Resumption of face-to-face learning: Wednesday 28 July
In line with new announcements made today by the SA Premier, Steven Marshall, lockdown in South Australia will conclude from midnight on Tuesday 27 July. In line with these guidelines, Torrens Valley Christian School will reopen to students for face-to-face learning on Wednesday 28 July 2021.
We are conscious that several families may still be completing a period of self-isolation as directed by SA Health. In order to support you and your family during this period, we would appreciate it if you could register with the school on our ‘Inform the School’ form online (https://forms.office.com/r/yUsFDQC4XM). Information will be sent to you by email on how to access schoolwork for your family.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
In line with SA Health guidelines, a number of restrictions will apply. We appreciate your support and understanding in observing these important reminders and helping us ensure the wellbeing of our community as we work together:
Parents onsite
- SA Health have advised that the number of people coming and going from our site will need to be minimised.
- For the children’s safety, we are asking parents to say goodbye at the gates. From Wednesday onwards, please pick-up and drop your children off at the gates – or in the car pick-up area. We recognise that some students may find this challenging. Staff will be available at the front gate and in the drop area to welcome students and support families. We recommend younger children who may require an adult to walk them to the classroom, be brought to the front gate.
- Access to the property will be via the two gates at the front entrance of the school and the rear gate at the back of the school.
- Services provided by periplectic workers such as Allied Health providers, music tutors, educational service providers and the School of Languages, will continue as scheduled.
- Playgroup will be in recess.
OSHC
Camp Australia have advised that the OSHC service will operate as usual. Should families require Outside School Hours Care, visit the Camp Australia Parent Portal to book care as you need it.
TAFE and VET
TAFE and VET blocks for students will also resume.
Face masks
SA Health has advised that due to the biological nature of the virus combined with human behaviour, there is a real risk of further COVID-19 transmission in the South Australian community. The New South Wales outbreak also remains a serious and ongoing concern.
A key protection that allows us to return to our normal daily activities while these risks remain is the use of face masks. When the lockdown period ends at 12.01am Wednesday 28 July 2021 masks will be required in a range of settings including all indoor public areas.
Unless an exemption applies, SA Health have advised that masks (covering the mouth and nose) must be worn by:
- students in Years 8 – 12. Students should carry their mask with them and wear it indoors and in areas where density requirements cannot be observed
- adults while indoors, except when teaching or engaging with students
- staff in meeting rooms when present with other adults, and not eating and drinking
- on school buses and public transport
- all adult visitors to sites, including OSHC staff.
The following exemptions from face mask use apply:
- primary school students and Year 7 students
- any student who attends a disability setting
- staff (when teaching or engaging with students)
- during PE lessons
- all staff and students when outside
- students or staff who have a medical condition, such as problems with their breathing, a serious skin condition on the face, a disability, or a mental health condition. Students with any of these conditions are advised to bring a note to school, exempting them from wearing a mask.
Mask supplies
- Students in Years 8-12 should bring their own masks to school. A limited supply of masks is available on site.
- Masks may either be cloth or surgical masks.
- Guidance on how to wear a face mask and disposal of face masks, may be accessed from the SA Health’s website.
Sport
- Sport and physical education will continue as scheduled.
- Intraschool sports days involving TVCS student and staff will also continue.
- SAPSASA and interschool sporting events, carnivals and trials have been postponed at this point.
Physical distancing and hygiene
- As a school, we remain vigilant in the sanitising process being applied to all classrooms and workspaces and to implementing the four-square meter social distancing guidelines.
- If you, or any of your students, have any symptoms of COVID-19, even mild (fever, chills, sore throat, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell), stay at home, and get tested for COVID-19. Students presenting with symptoms are advised to self-isolate until given the medical clearance to return to school.
We are monitoring the updates from the Premier carefully and the TVCS Leadership are meeting daily to review and plan accordingly. As more information comes to hand, we will keep you informed of any changes as they come to hand.
Open communication is one of the things we value here at Torrens Valley. I warmly invite you to maintain dialogue with me and I welcome you to contact me at any time. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have further queries via our designated email address COVID19@tvcs.sa.edu.au
Thank you very much for your support over the last couple of days. We look forward to having your family back at school on Wednesday.
Yours in Christ’s service,
Julie Prattis
Principal
