18 Jul 2021
Dear Parents and Carers,
As you would be aware, the Premier and NSW Health updated health orders on Saturday July 17. The DoE has therefore updated its guidelines for schools yesterday afternoon. There will need to be some changes for us at Colo High School in terms of operation over the next two weeks, mostly in regards to staffing at school. We have worked closely with our Director to ensure that we place students at the centre of our decision making.
The Premier and DoE have strengthened their advice and the following is a message we have been asked to send to our community. "Parents must keep children - of all ages, across primary and secondary schooling and early childcare - home if they can. Students will be supported to learn from home. Schools and early childhood education and care services, including Out Of School Hours Care services are open for any child that needs it. Thank you for your support” .
We appreciate you keeping your children at home this past week, it has made it easier for the small number of students who have had to attend. It is important to remember that no student will be turned away. If you need resources to support your children’s learning at home, please contact the office and we will arrange what we can to support every student in any way we can.
Like the rest of Greater Sydney, we also have been asked to reduce the number of staff to a minimal operating level. This will mean that we will have minimal staff at school. They will all be working from home and there may be a delay in responding to phone calls during office hours. Please be patient as we do our best to maintain high level communication with our students and families.
Year 12 remain a high priority, we are waiting for NESA to release guidelines today around the HSC. I know our staff and students have worked hard on their HSC projects, performances and studies and we are preparing for the upcoming trials. If you have any questions please remember your support team. Your classroom teachers, support staff, wellbeing team, deputy and year adviser to name a few.
Parents, I understand the significant pressure you will be experiencing and promise we will do whatever we can to ease the pressure of managing remote learning. If you are worried about your child, please contact us, I know there will be something we can do. As information is made available, I will provide this to you and apologise for the constant revisions with our communication, but the situation continues to unfold, and we will respond accordingly.
Thank you,
Mr Chris Pendergast
Relieving Principal Colo High School