Important Update on COVID-19/ Coronavirus

as of 16th March 2020  We usually like to start the week with an assembly that is motivational, inspiring and an opportunity that helps us to appreciate that we are a huge “family”.

We usually like to start the week with an assembly that is motivational, inspiring and an opportunity that helps us to appreciate that we are a huge “family”. However, given the current situation with COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily discontinue large assemblies or gatherings of our students as a basic precaution against “community transmission” of ANY virus or germs.

What this means in practical terms is this:

  • No school assemblies until further notice – when the peak infection period has passed.
  • No excursions outside the school.
  • Harmony day which was to be held on 19th March will be held over until the emergency period has passed.We will continue to monitor the health of our students. Our qualified school nurse is well-equipped to identify symptoms associated with various illness presentations. We will implement that advice.
Other precautions we are taking, includes advice to parents returning from anywhere overseas (as from 15th March 2020) that their children are to be kept away from school for 14 days. The information surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic is changing rapidly, and we are doing our best to respond as quickly as we can to meet the requirements of our students. We need the patience and cooperation of our parents and caregivers during this difficult time. 

School Closures: I have added our latest advice on the issue of school closures. The message is that closure of Dandenong North Primary School is unlikely IN THE SHORT-TERM. Parents are encouraged to think of the loss of learning opportunities that may occur if their children are absent from school for extended periods of time. An absence of two weeks can make a significant difference to a child’s annual learning achievements. 

Kevin Mackay
Principal