Period 1 lesson
1:50-2:35
No Active Afternoon today
7 2:35-3:20
Period 2 lesson
Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
No Active Afternoon today
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Period 1 In Period 1, we will have an assembly in the Aikman Hall. Staff will direct students to move to the Hall at 8:55 am for a 9:00 am start. Seating is arranged by Year Group: Year 12 Year 10
Year 11 Year 9 STAGE
Period 2 Onwards The remainder of the day will be a normal school day. This means you need to come prepared for normal lessons from Period 2 onwards. Please ensure you have your exercise books for every subject. As the first day of the term is a Thursday, students will have a Team Meeting 12:20 -12:50 pm. College Uniform From January 2021, all students are required to be in the Scots All Saints College uniform. Items of uniform from either previous school will no longer be permitted. Students must wear their College hat to and from school in Terms 1 and 4 (Summer terms) and for formal occasions. Timetables Timetables will be distributed on the first day. If there are any issues with timetables or subjects - don't panic! Mr Jones will assist you. He is located in the Library. Active Afternoons In 2021, Active Afternoons will be held on Thursdays. Students are to bring their College sports uniform to school and change into it at lunchtime. Students will be provided with time to change back into their College uniform in time to catch transport home. Setting Up Of New Student Devices All student devices will need to be set up prior to use on the school’s network. This will occur under the guidance of the ICT Team. Students who are new to the Senior School will be contacted on Day One so that this process can be undertaken. Please ensure your device is fully charged. continued page 7
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Campus Key Staff
Student Mobile Phones The College believes that whilst mobile phones are a part of modern life, there is no need for phones to be used on campus during the hours of 8:30 am and 3:30 pm. Message to/from parents and their students may be relayed through the Main Reception (6333 2766). Students are not allowed to use their phones during the day without the express permission of the Director of Senior School. The Boarding Team is looking forward to welcoming all boarders, to Campus East (Scots) on Wednesday 27 January 2021, from 2:00 pm. Director of Boarding
Mr Anthony Le Couteur
0419 479 269
Head of Thompson House
Mr Andrew Ball
0438 917 981
Head of Galloway House
Mrs Kimberley Jones
0407 946 751
Head of Ives House
Mrs Lynne Woodlock
0491 222 132
The Senior School Daily Schedule Tuesday:
Assembly/Chapel on an alternating basis.
Thursday:
Team Meetings 12:20-12:50 pm
Thursday:
Lunch 12:50-1:35 pm
Thursday:
Active Afternoons 1:35-3:20 pm
Head of College
Mr John Weeks
Deputy Head (P-12) | Head of Senior School Deputy Head (P-12) Teaching & Learning College Chaplain
Mr Andrew Weeding
Head of Academic Excellence & Compliance Director of Student Wellbeing Director of the Performing Arts Academy Director of Co-Curricular, Head of PDHPE Head of English, Drama & LOTE Head of Mathematics Head of HSIE Head of Library Services Head of Science Head of TAS Stage 5 Team Leaders
Mr Greg Jones
Stage 6 Team Leaders
Ms Tracey Leaf Rev. Michael Bennett
Mr Tom van Gend Mr Jon Clipsham Mr Justin Adams Mr Leigh Morrisey Mrs Shannon Rendall Mr Spencer Goddard Ms Cate Mitchell Mr Peter O’Neill Mr Geoff Hayward Mr Michael Germech Mrs Cassie Pearce Mr Duane Bailey Mrs Helen Jones
UNIFORM SHOP UPDATE
New optional girls uniform now available for purchase Dear Parents and Carers, After feedback from families and students regarding the Middle and Senior School girls uniform, the College has worked in conjunction with Noone to develop an optional summer dress and senior girls skirt and shirt. The summer dress is for girls in Years 5-10, whilst the senior girls skirt and shirt are for girls in Years 11-12. The summer dress and senior girls skirt and shirt are now available to be purchased from the uniform shop. These new items of uniform will be optional girls uniforms in terms 1 and 4 during 2021.
Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
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Agriculture News It has been a very busy holiday with 22 steers in the feedlot being prepared for Blayney Show and Sydney Royal Easter Show. In the last week we have received our final four steers so it will be a huge and high quality team that we will exhibit at these shows. Our heifers started calving last week – a lovely bull out of our black limousin heifer 1903 joined us with a little assistance. He will become our first steer for Sydney Royal 2022! The rest should drop over the next couple of weeks closely followed by our cows. Our Werona Agricultural Centre has arrived and is looking fabulous. It will be amazing to teach up at the farm with all of our resources so close. Our new Kubota tractor has been a welcomed addition and has already been put to a lot of use. We are so grateful to have such a fabulous resource
Equestrian News
Our equestrian centres are all ready for another exciting year ahead.
as it has a trainers seat, automatic cut off switch for safety and a fully enclosed air conditioned cab. Some improvements were made to our cattle yards during the holidays – concrete was poured in the areas that were very boggy when it rained so the yards will be safe and workable all year round. We are so excited to announce that we have purchased six stud Australian White ewes from Tattykeel and all are scanned in lamb. Two of the ewes are expecting twins and the other four singles. This will be the start of our very own Aussie White Stud and Sheep Show Team. We are so appreciative to James Gilmore from Tattykeel for his support in this new endeavor! Listen out for invitations to join the Sheep Show Team early in Term 1. Mrs Libby Dawes, Agriculture Farm Coordinator
We sadly had to farewell our dressage coach, Sarah Farraway as she has an exciting new job in Wagga Wagga but we welcome our new dressage coach, Jana Poppe.
Jana trains according to the training scale and understands the importance of correct training for horse and rider whilst developing a harmonious relationship between horse and rider. She has developed many skills while training in Germany and in Australia and has had success up to FEI level competing and training and also presenting young horses. She keeps up to date with her coaches in Germany, as well as her coaches in Australia and continues training in Germany regularly.
Jana is a well-known dressage coach, rider and trainer, based in Orange NSW.
Jana will be doing our dressage lessons during active afternoons at the Scots Campus.
Jana grew up in Germany and has trained many horses and riders through to FEI level and competed at FEI level herself.
We also made further improvements with a concrete slab being poured for the bottom wash bay and during next week our new cross country jumps will arrive. 10 jumps in 60 cm and 80 cm of various types have been professionally made which will be an amazing asset to the program.
We have over 20 students booked in for showjump lessons on our wonderful sand arena with our amazing coach, Jennifer Wood.
You can find Jana motivated and professional doing many clinics on weekends, competing her own and client’s horses, always encouraging riders and happy to help. Her charismatic personality coupled with a very good eye has made Jana popular for clinics, protocol days and regular lessons for all level of riders and horses from beginner riders through to FEI.
Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
We have 17 horses coming into agistment this term so there will be a lot of riding and fun for our equestrian members. Mrs Libby Dawes, Equestrian Coordinator
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COVID-19 Update - Keeping our College Community safe Dear Parents and Carers, Welcome to the first COVID-19 Update for 2021. We feel that it’s important that the Colleges’ COVID-19 Protocols reflect the advice that we receive from the NSW Government along with the Association of Independent Schools and the Australian Boarding Schools Association. We regularly review the guidelines and when necessary, adjust the protocol to ensure ongoing compliance. To view the Scots All Saints College COVID-19 Protocol for Staff and Students Health and Safety please follow the following Link: https://scotsallsaints.nsw. edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Updated-Protocol-for-Staff-and-Students-health-and-safety.pdf. For the foreseeable future we will continue to provide a weekly COVID-19 update via “The Roar” but please rest assured that if there were to be a confirmed case within the College or any other serious concern we will make contact with families using the “Connect” system as a matter of urgency. A brief summary of the key points outlined in the Protocol are as follows: • Those who are unwell with even mild COVID-19 Symptoms should be tested for COVID-19 and should self-isolate until a negative result is returned. Negative results should be forwarded to the College Nurse Felicity Brown at the following email address: Felicity.Brown@scotsallsaints.nsw.edu.au • Please monitor the NSW Health Website COVID-19 News and Updates section and ensure that you avoid designated hotspots and follow all advice given. The following link will connect you to the most up to date information: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates • Parents and carers for Preschool, Kindergarten and Years 1, 2 and 7 students will be allowed on the school site on orientation days to drop off their children at their classes provided they follow physical distancing and hygiene measures implemented by the school and the department. • Parents are still to remain within carparks unless dropping/ picking up from the Preparatory School or After School Care. Current guidelines permit us to invite parents onto our campuses for some special events and under some circumstances. When these events are being held you will be notified and will need to sign in upon your arrival using the QR Code system wherever possible. • Uniform Shop purchases should be done online but carers may now attend the uniform shop by appointment. Please phone 02 6332 7303 to book. • The Australian Boarding Schools Association currently recommends that parents not enter boarding houses when dropping their children off for the term. You are however, welcome to help your children unpack the car and say farewell in the carpark. All the best for the start of the New Year. