Dear Parents and Guardians
We are looking forward to all students returning to onsite learning on Monday 7 February. It has been a long break and we are keen to welcome them back and get started on this year's learning program.
The Queensland Government has released the Queensland Government Back to School Plan which outlines a range of COVID-19 prevention measures. We understand that you may have some questions regarding what this will look like at Springfield Lakes State School.
Below are responses to frequently asked questions to help parents understand how we are enacting a COVID Safe learning environment.
What measures are being taken to keep students safe once they are at school?
Springfield Lakes State School will continue the well-established COVID-19 hygiene protocols we have had in place since 2020. These protocols include cleaning high touch points such as door handles and light switches throughout the day. Hand sanitiser is available for students to use in classrooms.
All staff, volunteers and contractors onsite are vaccinated and must always wear a face mask unless they are seated or can maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from others.
We have measures in place around ventilation in classrooms. All air-conditioning units have been serviced in line with maintenance schedule.
In addition to the ongoing COVID Safe measures already in place, the Queensland Government Back to School Plan outlines a range of temporary measures that all Queensland schools must implement until Friday 4 March. For further information please see here https://qed.qld.gov.au/covid19/back-to-school
The first of these measures is to limit visitors on school sites, with exceptions for parents and carers of students experiencing vulnerability, and all students from Prep
or Year 1. If you need to speak with a staff member, please contact them via email or phone the school office in the first instance. These strict limits have been placed on all visitors, external contractors, face-to-face staff meetings, parent–teacher interviews and professional development.
The second measure is that school camps, excursions, assemblies and large gatherings have been suspended. Core curriculum activities, such Instrumental Music and Health and Physical Education classes, will continue and your child's teacher will provide details about these activities.
As per the Back to School Plan, school assemblies are suspended until Friday 4 March.
Does my child need to wear a mask?
Students in Years 3–6 are and strongly encouraged to wear masks when physical distancing is not possible. The school has received a small number of masks and have requested further supplies. Students are encouraged to bring their own masks if possible.
All school staff are required to wear masks while standing or moving about indoors, but may remove their mask when seated or if able to maintain a 1.5 metre distance from others while teaching or interacting with students or when outdoors.
What do I do if my child is unwell?
If your child is sick or feeling unwell, please keep them at home. Students can receive priority access to RATs at Queensland Health testing clinics. As usual, contact the school to notify them of your child's absence.
What will happen if my child becomes unwell at school?
If your child develops symptoms or becomes unwell at school, they will be directed to the school office. Here, students can safely isolate and be monitored by a staff member. Parents and guardians will be contacted and asked to pick up their child immediately. The student will be given a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) to administer at home.
My child has COVID or is in home isolation due to being a close contact, do they need to engage in learning at home?
We know that people experience COVID symptoms at varying levels of severity. If your child is unwell, it is important that they take the time they need to rest and recover. If your child has mild symptoms or is asymptomatic, we encourage them to stay connected to their learning. Whilst teachers will not be delivering online learning, students will have ongoing tasks that can be continued at home.
If nothing else we urge students to engage in voracious reading!
In addition, students and families can access teaching and learning materials via the departments learning@home site.
What if my child's teacher is away?
This year, we have employed additional teachers to cover classes when needed and support learning continuity. If your child's teacher is absent, they will be supervised by a staff member and provided with work as they normally would be.
Will my child's assessment due date change?
Assessment will largely proceed as planned. Teachers have modified assessment tasks to align with the reduced number of teaching weeks in Term 1.
How can I help my child transition back to school after a lengthy break?
To view supportive information, visit Advice to Parents for more ideas on how to smoothly transition your child back to school. A list of contacts for additional support for parents, carers and students can be accessed on the Queensland Government website.
Thank you for your understanding as we continue to work together during this time to support our students and their learning. I encourage you to stay informed of the latest developments relating to COVID-19 by regularly visiting the Queensland Government Latest Updates and Announcements website.
We will continue to communicate any school related changes and important messages with parents via email and social media. While there is plenty to consider in our return to school arrangements, we are excited to be able to start 2022 with your child.
Thankfully yours,
Evan Willis
Principal