Earlier this week, Mr Lo Cascio and I met with representatives from Busabout regarding our current services and preparations for 2023. At the outset, I would commend all students that catch these services of a morning and afternoon, for the feedback that we received regarding their behaviour, manners and the way in which they represent the College. They did, however, request that students make a concerted effort to tap on and off of a morning and afternoon, as this information is then used to determine the viability of services and the most appropriate routes to take. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, if students are yet to arrange their Opal cards for 2023, I would encourage them to do so ASAP so that any replacement cards can be received as soon as possible. 

Students who travel to and from school via train services are asked to note that due to Industrial Action, on Monday 21st and Friday 25th November, there will be a number of cancelled services on the Sydney Trains and NSW Trains network. Transport NSW has advised that students should expect significant delays and longer travel times. Further information can be obtained at transportnsw.info 

As you would be aware, NSW Health has recently stated that as COVID-19 cases continue to rise within the community, with an anticipated peak in early December, that it would be a timely reminder for school communities to revisit their COVID-smart measures in order to prioritise student and staff wellbeing. I take the opportunity this week to thank our parents and carers for your support in adhering to the health advice and remind the community of the following key points:

• staying home if unwell and/or showing any symptoms
• mask-wearing is strongly encouraged, particularly when indoors and/or when physical distancing is not possible, and on public transport
• continued mandatory mask-wearing for anyone working with students at greater risk of serious illness whether they be in an specialist centres, support unit or mainstream classroom
• using rapid antigen tests (RATs) when showing symptoms or exposed to COVID-19
• encouraging all students, staff and families to keep up-to-date with their vaccinations, including COVID-19 booster shots if eligible
• NSW Health are also encouraging everyone in the community to continue to register positive RATs with Service NSW to ensure they receive timely support and advice, including access to antivirals for those eligible.
• Schools are encouraged to continue to reinforce the importance of the COVID-smart measures to students, parents, carers and staff.