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me at the above email or in the Health Centre on the Scots Campus if you have any questions or concerns. Felicity Brown Senior Clinic Nurse Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
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COVID-19 Update continued As we know restrictions continue to be updated. We will continue to review these and advise all parents about such changes as early as we know. Here are the current regulations which currently apply to schools:
Advice for families supplied by NSW Health Updated 18 January 2021 We’re working closely with the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), NSW Health and other agencies to ensure our schools continue to operate in the safest ways possible in the COVID-19 environment. Follow this link to keep updated https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families#School1
Schools are operating full time while actively following health advice. Schools continue to be safe, and operations are in line with Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and NSW Health advice. All students should be learning on campus unless they are unwell or have a medical certificate to support their absence. Activities permitted at school will be conducted in a way that is safe and appropriate in the current environment. Activities that remain on hold will be reviewed at regular intervals and will recommence when appropriate based on health and other relevant advice.
Latest COVID-19 case locations in NSW Students are reminded to remain vigilant and practise physical distancing and hygiene measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff are maintained. Check the latest COVID-19 case locations in NSW External link and follow the recommended actions if you have been in a location where there have been confirmed cases of COVID-19. We encourage members of the community to monitor this site. Please follow the relevant health advice if you have been at any of the locations at the specified dates and times. The locations along with the times and dates of when identified cases were identified can be found on the NSW COVID-19 website External link.
School attendance Students should be at school unless: • they have a medical certificate which states that they are unable to return to school due to an ongoing medical condition and the expected time frame • they are currently unwell. In accordance with advice from NSW Health External link, parents and carers are reminded NOT to send children to school if they are unwell, even if they have the mildest flu-like symptoms. NSW Health has requested that schools encourage anyone who is unwell or has even mild flu-like symptoms, to arrange to be tested through their local medical practitioner or one of the COVID-19 clinics External link. continued page 11
Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
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Students and staff with flu-like symptoms will need to be tested and provide a copy of a negative COVID-19 test result and be symptom-free before being permitted to return to school. Students who do not undertake a COVID-19 test will not be permitted to return to school for a 10-day period. Additionally, they must be symptom-free for at least 3 days prior to returning to school. Students who have seasonal allergic rhinitis or another condition that presents similarly to flu-like symptoms are still required to get tested for COVID-19 and return a negative test result. Where their symptoms continue beyond 10 days, students should provide documentation from their GP confirming their symptoms are typical for their condition. If the student develops new or changed symptoms, they should get tested for COVID-19. Find more information about COVID-19 symptoms External link. COVID-19 testing for students with complex health or disability may be challenging. In these situations, schools will ask the parent or carer to have their child assessed by their medical practitioner. Where a medical practitioner determines that a COVID-19 test is not required, documentation must be provided to the school to confirm that the student does not have symptoms that warrant a COVID-19 test. The certificate must also indicate that the student is able to return to school. All schools will be vigilant when implementing infection control, physical distancing and personal hygiene protocols to protect the health and safety of students and staff. Schools will promote the need to follow good hygiene practices such as: • regularly washing hands. • avoiding sharing drinks or food. • coughing or sneezing into your elbow, or a tissue which should be discarded immediately. Students will be supported to learn from home in the following circumstances: • If they are required to self-isolate due to being a close contact of a positive or suspected COVID-19 case. • Where the school is directed under public health advice to only remain operational for children of essential workers if an outbreak of COVID-19 was to arise in the local area.
