Return to School - Covid Information
Students will return to school next Tuesday as planned. They will receive a new timetable and important information before commencing class without too much fuss.
Parents/Carers have been emailed information on Thursday 27 January relating to Covid and returning to school. This same information has been posted on our website Oberon High School and Covid 19 for parents/carers of our new Year 7 students and other school community members who are interested.
The following key issues to note are:
1. Masks are still compulsory, however, are now to be surgical masks. Cloth masks or those with vents are not permitted. We have received masks if students need them. Exemptions around disabilities and for justifiable medical conditions are still available.
2. Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) are being distributed to every family. It is hoped that ALL students and staff conduct a RAT prior to commencing school Tuesday. We will text parents tomorrow (and post on Facebook) information about pick up times. You can also ring the school if you wish to discuss pickup. The tests cannot be mailed, however, we can give them to another parent/family member to pick up if pre-arranged. Families will receive 4 kits which will equate to two tests each week for the first two weeks. Students in support classes have different requirements for the testing which will be discussed with parents/carers of these students.
3. Visitors are not permitted onsite unless performing a specific duty that supports the school. Parents/Carers who need to come in for a short period of time need to contact the school before coming down. This is similar to the guidelines mid-2021.
4. The email sent to parents/carers contained details about what to do if your child tests positive through the RAT kit (or a PCR test). Students with symptoms at school will be isolated and then have parents/carers contacted. Students can then return after a negative test and they have no symptoms. This is similar to the 2021 guidelines.
5. Vaccinations are not compulsory, however, the Department see them as essential to continuing site safety.
6. Guidelines around excursions, carnivals and sport are still being finalised. We will communicate them as they come in, however, at the moment there are to be no spectators at events.
Today staff will return to school under specific meeting requirements. There will be very few teaching staff onsite Friday or Monday as work is to be done remotely. There will be some administrative staff onsite over the two days to organise the distribution of RAT kits. The site will therefore appear quiet for the start of the year. All staff will be on deck Tuesday to commence classes with students.
Rapid Antigen Test (RAT kit) – Pick Up
Yesterday we published on facebook a summary of information about the return to school for our students and staff.
Parents can pick up their allotment of RAT kits at the following times:
Friday 28th January
10am-11am
1pm-3pm
Monday 31st January
9am-11am
1pm-3pm
If you cannot attend during these times to pick up your child’s RAT kits please ring the school and discuss an alternative time.
As indicated yesterday the testing is not mandatory rather working on good will and our school community working as one to keep everybody safe.
The link below will allow access to a more detailed information letter emailed to families yesterday which can also be found on our website onthe Oberon High School and Covid 19 page.
https://tinyurl.com/2p8e5nsz
Craig Luccarda - Principal
