College provides update on Covid-19 (coronavirus)

Dear all members of the St Patrick’s College community,

St Patrick’s College is working in a proactive manner to address growing concerns around the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus).

Students

The College has been advised by our governing authority to exercise zero tolerance to people on College grounds displaying cold/flu-like symptoms. We ask for parent co-operation and vigilance in this matter in our efforts to protect our boys.

In relation to ongoing teaching and learning, the College is planning for use of the Microsoft Teams App for delivery of lesson content in the case of a school shutdown.  This allows for worksheets, activities and live webinars to be communicated to students, working on the assumption that staff and students have Wi-Fi access at home.  Course content will be readily available in Learning Areas.

Students are now expected to take their one-on-one device home with them each evening in the event of a sudden shutdown, and check their emails regularly.

Events

The College is following advice from all relevant authorities. In line with this advice the following decisions have been made:

• St Patrick’s Day Mass and Luncheon – Cancelled. Classes will proceed as normal on Tuesday, March 17.
• Soccer tour to Scotland and England – Cancelled.
• Japanese Tour – Postponed.
• Darwin Football Tour – Cancelled.
• All upcoming music camps have been cancelled.
• Year 8 Father and Son Night scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 – Cancelled.
• Year 12 Retreat – Cancelled.
• This weekend’s rowing competition has been cancelled.
• Rowing Presentation Dinner – Postponed to a date to be fixed.
• Walk with Mary, Sunday March, 22 – St Patrick’s College involvement – Cancelled.
• 2021 History Tour Information Night, Tuesday March 24 – Postponed to a date to be fixed.
• Excursion to Top Acts Performance in Melbourne – Cancelled.
• Other Planned Curriculum Excursions (such as Outdoor Ed) – To be determined following conversations with relevant staff.
• House Athletics Day on Wednesday, March 18 to proceed as normal as a student and staff activity. Other members of the community are asked to reconsider their need to attend.

Facilities

The College is liaising with our cleaning contractors to ensure that areas such as computer labs, tech classrooms and common areas are cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis.

New hand sanitising stations and soap dispensers have been implemented around the College. Year level assemblies have been conducted stressing the importance of strong hygiene practices.

We thank you for your understanding in these challenging times and will seek to ensure you are fully informed as events unfold.

Please be assured that the safety and wellbeing of your son is always our number one priority.

 

Mrs Elizabeth Ryan

Deputy Principal – Wellbeing