Dear Parent/Caregiver  

As many families will be aware, several schools have already been impacted by COVID-19. As a result, and following further advice from the Chief Medical Officer, we have updated our own procedures and protocols.

As has been the case since the start of the pandemic, our focus will remain on the health and safety of our students, staff, and the broader community; and all decisions will be made based on the directives and guidelines provided by both the Department of Health and the Department of Education. Perth Modern School will continue to monitor advice to make informed and balanced decisions that maximises student experience and participation within the current context.

Please note that all information provided is based on information received on Monday, 7 February and the running of all events etc may be subject to change, just as our procedures and protocols may have to alter.

In the coming days you will receive our COVID-19 communication and attendance flow chart to support decisions made for your family context. You will also receive our Parent and Student Support Document in the event of an online move to learning.

Thank you for your patience and please don’t hesitate to contact the school should you have any specific concerns or questions. There is also a Parent COVID-19 helpline (T: 1800 882 345 or E: CoronaVirusSupport@education.wa.edu.au) that has been set up by the Department of Education.

As a parent/caregiver can I still come onto campus? 

We would ask that parents/caregivers only come on campus for essential purposes and limit the time spent in buildings. 

At any time on campus, parents/caregivers must wear a mask, hand sanitise, social distance, and sign in at administration.

Masks

All students are required to wear a mask indoors from Years 7 to Year 12. We would appreciate family support in reminding students of the importance of wearing masks correctly, and that the mask needs to cover both the mouth and nose. 

What happens if my child loses her mask or it is broken during the school day?

Staff and students are required to supply their own masks, however, administration and student services staff have supplies of masks should they be required.

LEARNING

Every effort will be made throughout 2022 to ensure continuity for our students as well as the health and safety of our school community.

What will happen if my child is unable to come to school? 

In the event that a student is unable to attend School for COVID-19 related reasons, but is well enough to study at home, please send a text message to Student Services as normal on 0409109784. Teachers will be notified.

All students will have access to programs, lessons, and resources via CONNECT. 

EVENTS

The Department of Education provided recommendations from the Chief Medical Officer last night that schools should limit in-school gatherings of students and staff to class groups or small groups within a year level. This is to minimise the number of students or staff impacted by the presence of a positive case.  As our context is unique at Perth Modern School, vertical groupings will remain and if needed larger spaces will be explored. At this stage, it is not necessary to postpone or cancel infrequent special events, such as inter-school carnivals, outdoor education programmes, or school balls however on this basis, we have made changes to the following events. 

• Assemblies and Year Group Assemblies will not go ahead in a face-to-face format. We are currently exploring virtual options that will help keep the community connected and more details will be provided as the term progresses.

When will we know if and when events scheduled for the weeks ahead will be rescheduled or cancelled? 

As soon as there is more clarity around guidelines and directives, we will start to work through the rescheduling of events if required. 

In closing, I would like to thank you all for your support, understanding, and trust in us as a school as we navigate these challenging times. We will continue to communicate with you regarding this ever-evolving situation and provide updates as we receive information.

Regards                     

Mr Mitchell Mackay

Principal