Wearing face masks and temperature screening Staff and students are not required to wear a face mask while at school. Anyone who wishes to wear their own masks in schools will not be prevented from doing so. Students over the age of 12 and staff must comply with the Public Health (COVID-19 Mandatory Face Coverings) Order 2021 External link when travelling to and from school and during school excursions by public transport, or by chartered/private transport services. This applies to staff and students who reside or travel to and from Greater Sydney (including the Blue Mountains), Central Coast and Wollongong. Wearing a face mask is not mandatory for parents and carers visiting schools, provided they are visiting only for the explicit reasons within this advice and maintain physical distancing and hygiene practices while at school. Widespread temperature screening is not required or recommended in schools. continued page 12
Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
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School activities and school site usage What’s changed The following activities have been updated: • Schools can now turn on water fountains and bubblers for students to use. • Schools in the border regions can recommence swimming and other activities using venues in other states or territories if border requirements permit. • P&C meetings can continue. • Field trips, excursions and camps to VIC, QLD and ACT can continue where interstate border requirements permit. • Orientation programs for department Preschools, Kindergarten and Year 7 can continue. Continue reading for further information. The following activities can continue • NSW Health advised that communal water fountains and/or bubblers in NSW schools can now be turned on. These facilities can remain operational, closing only if there is transmission of COVID-19 in the community. Students are still encouraged to bring water bottles from home that they can refill when needed. • Field trips, excursions and camps to Victoria, Queensland and ACT can continue where interstate border requirements permit. • Department Preschool, Kindergarten and Year 7 orientations can continue. • Parents and carers for Preschool, Kindergarten and Years 1, 2 and 7 students will be allowed on the school site on orientation days to drop off their children at their classes provided they follow physical distancing and hygiene measures implemented by the school and the department. • Parents are still to remain within carparks unless dropping/ picking up from the Preparatory School or After School Care. Current guidelines permit us to invite parents onto our campuses for some special events and under some circumstances. When these events are being held you will be notified and will need to sign in upon your arrival using the QR Code system wherever possible. • Schools in the border regions can recommence swimming and other activities using venues in other states or territories if border requirements permit. Schools will need to: • Have a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place in addition to a risk management plan. • Keep records of students and staff attending the activities. • Practicums for both teaching and non-teaching students including university supervisors. • Undergraduate education researchers with a COVID-19 Safety Plan from the university representative. • P&C meetings and other school based outdoor activities that involve parents and members of the community, such as working bees may occur on the school sites with executives and invited guests. These meetings must occur outside of school hours and are limited to 30 people outdoors for schools within Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong are subject to the 4 square metre rule External link. Other locations can have a maximum of 100 people outdoors subject to the 2 square metre rule External link. Physical distancing and hygiene measures must be adhered to at all times. All attendees must sign the visitor acknowledgement form upon arrival. continued page 13
Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
scotsallsaints.nsw.edu.au 02 6331 3911
connect@scotsallsaints.nsw.edu.au
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• Singing events can continue. Up to 5 performers can sing indoors and there is no limit on the number of performers singing outdoors. • If the event is held indoors, audience members must not participate in singing or chanting. • If the event is held outdoors, the audience may participate in singing with those over the age of 12 required to wear a mask. Schools must comply with these restrictions in addition to the department’s school and community activity guidelines. All singing, chanting, rapping and group activities must take place in large, well-ventilated settings. Outdoor settings are preferred. • During solo and group singing, chanting and rapping events, singers must maintain a distance of 5 metres between themselves and any person they are facing, including staff, students and audience members. • All singers are to be positioned 1.5 metres apart from one another. This includes choirs. • Instructors, teachers and adult support persons must maintain a distance of 1.5 metres on the side of the performers and not within 5 metres in front of them during the rehearsals and performance • In a primary school and preschool setting, in-class educational activities such as group repetition, chanting, recitation, or singing activities are permitted provided these activities take place outdoors or in large, well-ventilated settings.
