Humanity has always faced challenges. In the past 100 years, Australia has persevered in the face of world wars, economic depressions, global and domestic terrorism, natural disasters, climate change and at times, divisive social policy. The outbreak of the Covid-19 Corona Virus has caused uncertainty, however, it is another opportunity for us to reflect in order to create a better society for our children to grow and become resilient, global citizens. Australians are known for resilience when times are tough and a willingness to ‘have a go’. It is important that during this time, we follow the lead of Health practitioners so that we can continue to be ‘The Lucky Country’.

The Department for Education has clear guidelines on what to do if there is a confirmed case of Covid-19 of a child or teacher attending Pimpala Primary School.

If there is a case, parents will be contacted to collect children immediately and the site would be closed for a minimum of 24 hours.

One thing that the conversation around Covid-19 has reaffirmed, as with any other time, if a child becomes unwell while in your care, infection control practices should be enacted and the student referred to a medical practitioner. The importance of practicing good hygiene isn’t just necessary during a global pandemic, these are hygienic routines we should be practicing every day.

We have taken preventative measures to stop the spread of Covid-19 in our school community by cancelling camps, excursions and assemblies. This is not a decision we have taken lightly, however, the health and safety of each individual is always our greatest priority. The Department for Education and Pimpala Primary School take advice from The Health Department. We will communicate each time information changes. At this point in time, as far as teaching and learning is concerned, it is business as usual. We are very excited about teaching and learning at Pimpala. Our teachers and SSOs do an amazing job of teaching the Australian Curriculum to all children. Literacy and Numeracy intervention programs have commenced and are helping students to gain a deeper understanding what sounds, patterns and rules underpin English and our base-10 number system.

It is also important that I communicate with you that our Principal, Penny Wilde has been on bereavement leave and will be taking leave until the end of the term. Penny is coping with a difficult situation with her family and is in the thoughts of the entire Pimpala community.