Dear Alkimos PS Families

We are now in the third week of Term 2. This term commenced with a lovely ANZAC Ceremony, featuring the stunning singing and solos from senior members of our choir, and the beautiful reading of poems and remembrance messages. Guests from the Quinns Rocks RSL were highly impressed. Thank you, Mrs Maclean and Mrs Coleman, for arranging this service for us.

COVID @ Alkimos PS     While restrictions have been eased, COVID remains a reality in our school. This week, our attendance has been significantly lower than the first two weeks of the term, with an increasing number of families reporting that their children have tested positive or are being kept home as a precaution due to being close contacts. Of course, there are the other situations where children are away due to be unwell for other reasons.  I sincerely thank these families for being so proactive in their reporting and in trying to keep everyone as safe as possible, by retaining their children at home

This scenario is extending to staff members. Your child may come home saying that there has been a relief teacher in their class, or that their class has been split-up, and distributed between other same year level classes. Unfortunately, some specialist programs have also been suspended this week. School Leadership is also very mindful that with NAPLAN taking place this week for Years 3 and 5 students, that continuity is very important.

I expect these conditions to continue for the foreseeable future. Mr Bagnall will continue to regularly communicate with you through Connect about changes that are taking place.

While this is the case, I am very pleased that some school activities that we are accustomed to can be steadily reintroduced.  For example, assemblies will be commenced in Week 5, with CRs 9 and 10 hosting this. Lunchtime and after school clubs are being planned and will be offered soon. Face-to-face parent/teacher meetings can take place, but the remote option will still be offered.  While the mask mandate has been removed, family members, students and staff members are electing to continue to wear one. 

You may be aware of the State Government is supplying RATs to all schools, for distribution to families. This delivery is expected to take place today (Thursday). A message will be published on Connect regarding how you can pick these up. Please note that RATs cannot be sent home with children.