COVID-19 School Response

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Last updated Friday 14 October 2022

• Friday 14 October 2022 (Email to Parents: Updated COVID-19 Guidelines)
  National Cabinet recently announced that mandatory isolation requirements for COVID-19 would end on 14 October. The NSW Department of Education, working with NSW Health, has advised that students, staff and visitors should only attend school when they are symptom free. Read more

• Monday 12 September 2022 (Email to Parents)
  Students will receive two boxes of RAT kits today, for use as required.

• Friday 9 September 2022 (Update)
  On 31 August 2022 National Cabinet announced that the isolation period for positive COVID-19 cases would be reduced from 7 days to 5 days from Friday 9 September. The following conditions apply in NSW schools. Students, staff and visitors who test positive to COVID-19 must: complete 5 days of isolation from the date they tested positive, be symptom-free before returning to school, if symptoms remain after Day 5 they must continue following NSW Health guidelines to self-isolate and undertake a rapid antigen test, complete a rapid antigen test (RAT) and return a negative result before attending school on Days 6 and 7 after testing positive to COVID-19, and wear a mask on Days 6 and 7 when attending school (for all staff and those students 12 years and older). Read more

• Friday 22 July 2022 (Email to Parents: Term 3 Welcome and Information)
  As COVID cases increase again in NSW, we continue at school to take reasonable measures to support the health and safety of our staff and students. Read more

• Thursday 21 July 2022 (Update)
  The School will send an email to parents on Friday 22 July with information about a safe return to school in Term 3.

• Monday 25 April 2022 (Email to Parents: Updated COVID household contact guidelines)
  As of 6pm on Friday April 22, household/close contacts do not need to self-isolate if they do not have any symptoms, but must follow the NSW Health Household and Close Contact Guidelines for 7 days from the last time someone in their household tested positive for COVID-19. Read more

• Tuesday 8 March 2022 (Update)
  A household contact does not need to self-isolate as a contact more than once in a 21-day period unless the person is diagnosed with COVID-19, in which case they will need to self-isolate again for 7 days as a confirmed case. If more than 14 days have passed since a household contact completed their self-isolation and they are notified of a new case within their household, they will need to isolate again for 7 days unless they have previously tested positive, and it has been no more than 8 weeks since they ceased self-isolating as a positive case.

• Thursday 24 February 2022 (Email to Parents: Updated COVID requirements and distribution of RAT kits)
  Kindergarten to Year 12 students today received eight additional rapid antigen tests (RAT) for use at the discretion of parents (such as experiencing COVID symptoms). As announced by the NSW Government, from Monday 28 February twice weekly testing before school is no longer required. Masks will also no longer be mandatory for students or staff in Secondary School. Read more

• Wednesday 9 February 2022 (Email to Parents: Rat kits sent home with students today)
  Students were provided with four more rapid antigen tests (RAT) today. Each student will have four individual boxes containing RAT kits for use on Monday and Wednesday morning in Week 3 and 4. Please read the instructions before use, as these tests are different from the previous tests.

• Thursday 27 January 2022 (Email to Parents: School COVID Update)
  We have received some enquiries this week seeking further information on rapid antigen testing and COVID related matters. Read more

• Tuesday 25 January 2022 (Email to Parents: A message from the Acting Principal-Welcome to 2022)
  Welcome to 2022 at Shire Christian School. I would especially like to extend a warm welcome to students and families joining us for the first time this year. I hope and pray that you quickly feel part of our community and that your children develop meaningful relationships with teachers and peers. The first day of Term 1 is Monday 31 January. We are committed to ensuring that all students have a safe and positive start to the year. Read more

• Monday 24 January 2022 (Update)
  We are committed to returning to school safely in 2022. Parents will be contacted by email by Wednesday 26 January with the measures the school has put in place to ensure a safe and positive start for all students.

• Monday 18 October 2021 (Email to Parents: From the Principal - Updated return to school information)
  It was wonderful to see students begin to return to school today. It was a joy to see students and teachers connecting and developing the warm relationships that so greatly contribute to the ‘family feel’ of our school. Please read the following updated information to ensure the transition continues smoothly. Read more

• Friday 7 October 2021 (Email to Parents: The Latest News and Return to Face-to-Face Learning Information)
  Yesterday, the NSW Government brought forward the return to face-to-face learning date for many year groups. Please read on for the details of the plan and the measures we have put in place to care for the Shire Christian School Community. Read more

• Tuesday 5 October 2021 (Email to Parents: A message from the principal - Welcome to Term 4)
  The NSW government has brought forward the proposed return to face-to-face learning by one week. Read more

