In last week's newsletter, I provided an update from NSW Transport regarding the process for families to update their Opal card details in readiness for the new school year. We have also been asked to remind students of the importance of tapping on/off when they use school bus services as these details are used to determine travel routes and frequencies. If students are not tapping on and off, particularly of a morning on their way to school, it can provide data to bus companies suggesting particular routes are not required.

As you may be aware from a Compass notification earlier this week, Catholic Schools NSW have updated their health directives following a change to COVID-19 rules on Friday 14 October 2022. These changes state that it is no longer mandatory for people who test positive to COVID-19 to self-isolate at home.

What this means for students and school staff

• If a student or staff member is unwell and has any COVID-19 symptoms, even the mildest of symptoms, they should stay home and test.
• Students and staff who are unwell with any cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms (whether they have tested positive or not) should not attend school until their symptoms are gone.
• To limit the possible spread of illness amongst the school community, students and staff displaying COVID-19 symptoms at school will continue to be sent home until their symptoms are gone (students and staff with persistent symptoms, e.g. hayfever, will continue to be able to attend with a letter from their medical practitioner).

Steps we can take to keep our school community safe

• The most important step we can all take is to stay home when we have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, and not return to school until the symptoms are gone.
• Please continue to notify the school if your child tests positive for COVID-19.

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead.