We are so excited to be catching up with all Burnie Primary School students next Monday 25^th May. Thank you to all in our school community for supporting our children and where possible, keeping them learning from home. I know talking to many, it has provided many challenges, but it has also opened up many opportunities. I have been so proud to be part of our Burnie Primary School community during this time and seeing how our staff have responded in the face of adversity. The collaboration between staff in being able to plan for learning at home and the transition into learning back at school next week has been outstanding. We have kept school looking physically as close to normal as possible to cater for our students who have not been to school for a number of weeks. There are though some practices that will remain to continue to keep the high level of hygiene inside our school.

We will continue to ask parents and carers not to enter the school building until further notice. Each class will have their entry and exit points around the school. Parents and carers are asked to drop children off and leave the school grounds to avoid congestion while still keeping our 1.5m distance. If students are late or need to be picked up for an appointment, please wait outside the main entrance doors and our office staff will deal with the signing in and out for students. You will notice the Department of Education ‘Stop, Drop and Leave’ and ‘Pickup and Go’ posters on school doors.

Can you please ensure that all students bring their learning from home packs in the blue bags back to school on Monday. We will continue to use these items during the school day.

Children should not be sent to school if they feel unwell with cold or flu-like symptoms including:

• fever
• runny nose
• cough, sore/itchy throat or
• shortness of breath

Children should stay home and you should phone your GP or the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 for a referral to be tested.

Children should only be returning to school once their cold/flu like symptoms have passed.

If you are an essential worker and your child is showing cold or flu like symptoms, they should not be attending school or childcare.

The creativity and innovation that staff and students have shown during this time has been outstanding and shows that we are living our vision of a collaborative, creative and innovative learning community. When you have this you are able to cope and adapt to change, which is of benefit to us all, especially our students who will be dealing with and adapting to changes throughout their lives.

Andrew Starick
Principal