COVID-19 Update

The Premier has announced step 3 of the COVID-19 roadmap.

Below is an outline of what we will be expecting as some of the changes that may occur and some of what will remain the same at Woodend Primary School.  All of these are at the discretion of the Principal, and so will be reviewed during the following weeks and months.

Physical distancing requirements remain in place as per Government Guidelines

All adults must continue to follow the density and physical distancing guidelines outlined by SA Health:

  • no more than 1 person per 4-square metres in an enclosed space
  • maintain a minimum social distance of 1.5 metres.

A reminder that the AHPPC does not believe that it’s appropriate or practical for students and children to maintain physical distancing requirements in classrooms or corridors. 

The Impact of Step 3 on our school

From the beginning of Term Three, Tuesday 21 July, the following activities may resume providing government health advice and physical distancing requirements are strictly followed:

  • Parents may enter school grounds to drop off and/or collect children (see the Requirements that Remain in Place note). We still encourage all parents of older children to do the drop off and collection outside of the school grounds in order to reduce congestion and enable physical distancing to occur.
  • Departmental support and other service providers may enter school grounds and work with designated children. This is likely to include psychologists, speech pathologists, social workers, curriculum and school improvement support, and any other service that is vital to the health, wellbeing and learning outcomes of our students.
  • Volunteers will be reintroduced gradually into school during term 3. They will need to strictly adhere to physical distancing requirements. All volunteers will be required to complete the site access form on every entry into the school. Additional information will be shared early in term 3.
  • Intrastate camps and excursions will gradually be re-introduced, but only with strict adherence to The Department’s guidelines.
  • All school sport competitions, sports days and carnivals, including inter-school competitions may happen – planning will commence where relevant (use of change rooms and shower facilities is not permitted).
  • Inter-school choirs, bands and other performing art activities. (Note that the Festival of Music 2020 remains cancelled)
  • Our school graduation scheduled for Term Four will go ahead with due consideration given to applicable health advice.

Please note that this is a list of activities that can recommence at the discretion of the site leader. Hence I will be continually assessing the risk in relation to our practices.

 Requirements that Remain in Place
  • It’s important that students and staff stay home if they are unwell. Any child who presents as ill at school will be sent home, as is the current practice.
  • Parents are still required to remain outside of classrooms or buildings (eg the Atrium), and we ask that while you are waiting, that physical distancing requirements are strictly followed. No parents are permitted in classrooms or buildings at this time.
  • Physical contact (even between students) must be limited. Non-physical greetings should be encouraged.
  • School, preschool or early childhood visits to nursing homes cannot recommence.
  • The general public should not access school playgrounds or play equipment, including the sandpit on the oval.
  • Parents must continue to physical distance, including at school pick up and drop off.
  • Interstate and overseas travel remains on hold.

As further information comes to hand, this will be shared by the news blog. Many things were cancelled over the last few months, and most of those will remain so and not happen in 2020. It will be important that we don’t become complacent and that we still work together to maintain a safe and COVID-19 free school.

Kind Regards,

Steve Freeman

Principal