Term 2 Reopening
Dear parents and carers,
This week, a comprehensive review of the school’s Covid 19 Risk Assessment and prevention measures has been undertaken prior to children’s return to school on Monday, the 3rd May. This has been done in consultation with the Newcrest Health and Safety Team, ISOS doctors and personnel, Queensland Department of Education guidelines and New Ireland Provincial Education guidelines. Students can return to school on Monday, the 3rd of May, adhering to the measures outlined below. The measures outlined are designed to reduce contact and promote Covid safe behaviours. This arrangement will be reviewed after two weeks:
LIS Opening with significant and controlled COVID safe behaviours:
- Shortened school day (Primary 8.30 – 11.30 with one 10-minute break; High school (8.30 – 12.30 with two 10-minute breaks)
- Focus learning areas will be English, Maths, Science and HASS in the primary school with some additional learning areas in the high school (More information on this can be seen in Ms Langusch’s section below)
- Take home packs for home afternoon learning so that learning continues at home after explicit teaching occurs at school
- Kindy closed until Mrs Neale’s return
- Temperature checks on the gate
- Mask wearing in classrooms
- No parents/carers allowed on school grounds
- No recess or lunch playtime
- High school classes from STM Campus will be re-timetabled in open undercover areas to reduce movement
- Hand sanitizer with every student
- Increased sanitation of school facilities
These measures ensure the safe return for teachers and students to school for term 2 after the 30 day period. Please note that these new measures for term 2 will be re-evaluated as the term progresses. Below you will find links to relevant documents and further information on the return to school requirements at LIS for term 2.
Kindy Closure
Due to staffing constraints, Kindy teacher, Ms Saua, will teach the year 3/4 while Mrs Neale waits to return to Lihir from Australia. Learning packs were prepared and sent home for the Kindy kids to complete at home. The Kindy will reopen as soon as Mrs Neale arrives on the island. I thank Kindy parents for their patience and understanding and parents will be updated accordingly.
ISOS Parent / Carer Teams Meeting
Next week, on Tuesday at 4pm, a Teams meeting will be offered to parents and carers with ISOS doctors and staff to answer any questions regarding Covid 19 and children / schooling. A meeting link will be sent to parents to join this if they wish.
If you have any concerns, or would like further information on any of the topics in this newsletter, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Mr. Neville