• Wednesday 29 September 2021 (Email to Junior School Parents: Term 4 Remote Learning Resource Pick up)
  Teachers from Prep to Year 5 have produced learning at home packs to support remote learning, provide students with meaningful worksheets and help students transition back to school. We will be distributing them at a COVID Safe Resource Pick up next Tuesday 5 October from 1pm – 3:30 pm. Read more

• Monday 20 September 2021 (Email to Parents: A message from the principal)
  As we reach the end of an entire term of remote learning, I’m very thankful for our caring Christian community that has worked so well together. I am indebted to our parents who have graciously supported the teachers to provide the best possible education we can under the circumstances. Read more

• Friday 27 August 2021 (Newsletter Article - From the Principal)
  Earlier today the NSW Premier announced a timetable for the return to face-to-face teaching and the commencement of HSC exams. Read more

• Monday 23 August 2021 (Email to Parents - Refresh! Day - Wednesday 25 August)
  This coming Wednesday 25 August will be our second ‘Refresh! Day’. This Refresh! Day is designed to support our school community in their wellbeing. The Refresh! flyer has a number of ideas that will help families benefit from the day. Read more

• Monday 9 August 2021 (Email to Year 12 Students and Parents: Year 12 Information and HSC Trials - Update 5)
  The HSC Trial exams will now be sat by students at home instead of onsite. Exams will still be in Week 5 and 6 and the starting times will follow the timetable that is already published and viewable on the Year 12 page of the Secondary Hub. Read more

• Friday 6 August 2021 (Email to Year 12 Students and Parents: Year 12 Information - Update 4)
  Today the government announced increased restrictions on when and why Year 12 can attend the school site. The short version is that it is no longer possible to hold onsite HSC Trial Exams, so students will not be coming back onsite in Week 5. Read more

• Thursday 5 August 2021 (Email to Year 12 Students and Parents: Year 12 Information - Update 3)
  There is heightened reporting in the media this week about the return of Year 12 – we continue to monitor daily the latest official advice and regulations from government and education bodies. Read more

• Wednesday 4 August 2021 (Update: Information on accessing vaccinations for Year 12 students residing in the 8 priority LGAs)
  NSW Health is proposing to provide priority vaccinations for HSC students and students completing Year 12 who attend school or reside in the 8 priority LGAs. Parents of eligible students have been asked to provide student contact details so they can be passed on to the Department.

• Monday 2 August 2021 (Email to Junior School Parents: Remote Learning Resources Pick-up #2)
  This Wednesday 4 August, from 1pm - 3.30pm, we will be distributing materials for Prep - Wednesday to Friday, Kindergarten, Years 1, 2 and 5 in the school car park in the same way as before. Read more

• Monday 2 August 2021 (Email to Year 12 Students and Parents: Year 12 Trial HSC - Week 5)
  It is important for us to give our students the benefits of an HSC Trial if possible and with the right COVID-safe protocols. So as confirmed with the students over Zoom last week, we have set the Trial exams for Weeks 5 and 6 of term, when Year 12 are due to return onsite. Read more

• Friday 30 July 2021 (Update: Catch up and consolidation day)
  We understand the demanding nature of remote learning on both students and teachers, and as such, have organised a ‘catch up and consolidation day’ for next Friday 6 August. Junior School details | Secondary School details

• Friday 30 July 2021 (Email to Secondary School Parents: Remote learning to continue)
  As we come to the end of two weeks of remote learning with another four at least in store for us, I would like to draw your attention to a few things. Read more

• Thursday 29 July 2021 (Email to Junior School Parents: Remote learning continues)
  As announced yesterday, remote learning is to continue for a further 4 weeks until August 28. Thank you once again for partnering with us and our ongoing remote learning program. Read more

• Wednesday 28 July 2021 (Email to Year 12 Students and Parents: Year 12 Trial Exams - Further Update)
  The Sydney lockdown and remote learning has been extended. Therefore the HSC Trial exams will not occur in Weeks 3 or 4 as was previously planned. The School will continue to keep students and parents updated as more information is released by NESA, including the way forward for the HSC Trial exams. Read more

• Friday 23 July 2021 (Video message: Junior School remote learning reminders)
  Here is a short video message with some helpful reminders, as we continue remote learning into next week.

