Term 1 concludes on Friday 3rd April at 3:00pm 
Term 2 commences on Monday 27th April at 8:40am

Last week a letter was forwarded to all families regarding COVID-19.  Yesterday, we have received a further update that will impact some of our usual practices and events for the remainder of the Term.
It is my intention to update this material on a regular basis to address issues and/or refine existing decisions in the light of new and emerging information that comes to hand.  Please ensure you have installed SZapp, as this is our primary means of communication with our families. You would be aware that directives are changing regularly. Last evening I met with the School Board and discussed many of the actions and strategies described in this letter. I thank the Board for their advice and support on these matters.
Our current approach is informed by directives from both Federal and State Governments, as well as Catholic Education SA.

Current School Precautions

• Social distancing will be encouraged. We are requesting all students to avoid physical touching, for example, no hugging, no handshakes and no touching hair.
• Soap and hand washing facilities are provided for all students, staff and visitors.
• We will continue to engage with our cleaning company to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness are met.
• All students will continue to receive education in personal hygiene, including handwashing techniques, coughing and sneezing etiquette.
• Surfaces will be regularly wiped down.
• As is our usual practice, children will not be permitted to share drink bottles or food.
• We are asking that the refrigerated dispenser in the courtyard be used to fill drink bottles only to ensure that mouths do not come in contact with the dispenser.

 Daily Operations

Taken from CESA circular received late Sunday, “Announcements from the Federal Government indicate that mass gatherings of more than 500 persons ought not occur. Schools will operate as they are not affected as education is considered an essential service. Schools should observe the government directive and cease the mass gathering of students.”
School provides a happy, safe and positive environment for our students. Therefore, at this stage, all normal classes will continue to be offered.  However, St Pius X is taking the following measures to comply with current directives. These directives are aimed at minimising visitations to school or outside school hours non-urgent gatherings.
Harmony Day this Friday will be modified. There will be no liturgy and all activities will be classroom based. Children will still enjoy lunch outdoors in the open space as usual play time. We are asking that community members not attend this and apologise for the inconvenience.

• School excursions will be cancelled or postponed.
• All interschool sports matches have been 
• All afterschool sports and training are
• All out of school hours care services will continue as normal unless advised otherwise.
• Mother’s Day gathering will be postponed, though we will arrange opportunities for the children to purchase gifts. This may occur prior to the holiday break and gifts may be taken home and given out on Mother’s Day.
• Assembly next week has been
• Volunteers (Reading Coaches and LAP) are asked not to attend the school until further notice. We will utilise our ESO’s and Social Work Students to support those children in the interim.
• Sacramental Information evening with the Parish next week has been
• Three way conversations, planned for week 10 has been postponed. If you or your teacher has any urgent concerns to discuss, we can arrange a phone call conversation.

 If your child is unwell or if you are unwell

Students and staff must not attend school if they or someone in their household is being tested for or has been diagnosed with COVID-19.  Please alert the school immediately in this situation.
If your child is unwell, they should not come to the school.  Please seek medical advice (your usual GP or contacts provided in this letter).
Those who have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 must self-isolate for 14 days after the last contact with the confirmed case
Students who present as unwell during the school day will be isolated and parents contacted immediately to collect their child.
If you are uncomfortable sending your child to school at any time, please notify the front office as soon as possible so we can forward the required exemption request forms for you to complete, and to ensure we can provide some learning activities within a reasonable timeframe.

Overseas Travel

As advised by the Federal Government, families who have returned from overseas from midnight on Sunday 15^th March need to self-isolate for two weeks upon return.
I would ask that all families who intend to travel to international destinations over the holiday period inform the school. This will allow the school to prepare for any absences that may result from self-isolation requirements. 

If there is a confirmed case at St Pius X School

If we are advised by authorities of a confirmed case of COVID-19, or the necessity of a forced closure, then the school will be required to close as soon as practicable.  We advise that you develop your own action plan now to prepare for a school shut down.

Our process of communication will be as follows:

• SZapp
• Normal end of day procedure (if advised) take place with extra staff on yard duty.
• The school will close as quickly as possible and we ask that all students are picked up promptly. Please prepare for this in your action plan.
• OSHC will not be available in the event of a forced closure.

