Term 2 Return

Student transition back to school in Term 2

Dear Families

I hope that the school holidays have been a time of rest for our students and I know that thoughts are now turning to the term ahead. I write to provide you with important information about the planning that has been undertaken here at [St Thomas More School in readiness for Term 2.

On Wednesday the SA Chief Public Health Officer, Nicola Spurrier, and Premier Marshall stated strongly that parents should plan to send their children back to school. Professor Spurrier repeated health advice that schools continue to be safe places for students and staff.

In keeping with this advice, all schools in Catholic Education SA are encouraging parents and carers to send their children back to school in Week 1 of Term 2, while recognising that some might want to wait a little longer.

I have attached letters from Bishop Greg O'Kelly and Dr Spurrier which provide more background information about this decision.

In Week 1, while we see student numbers returning, our staff will deliver learning in an online mode to all students, whether they are at school or at home.

We will review this during the week and then make refinements in readiness for Week 2 as part of our transition back to face to face learning for all here at school.

To help us plan for students' return, would you please tell us your intentions via reply email: (click the email link or go to info@sttmore.catholic.edu.au)

• Your child/children will return to school at the start of Term 2 OR
• Your child/children will access online learning from home for the start of Term 2

During this time of transition in Term 2, the health and wellbeing of students and staff remain our priority. We will continue to ensure that our school is a safe environment with appropriate physical distancing, hygiene and additional cleaning measures in place.

At this time, all competition sport and extra-curricular activities are still on hold. We will update you when this changes. 

Whether you drive your children to and from school, or walk to school, for now we need all parents and carers to drop off and pick up children at the school gate(s).  Please stay in your car if you are driving and observe social distancing if you are walking children to and from school. Our staff will be ready at the gates to greet students and to ensure that they transit to their classrooms safely. 

Our before and after school care will be open as normal, however, unfortunately, current restrictions mean that we are unable to open our canteen at this time. We will update you when we have more information. 

On Monday morning we will start our online learning program as planned. If you are keeping your child at home, please follow the advice previously provided. 

We are genuinely excited at the prospect of students returning to school and as we navigate through this transition back to school together, we acknowledge that there may be a few challenges along the way. We appreciate the partnership we have with families and look forward to overcoming any challenges together.

Whether you choose to send your child to school, or keep them at home a little longer, our staff are ready to support your child in their learning.

Working in Partnership
Chris Platten
Principal