Dear Parents & Caregivers
School in Western Australia will commence as planned on 31st January 2022. We look forward to welcoming our students to the educational year. We particularly send a warm welcome to all the students and their families who will attend Living Waters Lutheran College for the very first time. We hope you settle in quickly.
This year we begin the year with COVID-19 circulating in our community. Our priority is to know and understand the risks and restrictions and make our school environment as safe as possible for students and staff, particularly given the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation that is before us.
VACCINATION
As you may be aware, the State Government has mandated that all school staff be double dose vaccinated before Term 1, 2022 begins; and triple dosed within a month of being eligible. I can confirm that all of our College staff are double vaccinated against COVID-19 as per government requirements and will all be triple vaccinated in coming weeks.
Children aged 5 and over are now eligible for vaccination. Vaccination is not mandated for students. Parents should weigh up vaccination risks and benefits with their own doctor. The School Vaccination Team have informed us that in-school vaccination will be available in upcoming weeks. We will let you know when we have a firm date for this.
Regular visitors to school sites are required to be vaccinated. Parents do not need to be vaccinated to drop off or pick up their children at school, attend assemblies or sports carnivals, visit the College office or have a parent-teacher interview.
To ensure the safest environment for our students, parents or other family members who wish to volunteer at the College will be required to provide proof of double dose vaccination or an Australian Immunisation Register medical exemption.
The following are acceptable forms of evidence of COVID-19 vaccination or exemption:
- Immunisation history statement
- COVID-19 digital certificate
- International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate
- Medical exemption issued by the Australian Immunisation Register
- Written temporary exemption granted by the WA Chief Health Officer
Find a link to the WA Government – getting proof of COVID vaccinations HERE
MASK MANDATE AND OTHER MEASURES
Currently masks are required for all staff and secondary students (Year 7 and above). As advised by the Premier today, based on advice from the Chief Health Officer, once a high caseload environment is reached, masks will become mandatory for students in Year 3 and above. Please ensure you child has a mask fit for purpose. It would be appreciated if you could remind them about how to wear it correctly. The College has an additional supply of masks in stock. Hand sanitisers are also available and used in each class. Hygiene measures will continue to be promoted. Thorough cleaning will continue daily.
Please be aware that parents and visitors are required to wear masks whilst on school grounds. Due to the busy nature of the drop off and pick up environments, and the difficulty of social distancing, this is required both indoors and outdoors.
FURTHER INFORMATION
We are committed to ensuring the College is as safe as possible for our community. We are awaiting the publication and distribution to schools of the School Operating Guidelines. This document is due imminently. We will provide any additional information you may need and keep you informed of any changes.
We are looking forward to a safe and smooth start to the school year. Please be assured that the College has contingencies in place to meet any changing situation including remote learning and work packs for isolating students if and when they are needed.
Thank you for your support. We look forward to welcoming your child to the new school year at Living Waters Lutheran College.
