A big thank you for your continuing efforts in supporting our school and students during the pandemic – especially prioritising safety and learning.

The following changes are now in effect: 

● RAPID ANTIGEN TESTING - We have moved to symptomatic testing. Tests are to be used at your discretion such as if your child is symptomatic or there are cases in their class. Our school will provide each student and staff member with 8 tests which will be sent home in the coming week, once we have obtained them from the Catholic Education Office. Beyond that, students and staff can access PCR tests or buy their own rapid antigen tests.

● FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS - Masks will continue to be required indoors for all school staff, volunteers and visitors including parents and carers in primary schools until Friday 4 March. This means that from Monday 7 March, masks will no longer be mandatory for all staff. However, those who wish to continue to use them will be supported to do so.

● VISITORS ON SCHOOL SITES - Visitors can be allowed back on school sites. As a school we will continue to implement our school morning dropoff procedures (dropping off at school gate) and school afternoon pick up procedures (parents remaining behind white markers at front and back gates). As a school we will consider activities that will allow parents to come on site, eg Opening School Mass or assemblies. In order for this to occur the school will need to complete a Covid Safe Assessment Plan before determining the appropriate way to proceed in a COVID-smart way

● COVID-Safe Measures - Our school will continue to ensure our layered COVID-smart measures are in place, including vaccinations, maximising natural ventilation in learning spaces, continued good hand hygiene practices and enhanced cleaning.

● COHORTING NO LONGER REQUIRED - Students are no longer required to be kept in year groups or other cohorts. We will continue to use the core layered COVID-smart advice for minimising risk when planning activities and events. For St Anthony’s this will mean that children will be able to gather in the morning at 8:57am, underneath the Shelter Shed, for morning assembly prayer before going to class and in the afternoon the gates will open at 3:15pm. As a school we will also return to normal school routines regarding our learning schedule for the day.

We strongly encourage our students and their families to consider vaccination including boosters when eligible.

Thank you again for your continued support during this school term.