Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to respond to the evolving COVID-19 situation.
As announced by the Premier on Sunday 9 January, the start of the 2022 school year in Queensland will move from 24 January to 7 February to avoid opening schools during the predicted peak of the Omicron wave and allow more time for children to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations.
Our school will remain open for children of essential workers and vulnerable children during this period.
Essential workers are only those who absolutely must continue to attend their workplace during this time. The Department of Education has asked all parents to consider the Chief Health Officer's advice and stay home with your children if you can.
If you need to send your child to school you must ensure your child is well and not displaying any signs of illness. School staff will supervise any students who attend school. We will not be providing teaching activities during this time, nor are you expected to supervise remote learning for students who remain at home.
However, if you would like to support your child's learning during this time you can access the Department of Education's learning@home website. This site contains a range of student learning material and links to other high-quality education websites.
From Monday 31 January, Year 11 and 12 students will undertake remote learning for one week until the revised formal start of the school year on 7 February. As per the Chief Health Officer's advice, immunisations for students are encouraged but are not mandatory. All students, staff and visitors will be required to follow the rules around wearing of masks and will be asked to provide their own.
We are reducing the number of staff on our school site to minimise transmission and further protect the health and safety of our school community.
I realise these latest developments may create challenges for families; please be assured these decisions have been taken as a necessary response to the evolving COVID-19 situation.
The Department of Education will continue to keep all principals up-to-date with any further changes to schooling over the coming weeks and I will continue to provide parents with this information as it becomes available. Further information for parents has been developed including frequently asked questions.
I encourage you to stay informed of the latest developments relating to COVID-19 by regularly visiting the Queensland Government website.
Thank you for your understanding as we continue to work together during this difficult and unprecedented time.
Yours sincerely,
Scott Whybird
Principal