Dear St John the Apostle Primary School Community,

With the many announcements yesterday around COVID-19, particularly with the first case being diagnosed in the ACT, it is timely to let you know what is happening in our school to maintain a healthy environment and prevent the spread of any cold and flu between students and/or staff.

Catholic Education System Response

Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn have been providing guidance and support to all of our schools throughout this time. They have been providing Principals and schools with specific, practical guidance based on the information received from relevant Health and Education Authorities. They have also set up a COVID-19 Emergency Response Team who meet daily to examine and respond to any issues that arise in schools and new information that is provided by authorities.

School Operational Plan

Catholic Education has provided schools with an Operational Plan to adapt to our school context. It provides us with guidelines for preventing and responding to a variety of situations that may occur at the school as well as ensuring a consistent approach across all of our schools.

Some current questions

• Will the school be closed at all? Current advice is that mass school closures are unlikely. The Director is the only person who has the authority to close a school. The school will only close for the minimum necessary time after consultation with the Director and ACT Health.
• Will events/excursions/gatherings be cancelled? Our School will take a risk-based approach to any excursion, school event, public meeting etc. over the next few months. This may require postponing or cancelling events and we will provide plenty of notice when possible. We will be changing some of our practices in liturgies and masses to reduce risk, e.g. at the sign of peace, in the distribution of communion, etc.
• What hygiene practices will be followed? Good hygiene practices remain the best protective measure against the spread of the virus. Students are encouraged to wash hands frequently with soap and water (minimum 20 seconds). When available, hand sanitiser is being placed strategically for use by students, staff and visitors at appropriate times. (This is in no way replaces good hand washing practices). Our cleaners are maintaining supplies that support these practices and are undertaking some extra cleaning in high traffic areas. Posters around the school provide continuous reminders and guidance on good hygiene practices.
• What will happen if my child is unwell? If your child displays symptoms of cold or fever such as temperature, runny nose and coughing they will be considered unwell, they will be sent to the Front Office and you will be contacted to pick them up. We expect that they will remain away from school until they are considered well again. With these particular symptoms they will be isolated from other students in a supervised space until they are picked up.
• What will happen if a student/staff or community member is diagnosed with COVID-19? Our first action will be to contact Catholic Education who will work together with ACT Health to understand the situation, identify the risks, form and undertake an action plan and most importantly communicate in a timely manner with parents. Catholic Education and ACT Health will coordinate this communication. We will maintain the privacy of students and families at all times.

What can you do to help?

• Teach and/or encourage hand hygiene practices at home. There are some great Youtube videos. Some that might be useful include:
  • Older students (ABC BTN episode):

• • Middle and Younger students (BrainPOP):

• • Handwashing songs for younger students:

• Keep your contact details (especially email) up to date with the Front Office. Health authorities and Catholic Education will rely on this to alert you to any broad actions our school is required to take.
• Keep your child home from school if they are unwell. If your child becomes unwell and you are called, come to collect your child as soon as possible.

As the number of incidents is changing each day, it is anticipated the advice of relevant agencies will change also. I will update you if, and when I receive information from Catholic Education.

In the words of a friend:

Matthew Garton (Principal)