Dear Families
I write to share with you updated information in relation to COVID-19.
At present there are no reported cases of COVID-19 at Living Waters Lutheran College.
During times of uncertainty, there is the potential for misinformation to be shared but please be assured that we will inform our community as soon as any such information is received.
We had an update from the Director General of Education, Lisa Rodgers regarding the developing international travel restrictions. It read:
International Travel
On Sunday 15 March, the Prime Minister introduced measures placed on international arrivals into Australia. This means a mandatory 14-day self-isolation requirement will be placed on all international arrivals into Australia effective from midnight.
From today, all international school excursions are banned.
The National Cabinet also endorses the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) today to introduce social distancing measures.
The Smartraveller level advice for all Australian’s travelling overseas has been upgraded to a level 3 – ‘reconsider your need for overseas travel’ at this time. In addition to this, some countries remain at a level 4 – ‘do not travel’.
Regardless of the destination, age or health of the traveller, if the overseas travel is not essential, the Australian Government has asked people reconsider.
International travel arrangements. The implications of the new 14-day self-isolating restrictions for all arrivals into Australia will be communicated as more information becomes available.”
We have also been considering a College response to assist the containment of COVID-19.
Living Waters Lutheran College Arrangements
The government is now advising against organised, non-essential static gatherings of persons of 500 people or greater. The announcement was very clear this does not apply to schools, and that there is no need for school closures.
As a school we wish to do our part to flatten the curve and slow down the spread of COVID-19. Our ongoing vigilance will slow the spread of COVID-19. We are actively encouraging social distancing as we share spaces. We are reconsidering the impact of all events in which the attendance is significant. Some events we have been considering include assemblies, chapel devotions, sports days, meetings of larger groups including Associations, AGMs, grandparents and other school specific days, formals, fetes.
In view of the evolving COVID-19 situation, we have made the difficult decision to suspend Chapel and Assemblies for the remainder of this term. Students will have an extended home class during this period. Devotional resources will be provided and staff will be encouraged to use this time to work through any concerns that students may experience around the coronavirus. Year Level Coordinators will be working on a plan to ensure that students are fully engaged in the extended home group. You may wish to source online resources to assist family conversations around coronavirus. An example is provided here.
In planning ahead, we are evaluating our events and activities on a case-by-case basis. We are also developing contingency plans to ensure continuity of learning and student support in the event that there are disruptions to the College’s normal operations. Further communications will be sent out as more information becomes available.
Major Events and Activities for Term 1:
| EVENT | DECISION |
| Chapel/ Assemblies | Cancelled for the remainder of the term. Extended home class. |
| Easter Service | Message will be pre-recorded and broadcast to classes. |
| Lunches/Recess | As normal with designated areas for year level group play |
| Community Spirit Day | Postponed till later in the year |
| Visits to Bethanie Waters | Cancelled until safe to resume |
| P & F Movie Night – 28 March | Cancelled |
| ACC and RKAS Activities | ACC Executive has made the decision to suspend all ACC sporting activities, including sub-association sport (Inclusive of RKAS), for the remainder of Term 1. |
| Excursions | Will be evaluated on a case by case basis. Information will be communicated to parents in time. |
| Year 12 Formal | Will still go ahead (under 100 persons will attend) |
Going Forward
As we have already seen across the world, this situation is likely to continue for some time and is evolving and as such, our preparations must be for the short, medium and long term. Your understanding that the situation may change and your support for the measures put in place are appreciated.
I will continue to keep you informed as the situation evolves and we receive further advice.
If you have any questions or concerns, you are welcome to contact me.
With kind regards
Mr Francois Pienaar
Principal
