Term 2

Dear Parents and Carers

I am writing to you during the school holidays to let you know about the arrangements put in place by the Education Department for all schools for Term 2 and what it will mean for you and your children.

These are unprecedented times and therefore, we will need to do some things differently in schools over the coming weeks, to maintain learning and to keep your children and our staff safe. 

I understand this may be an uncertain and difficult period for you and your family.  That is why the State Government has given parents a choice about whether their children return to school for face-to-face teaching or learn from home.  It is a personal decision influenced by each family’s circumstances.

To assist with your decision making, please note the following:

·       Monday 27 April is a public holiday; Students and staff do not attend school

·       Tuesday 28 April will be a pupil free day. There will be no students at school as staff will be using this day for preparation; Students do not attend school

·       Wednesday 29 April, school is open for all students whose parents/carers choose to send them;

·       Students who attend school will be taught a face-to-face program and timetable, this may not be their normal classroom teacher, or in their normal classroom;

·       For those children learning from home, this will be through the online and hard copy packages provided to you from school at the end of Term 1. Students and families will be supported in their learning at home by a teacher, this may not be their normal classroom teacher

·       Parents are asked to drop their child/children at the school gate, and are asked not enter the school grounds. Junior primary students will be met at the front of the school and taken directly to class by school staff.

·       As a school, we will adhere to social distancing guidelines both in the classroom and playground.

The State Government is providing additional funding to expand school cleaning, in line with the health advice.  Cleaners will work throughout the day to ensure all high-use areas, such as benchtops, desks, doorknobs, taps and hand rails, are regularly cleaned and surfaces disinfected.  Our playgrounds will be open and play equipment will be cleaned before school and after each break. Students will have regular access to soap and hand sanitizer.

Further specific information relating to Dianella Primary College will be provided on Tuesday 28 April, prior to students returning on Wednesday 29 April. If you have any questions or concerns, please email these through to Dianella.pc@education.wa.edu.au  

These arrangements will be in place and reviewed ahead of Week 4 commencing 18 May.  As always, Education Department decisions will be based on the best health advice.

We want all families and children to feel supported and informed during this time.  I thank you for your partnership as we navigate this together.

Kind regards

Anthony Middleton

Principal

Dianella Primary College