School activities and school site usage without change • Schools will apply the following guidelines to adhere to NSW Health advice: • Where possible, students will stay within their relevant cohort group (i.e. class, year group, or stage) for all learning activities within their school in order to limit close contacts to the relevant student cohort. • Interschool activities can continue to take place. • External providers delivering educational services can proceed with a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place. • Activities involving musical instruments can proceed. Students playing non-reeded woodwind instruments such as flutes and recorders should be positioned so that they can maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres from all persons (including other members of the musical group). They must also maintain a minimum 3 metres space between the direction of airflow from their instruments and other performers. • Singing and band rehearsals and performances should take place outside or in well ventilated indoor spaces.
Visiting NSW Schools Parents and carers are not allowed on school sites or at off-site school events held during school hours except for the following purposes only: • Essential parent and carer meetings with teachers and/or school executives with a scheduled appointment. • Parents and carers who attend a school administration building or another defined location for the purpose of picking up their child if they are unwell or where they have been asked to arrange for a COVID-19 test after their child has displayed flu-like symptoms while at school. • continued page 14
Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
scotsallsaints.nsw.edu.au 02 6331 3911
connect@scotsallsaints.nsw.edu.au
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• Parents and carers who need to be on-site for canteen and uniform shop duties or to collect or purchase uniforms. • Parent or carer volunteers required as educational support roles for activities essential to the delivery of the curriculum such as reading groups, music, dance and kitchen garden areas. Schools are required to have scheduled programs in place and remind parents and carers that they must not attend school unless it has been previously arranged. • Parents and carers can attend parent orientation meetings and ‘meet the teacher’ meetings with school staff for all year/stage groups. Meetings should be limited to 1 hour where possible. A COVID-19 Safety Plan External link must be in place. • Parents or carers of boarding school students who would like to collect students for local activities.
Activities on hold The following events will continue to be reconsidered. For now, these events must remain on hold. • International excursions (cancelled until further notice). • Certain large arts and sports events are cancelled or delayed because they require feeder activities and have long lead time organisational arrangements. Please speak to your schools if you would like to know more.
School performances, productions, plays and concerts School performances, productions, plays and concerts can continue. These events must comply with the department’s guidelines and NSW Health requirements for COVID safe events. Schools must have in place and comply with the COVID-19 Safety Plan for school graduation ceremonies External link when planning and conducting these events. The following considerations for schools apply: • Ensure that all attendees, including students, staff and visitors, parents and carers, are well and free of any flu-like symptoms. • Events held on school sites within Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong are limited to 30 people indoors and 30 people outdoors subject to the 4 square metre rule External link. Other schools can have a maximum of 30 people indoors and 100 people outdoors subject to the 2 square metre rule External link. Schools will need to invite guests based on the total number of people (this includes staff, students, parents & carers or visitors) who are able to be accommodated. • For seating arrangements ensure there is enough space for distancing of 1.5 metres between nonhousehold members. • Ensure people remain seated as much as possible to minimise mingling outside of household or close friend groups. • Catering arrangements will comply with the COVID-19 Safety Plan requirements where appropriate. • Special guests such as the Local Member of Parliament, one videographer or photographer may attend events. Special guests must be kept to a minimum and be included in the maximum number of participants. • Singing and musical activities at the event must adhere to the department’s guidelines for singing, musical activities and creative arts consistent with NSW Health advice for group singing and musical ensemble. • Ensure all visitors sign the external visitors form. continued page 15
Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
scotsallsaints.nsw.edu.au 02 6331 3911
connect@scotsallsaints.nsw.edu.au
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• Maintain a record of names and contact details for all attendees including school staff and visitors for at least 28 days after the event. This record must only be used for the purposes of contact tracing for COVID-19 infections and be stored confidentially and securely. If possible, create and maintain a record of the seating plan to support contact tracing. • External visitors should not be allowed access to areas outside of the designated event venue and should leave promptly at the conclusion of the event. • When holding events at external venues, all external venues and providers must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan to ensure health and safety measures are in place.