• Friday 23 July 2021 (Email to Secondary School Parents: Secondary School remote learning reminders)
  We are one week down into remote learning! Congratulations on surviving the week! Read more

• Tuesday 20 July 2021 (Email to Junior School Parents: Welcome to Week 1 of Remote Learning)
  We hope that your child has been able to access Remote Learning and is able to navigate through the various online learning platforms that we are using, such as Seesaw, Google Sites and Google Classroom. Read more

• Monday 19 July 2021 (Email to Parents: Premier Charter Buses - Helensburgh & Stanwell Park)
  We have been advised that Premier Charters (Helensburgh & Stanwell Park bus services) will continue to run their school buses as per the normal timetable.

• Monday 19 July 2021 7:45am (SMS to Parents)
  We have just received notice from Transdev that there will be no school bus services running until the end of July. All public transport is running on a Sunday timetable. We apologise for the late notice and any inconvenience that this has caused this morning.

• Wednesday 14 July 2021 (Email to Parents: From the Principal: Term 3 to commence with remote learning)
  The NSW government has decided to continue with the lockdown of the Greater Sydney area. Therefore, Shire Christian School will commence the term with remote teaching and learning. Read more

• Monday 12 July 2021 (Email to Parents: Term 3 Arrangements)
  While still to be confirmed, it seems likely that the current COVID lockdown will continue next week, resulting in our school returning to remote learning. Should this occur, the school will write to parents by the end of this week to outline arrangements. The Association of Independent Schools (AIS) has advised schools that the current regulations encourage learning from home; however, schools remain open for families who need to send their children to school. Read more

• Monday 12 July 2021 (Email to Year 12 Parents and Students: HSC Trial Exams Start Date)
  The school will delay the start of the HSC trial exams for at least a week. When specific guidance on the HSC trials is received, the school will advise parents of a future start date for the exams. Read more

• Thursday 24 June 2021 (Email to Parents: Updated COVID-19 Restrictions)
  As we come to the end of a terrific term at school, the recent changes to COVID-19 restrictions will have a few impacts on the final two days. Read more
  
  
• Monday 21 June 2021 (Update)
  Students travelling to and from school by bus or train are again required to wear masks. This includes during school excursions when travelling by public transport or by chartered transport services. The NSW government has advised “children 12 years and under are exempt but are encouraged to wear masks where practicable.”
  
  
• Monday 10 May 2021 12:30pm (Email to parents: COVID-19 restrictions to remain in place until 17 May)
  Most of the new COVID-19 restrictions announced last week will remain in place until 12:01am on Monday 17 May. Therefore, students over the age of 12 must continue to wear a mask when travelling to and from school and during school excursions by public transport or by chartered transport services. More information can be found on the NSW advice for families webpage.
  
  
• Thursday 6 May 2021 4:00pm (Email to parents: Masks required on school buses tomorrow)
  Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announced temporary COVID-19 restrictions for Greater Sydney, which include making masks compulsory on public transport.
  Therefore, students travelling to and from school by bus or train should once again wear masks tomorrow. The NSW government has advised “children 12 years and under are exempt but are encouraged to wear masks where practicable.” At this stage the restrictions apply until 12:01am on Monday.
  More information about how the updated public health order applies to schools can be found here.
  We will advise parents of any changes or announcements as they become available.
  Our school will continue to care for students by following health advice, while maximising opportunities for students to thrive.
  
  
• Thursday 1 April 2021 4:00pm (Newsletter)
  Our school will continue to strive to maximise parent and student involvement, while maintaining compliance.
  The most recent changes to the regulations effectively mean that we can begin operate almost as we were pre-COVID, while continuing increased hygiene practices. There are still some regulations surrounding social distancing which will influence how we do parent related events and possibly some excursions. We will communicate these changes as events arise.
  
  
• Friday 12 March 2021 2:15pm (Email to parents: From the Principal - Transport concerns and COVID update)
  I am pleased that we are able to start welcoming back parents to our school site, although with some requirements to ensure we comply with the health guidelines. While we were unfortunately unable to have parents attend our Junior School assembly which was indoors this morning, from next Friday, 19 March, parents of award winners will be welcome to attend our weekly outdoor Junior School assemblies. All visitors to the school site are required to sign in (parent volunteers check in at reception, parents attending an assembly or classroom via the QR codes in the breezeway). Details about parent attendance at other events will be communicated separately. The current pickup and drop off arrangements will remain in place and will be adjusted as communicated by class teachers.
  
  
• Friday 5 March 2021 11:00am (Update)
  The School Executive will meet early next week to consider the updated COVID-19 regulations and will provide parents and carers with more information by Friday 12 March.
  
