From the Principal

Firstly, a big thank you to our school community for your support & understanding whilst we navigate our way through the start to the 2022 school year under the cloud of COVID-19.  

Our staff have been so very proud of the manner in which our students have started the year. Whilst I'm aware that there are many students with some worries around what each day may bring, in general our students are coming to school happy and confident about the environment and their learning. We are, and will continue to provide any updates, and also work with any students who a unable to attend school at any given time due to the range of COVID reasonings to ensure their academic learning and connection with the school continues.

Please remember that if you are a close contact to COVID within your family or if your child tests positive to COVID please call or email the school to let us know. 

We also currently require masks to be worn both indoors and outdoors when visiting school sites. We also ask that you limit your time within the school environment, including arriving for pick up as close to 3:00pm as possible.

The DoE have guidelines in place for schools in relation to actions and processes that need to occur in the event of a case at school. Communication to families is certainly part of that process. Please see below for current information in regards to Rapid Antigen Tests.

Please contact us via email or phone if you have any queries or concerns. 

Many people have been asking about events such as the Athletic Carnival and School Association Fair.  

• The School Association Fair which was to be held in week 6 is now on hold. We have made some tentitive dates for later in the year.  More information will be provided when we are able to make some clear plans for later in the year.

• We are currently waiting on a decision from the LSSSA team in relation to the timing of the Athlectic Carnival. We will be able to announce the decision very soon.  

Whilst we understand that there is disappointment in relation to the restrictions with these events (including our disappointment) we need to abide by the DoE regulations and restrictions that have been made through consultation with Public Health. We also need to take on a responsible stance with this as we certianly do not want to be the cause of a major outbreak!

Thank you for your continued understanding and support. 

Kind regards, Karen 

Your go-to guide to Rapid Antigen Tests

This guide has been developed to support families using rapid antigen tests (RATs).

How to access more Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs).....

All students now have two RATs as part of their COVID-19 care pack. As you use your supply of RATs, parents and carers must ask for more RATs at school. Each student has access to two RATs per week if requested.

It’s important to note that if you have run out of school issued RATs, and your child has symptoms, please don’t attend school to collect a RAT. Instead, we encourage you to reach out to the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 to obtain a RAT. Thank you for your cooperation on this.

How to use a Rapid Antigen Test ....

Your child only needs to use a RAT if they have COVID-19 symptoms. If your child has COVID-19 symptoms, they must stay at home and use a RAT.

Please refer to Public Health’s easy-to-follow instructions on how to use a RAT. In the information pamphlet contained in your rapid antigen test, under section 6.0 there is an instruction stating ‘you must take a laboratory PCR test immediately’ if your RAT tests positive. Public Health assures us that school staff and students do not need to do a PCR test if their RAT tests positive.

What to do with your test result......

If a negative result is returned, and your child is feeling well, they can attend school.

If your child tests COVID-19 positive, you must immediately let us know, and complete the Public Health form. You must follow Public Health advice. During your child’s isolation period, if they feel well they can access learning via the Virtual Learning Centre.

If someone in your household tests COVID-19 positive, you must immediately let us know that your child is a close contact and follow Public Health instructions. Your child can access learning via the Virtual Learning Centre during this time.

If you have any questions, please contact the school office. For more information, please visit the Tasmanian Government Coronavirus website or contact the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738, or Department of Education COVID Support Hotline at COVID19support@education.tas.gov.au or on 1800 816 057.