Virtual celebrations toolkit Schools will also have the option to continue to have online gatherings through the Virtual Celebrations Toolkit. This toolkit has been developed to support schools in planning events and celebrations that do not require all participants, including parents and carers to be on the school site. Schools also have the option, and are encouraged to live-stream these events held within the school to selected families and friends as a way of sharing major milestones.
Physical distancing Physical distancing of students in schools is not required under the AHPPC guidelines. All teachers, support staff and parents must maintain physical distance from each other (1.5m). Parents should ensure school pick up and drop off arrangements enable them to physically distance from one another and from staff.
Border restrictions All students and staff are able to cross borders to attend school and work. There may be a need to complete a declaration form in some locations to meet border requirements. Be sure to check the relevant border authority External link to ensure you meet the necessary requirements. Schools will be advised when there are changes to any border requirements impacting schools.
School cleaning and hygiene supplies Your school will continue to receive additional cleaning in line with the AHPPC guidelines and advice from NSW Health. Target areas include high-touch areas and other hard surfaces, door handles, lockers, light switches and handrails in stairways and movement areas. There will also be additional cleaning of toilets and bubblers and topping up of supplies like soap.
Essential hygiene supplies To support NSW schools during COVID-19 and help keep them safe, we’ve secured and dispatched a range of products including soap, hand sanitiser, toilet paper, disinfectant wipes and personal protective equipment. Standard packs of hygiene products continue to be dispatched to schools. The packs include liquid soap, hand sanitiser, paper towels, surface spray, disinfectant wipes. Quantities are calculated on the number of habitable spaces at each school. Schools can continue to request supplies through the School Supplies email address.
Responding to COVID-19 cases There is a clear plan in place for schools to respond to any suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our schools. We are working closely with NSW Health and will communicate with parents if a situation arises. Read more about our Response protocols for COVID-19 cases. continued page 16
Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
scotsallsaints.nsw.edu.au 02 6331 3911
connect@scotsallsaints.nsw.edu.au
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Boarding schools An update has been made requesting schools confirm that students, staff and other persons entering the residential areas of the school have not attended any of the locations listed on the NSW Government website External link as a location of concern. Other recent changes published during Term 4, 2020 which remain in effect include the following: • Boarding students may attend local gyms, boxing, water polo and other events in the community after school hours. • Parents or carers may take students off school grounds for activities to spend time with them. • Orientation for boarders may proceed, including an opportunity for them to stay in the boarding house. • Weekly boarders may be introduced back into schools. • The procedure on responding to suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 remains unchanged from last term. • The procedure for drop off and pick up remain unchanged from last term (parents must not enter the boarding house).
Transport Bus services to and from schools are scheduled to run as normal. For travel advice to and from school, refer to Transport for NSW External link. Encourage your children to follow the latest public health advice when using or waiting for public transport. Refer to the NSW Government website External link for more information.
How physical distancing is being managed at school Physical distancing of students in schools is not required under the AHPPC guidelines. All teachers, support staff and parents must maintain physical distance from each other (1.5m). Parents should ensure school pick up and drop off arrangements enable them to physically distance from one another and from staff.
Notification of confirmed cases at your child’s school If your child or any other household member receives a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, please advise the school. Protocols are in place where NSW Health immediately notify a school when there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a school-age student or a member of staff. All confirmed cases are immediately assessed by the department and NSW Health to determine whether the student, staff or school community member has been infectious while at school, and to determine the appropriate course of action required to minimise the risk to the wider community. Key actions include: contact tracing to identify all close contacts to a confirmed case. In some instances, this may require closing the school while the contact tracing process is completed communication with parents advising them whether their child has been in close contact with a confirmed case thorough cleaning of the school site to ensure the environment is clean and safe prior to the school resuming onsite learning.
Stay informed More information on COVID-19 arrangements for schools is available from the Department of Education, Catholic Schools NSW and NSW Health.
Campus East (Scots) Senior School, Boarding (Years 9-12) 4173 O’Connell Road BATHURST NSW 2795
Campus West (Saints) Preparatory School, Junior School (Years K–4), Middle School, Boarding (Years 5-8) 70 Eglinton Road BATHURST NSW 2795
scotsallsaints.nsw.edu.au 02 6331 3911
connect@scotsallsaints.nsw.edu.au