  
• Thursday 21 January 2021 4:00pm (Email to parents: From the Principal: Welcome to 2021)
  This week the NSW Government published guidance for families on how COVID-19 regulations apply to schools. Every student who is 12 years of age or older is legally required to wear a face mask when travelling on trains and buses. Read more
  
  
• Monday 18 January 2021 (Update)
  Information about the return to school and updated COVID guidelines will be sent by email to parents and posted here by Thursday 21 January.

2020

• Tuesday 25 August 2020 9:00am (Reminder: COVID-19 Negative Test Results)
  Any person who displays symptoms of the coronavirus must not attend the school site. Please use the symptom checker to determine if you should be tested. Students cannot return to school until symptoms resolve and a negative test result is received and is provided to the school.

• Wednesday 19 August 2020 3:00pm (Email to parents: A message from the principal: COVID-19 Update)
  On Monday the NSW Education Department announced updated requirements for schools to help ensure safety during the COVID environment. Shire Christian School is committed to working within these requirements to plan meaningful and enjoyable activities for our students. Read more
  
  
• Thursday 23 July 2020 12:45pm (Email to parents: School Reports and COVID-19 Guidelines)
  Our leadership team is investing a significant amount of time to minimise COVID-19 risks to members of the school community. I would like to provide you with some updated information and some important reminders. Read more
  
  
• Thursday 2 July 2020 2:10pm (Email to parents: A letter from Principal Brett Hartley)
  While I would obviously dearly love for parents, and other adults who have a connection with our school community, to one day be as involved as they were before the outbreak of the pandemic, we still need to take reasonable precautions based on the advice we receive. Read more
  
  
• Friday 12 June 2020 3:00pm (Action Plan: In event of a confirmed case of COVID-19 on the school site)
  After a successful return to face-to-face learning the school has developed an Action Plan to ensure the school is well prepared in the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19 on the school site. If this were to occur parents would be immediately advised by email and SMS and asked to read the planned student exit arrangements.
  
  
• Monday 4 May 2020 4:00pm (Video message to parents)

• Friday 1 May 2020 4:15pm (Email to parents – Return to face to face learning plan)
  Our leadership team has carefully consulted staff and a substantial number of parents, representing a range of year groups, to determine the best way forward for our school as we transition back to face-to-face learning from Week 3 this term. Read more
  
  
• Tuesday 23 April 2020 11:45am (Email to parents - Term 2 arrangements)
  I write to remind you of the arrangements for the beginning of next term and also to share with you our considerations for a safe and orderly return to normal face-to-face learning. On Monday 27/4 and Tuesday 28/4 we would prefer that parents only send their children to school if they are not able to make alternative arrangements to look after them at home. From Wednesday 29/4 the remote learning program will continue. The school will increase the number of students coming to school from Week 3 i.e. from Monday 11/5. I will write to you again by no later than Thursday 7/5 to let you know our plan. Read more
  
  
• Thursday 9 April 2020 1:15pm (Email to parents) 
  Thank you for your encouragement and support in what has been an extraordinary term. Staff, students and parents have all worked positively and cooperatively to transition to remote learning. I appreciate the many words of encouragement to our teachers, who have invested countless extra hours to try and create meaningful and engaging lessons. Read more
  
  
• Friday 3 April 2020 4:00pm (Video message to Junior School parents)

• Thursday 26 March 2020 12:00pm (Email to Secondary School parents)
  To support parents and students we have developed a learning at home poster that I encourage you to have visible in the room where your child is doing their schoolwork. Please note that the period times are slightly different than what is published in the student diary to make it easier to remember when a lesson starts. From next Monday, synchronous online learning will occur where students and teachers will be online at the same time, following these specific times according to your child's timetable. Read more
  
  
• Thursday 26 March 2020 12:00pm (Useful links)
  The school has developed posters to help students learn at home. 
  Junior School Poster
  Secondary School Poster
  
  
• Tuesday 24 March 2020 10:00am (Email to parents - School Attendance Record)
  As I communicated in my email to you yesterday, the NSW Premier has encouraged parents to keep their children at home from today if possible. Our parents can choose to send their children to school or have them learn from home. Students will be completing the same school work, regardless of whether they are supervised at school or at home. My email yesterday gave guidance as to how students can access our online learning programs. I’m confident that the innovative lessons our teachers are preparing will ensure your child continues to receive a quality, caring Christian education. Read more
  
  
• Monday 23 March 2020 2:00pm (Email to parents)
  Following the Premier's press conference, the school executive and the chairman of the school board met to discuss how our school can continue to provide high-quality learning and care for our students. Read more
  
  
• Monday 23 March 2020 10:00am (Update)
  Our Principal Mr Brett Hartley intends to send an email to all school parents by 1:00pm today to provide further clarity on how our school will proceed in coming days. This email will take into account the Prime Minister's comments late last night and the NSW Premier's comments at a press conference at 8:00am this morning.
  
