Principal's Piece
COVID Update
As you may be aware, Queensland Health have updated the requirements for anyone who is deemed a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19.
Please note, when determining whether someone is a close contact, schools and early childhood services are not considered a household, or household-like accommodation or care facility.
New requirements for close contacts
From 6pm on Thursday 28 April 2022, close contacts who do not have COVID-19 symptoms no longer need to quarantine.
Students who are close contacts must notify their school that they are a close contact
For 7 days after becoming a close contact, students over the age of 12 must wear a face mask while outside of their home, including at school, and when outdoors if unable to physically distance. Queensland Health also recommends that children under the age of 12 wear a face mask when it is safe to do so.
It is recommended that students undertake a rapid antigen test (RAT) on the first day they leave home, and every second day (e.g. days 2, 4, and 6) until they are no longer a close contact.
Close contacts who develop COVID-19 symptoms must not attend school and should isolate until their symptoms resolve.
Rapid antigen tests (RATs)
Schools are not providing RATs to staff or students who are close contacts. You will need to source and administer your own tests. However, our school is continuing to provide RATs to staff and students who develop COVID-19 symptoms while at school.
If you or your child tests positive to COVID-19
Queensland Health requirements for people who test positive to COVID-19 remain unchanged. You must follow the Queensland Health guidelines outlined in the first steps to take if you have COVID-19.
Face masks
As a gentle reminder, masks continue to be required in certain settings for anyone aged 12 years or older, such as when travelling on public transport. They are also recommended whenever you can't physically distance.
Anyone who chooses to wear a mask at school will be supported to do so.
I will continue to keep you informed of any changes to our response to COVID-19.
Drink Bottles
Please provide your child/ren with a named water bottle for school. The students will be encouraged to fill their bottles during breaks, eliminating the need for children to miss out on learning to go out to the bubblers during class time.
Guidance Officer Week
This week is Guidance Officer Week (2 to 13 May) and it's timely we celebrate, thank and promote our guidance officers.
Guidance Officers respond to some of the most complex and challenging issues in our schools, including student protection matters, critical incidents, mental health issues, and suicide prevention and postvention support.
This week, I encourage you to take time out to thank our Guidance Officer, Karen Mooney, for the tireless work she does for Calliope State School.
NAPLAN
Calliope State School will be participating in NAPLAN Online again in 2022. Calliope State School’s NAPLAN test window will be from Tuesday 10 May – Monday 16 May.
We are currently in the process of finalising student participation for the tests. Adjustments for students with a disability will be put in place to support their access and to facilitate maximum participation. All students in Years 3 and 5 are encouraged to participate. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s participation in NAPLAN, please contact your child’s class teacher.
Please see the Calliope State School’s NAPLAN timetable below.
Staff Member of the Week Leadership Award – Courtney Green
As a beginning teacher, Courtney has been enacting our HPT values of Vision and Action through her work in Strategy 1, specifically collegial engagement though the Collaborative Inquiry Learning Approach. Courtney has successfully completed a cycle with our HOD: Curriculum, to refine her Reading Plan and plan engaging activities aligned to her English unit.
Staff Member of the Week Peer Award – Lee Newby
Thank you for your help and assistance whenever we call on you. You are always happy to help us out. Whether it be a 'roaming dog' on school grounds or getting an odd hat, shoe or lunchbox off of a roof. Your cheeky banter and love for football (even if its not Cowboys!!) brings happy vibes to the workplace.
Regards
Acting Principal