In the event of school closure it is imperative that students remain at home and continue to practise social distancing and personal hygiene procedures.

Potential School Closure in SA

Yesterday we participated in a Webcast with the Minister for Education and the Chief Medical Officer SA.  At this stage there are no plans to close SA schools outside the instance of the virus being reported as above. However, I met with teachers yesterday and we are placing contingency plans in place so that children and parents/carers can access information from home that will allow each child’s learning program to continue in the event that children are required to be at home.
There will be web based portal (Seesaw, https://web.seesaw.me/parents) set up for each class, each student and each family. Teachers will be able to set work, view and assess student work. Parents/carers will be notified of the work set and view their child’s work. Teachers can be sent a whole class or individual posts. Many classes are using Seesaw effectively. I have asked that it is available to all. Instructions on how to download the app and registering will come within the next 10 days.
In the event of school closure, if a student does not have access to a device at home to undertake online learning or digital classroom activities, please contact me and I will arrange your child’s ipad to be sent home, although we will need some extra protection and securities in place. (This will only apply to children in R-4 as Year 5 and 6 students have a school based device to take home).

Support and Information Services Available

The National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080

The Australian Government publishes a daily alert with the latest medical advice and fact sheets: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert

Beyond Blue has set up a dedicated guide to support those who may be experiencing anxiety or other mental health challenges regarding the Coronavirus: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak

Catholic Education SA also has an alert webpage with updates: https://www.cesa.catholic.edu.au/news/alerts

Please ensure your contact details are up to date and that you have installed the SZapp on your device to be kept well informed of updates.

If you have any questions, or are directly affected by COVID-19, please contact a member of the leadership team.

Greg Parker:    gparker@stpiusx.catholic.edu.au

Des Henthorn:  dhenthorn@stpiusx.catholic.edu.au

James Lloyd:    jlloyd@stpiusx.catholic.edu.au

Or contact one of us via the school office (8266 9400).

As always, St Pius X School is here to support your children and families. May we continue to work together in this difficult and complex environment, and we pray for God’s blessing on our community and all those challenged and affected in these times.

Thank you for your continued support.

The events of recent days have sent shockwaves through our world. Our thoughts and prayers are with communities who are dealing with the spread of COVID-19.
This morning, Mr Zamparelli shared a beautiful prayer with our staff. I would like to share this with you for your own personal reflection.

 Prayer for our World

Jesus, during your ministry on Earth, you showed your power and care by healing people of all ages and stations of life from physical, mental and spiritual ailments.
Be present now to people who need your loving touch because of COVID-19. May they feel your power of healing through the care of doctors and nurses.
We pray especially for people who are more likely than others to become severely ill from COVID-19 – the elderly and people with chronic health conditions. Protect them from harm and be their comfort in this time of uncertainty.
Take away the fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation from people receiving treatment or under quarantine. Give them a sense of purpose in pursuing health and protecting others from exposure to the disease. Protect their families and friends and bring peace to all who love them.
Comfort and provide for those who have lost jobs or are struggling to support their families as the economy worsens. Through your inspiration may those more fortunate generously give of their time, resources and love for those who need it most.
Father, we seek your wisdom daily. Be with people making decisions that affect the lives and futures of our families, communities, countries, and the wider world.
Inspire and invigorate people developing better tests to diagnose the virus, vaccines to prevent it, and protocols and communication to eliminate the diseases spread. May truth and empathy be the touchstones of people setting policies for our protection.
Loving God, we put our trust in you; through our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, some changes have been made to our Liturgical life at school. Until further notice, our students will no longer attend Thursday Parish Masses. When conditions change, we will resume our participation.

• Next Wednesday’s Sacrament Family Information Evening (for Year 4 parents) has been cancelled.
• All whole school Masses, Liturgies and Prayer Services are cancelled until further notice. Class prayer continues as an integral part of daily life.
• The planned Michael Mangan concert scheduled for 26^th March has been postponed until later in the year.

 We will continue to keep you informed of changes as they come to light.

 Blessings for the week ahead.

School Banking has been temporarily paused from 20th March 2020 until the start of Term 2. Please do not bring your deposit book with your weekly banking into school. You will be notified when banking will recommence.