  
• Sunday 22 March 2020 (Email to parents)
  You may be aware that the National Cabinet is meeting tonight to discuss further measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), including the likely closure of NSW schools from Tuesday. The information provided today is substantially different to the advice they provided to us at the end of last week. This afternoon our executive staff developed a plan based on the assumption that the government will close schools from Tuesday. Read more
  
  
• Friday 20 March 2020 3:30pm (From the Principal: A Christian Response to COVID-19)
  As we face the challenges of risks to our health, risks to our employment security and finances and as we carry the burden of caring for those close to us, what does the Bible teach us about facing these challenges? Read more
  
  
• Friday 20 March 2020 3:30pm (Newsletter - Online learning in Secondary School)
  Teachers are continuing to provide meaningful engaging lessons, catering for students who are working remotely and also preparing for the likelihood of a school closure at some point in the future. Every class should now have a Google Classroom that your child has been invited to join and where students will find coursework to complete. Read more
  
  
• Friday 20 March 2020 3:30pm (Newsletter - Managing Online Learning in Junior School)
  We are certainly in unusual and challenging times. As a learning community we are finding ourselves planning and implementing for a situation that we have never done before. At the moment, our teachers have been working really hard to prepare and teach effective lessons at school as well as post work online and prepare for online learning for future weeks. There’s been new things to learn and we are doing the very best we can to cater for all learners in these circumstances. Please be patient with us as we work together to deliver an engaging online Christian education. Your child’s health, wellbeing and academic progression is important to us. Read more
  
  
• Friday 20 March 2020 10:30am
  If you haven’t already advised us that your child/children are staying at home at the moment because of risks posed by the coronavirus, please advise us using this google form. Students who are learning at home can access learning through the Junior School Hub or subject specific Google Classroom sites. Because teachers’ workloads have increased substantially as they continue to teach children who come to school, provide work for those who are at home and prepare for a possible school closure, teachers will not be able to send personal emails to parents providing work for students who are self-isolating.
  
  
• Monday 16 March 2020 7:00pm (Email to parents)
  The Federal Government's strategy to manage the public health threats posed by the coronavirus include safe hygiene practices, social distancing, stating that gatherings of more than 500 people should not occur and requiring anyone arriving in Australia to self-isolate for 2 weeks. The school received formal advice from the NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Chant, last night that schools should remain open. In response to that advice, and other reliable sources of information, the school executive met for a substantial amount of time this morning to determine how the school will respond to the challenges the coronavirus has placed on us. Read more
  
  
• Monday 16 March 2020 8:00am (Useful links)
  - The latest Department of Health information
  - Information for schools and early childhood centres, students and parents
  - If a community member suspects they, a family member or someone else has coronavirus they should call (not visit) their GP or ring the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. 
  
  
• Friday 13 March 2020 3:18pm (Email to parents) 
  Our school is referencing reliable information from the relevant authorities to make wise decisions to ensure the health and safety of our school community in relation to the coronavirus (COVID19). We are very conscious of the need for excellent hygiene practices across the school and are reinforcing good personal hygiene habits with our students and staff. If the school did need to close, we are well prepared to operate remotely including using online learning tools such as Google Classroom. We will communicate with parents via SMS and email. Please continue to pray that the virus will be controlled, that those who contract it will recover and the economic impact will not be too great. Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
  
  
• Sunday 8 March 2020 9:42am (Email to parents) 
  In Friday's newsletter article I wrote about the coronavirus and the steps that the school is taking in response to concerns about the virus. I would appreciate all parents reading this article. It is also important that all parents read the most recent advice from the Australian Government Department of Health. I very much appreciate the prayerful, measured and helpful approach our parents have taken to the virus to date. Thank you for your support.
  Mr Brett Hartley
  Principal
  
  
• Friday 6 March 2020 4:00pm (Newsletter)
  Talk of the coronavirus (COVID19) is widespread in the Australian community. While some people might joke or shake their heads in disbelief that supermarkets have run out of toilet paper, the risks associated with the virus mean that schools need to respond appropriately to reduce the risk of members of the school community contracting the virus when they are on the school site or at a school activity. Read more