As we commence the new term, I hope that the return to school routines comes after a very well-deserved holiday period and a blessed Easter season for all our students, parents and friends of the College.

With the new term comes a further development in the COVID-smart measures that we have been following under the direction of NSW Health and Catholic Schools NSW. As Mr Lo Cascio mentioned earlier this week, I remind you of the following main developments that will guide our return to school this term.

Since 6pm on 22 April 2022, close contacts (including household contacts) have been able to leave isolation with certain exemptions in place.

This means that in Term 2, 2022, staff and students who are close/household contacts and have no symptoms may continue to attend school in line with the following requirements:

• They must notify the school that they are intending to return under this provision.
• They should conduct a daily rapid antigen test (RAT) and return a negative result each morning before attending school for 5 school days (results do NOT need to be provided to the school).
• Staff and secondary students who are close contacts must wear a mask indoors except when eating or exercising.
• No student or staff member identified as a close contact will be permitted to participate in overnight excursions, including school camps/retreats.
• Once staff or secondary students have completed their 7-day isolation period, they should wear a mask for an additional 3 days (for days 8 to 10)

Please note that students who test positive for COVID-19, or who are unwell or showing COVID-19 symptoms, must continue to isolate at home.

An additional pack of RAT kits will be provided to families next week. These RAT kits can be used for testing when your child is symptomatic or for daily testing if they are a close contact but choose to return to school under the new measures outlined above.

As always, I thank you for your support of these directives which allow us to continue providing a safe learning environment for all staff and students. If you have any questions about these directives, please do not hesitate to contact the College.

Kind regards,

David Cloran

Assistant Principal