COVID RECEPTION HOURS

Due to the current COVID restrictions across NSW, our reception hours will temporarily be from 8:30am - 4:00pm.

Normal operating times will resume once restrictions ease. We will keep our community up-to-date with any further changes.

For any enquiries please call 4736 8100 between these hours or email enquiries@pac.nsw.edu.au.

Dear families,

Thank you for your ongoing understanding as we provide information regarding the plans to commence Term 3. We have tried to provide as much information for parents and students as possible.

The below details some recently updated advice from the Public Health Order documentation released on Sunday 18 July. There are some changes that impact schools and students.

• Any person (staff or student) Year 7 and above will be required to have a face mask on at all times, both indoors or outdoors if on the school campus (exemptions still apply).
• School buses will not be operating for normal routes of transport. All buses will be operating only on a reduced Sunday schedule.
• Parents must keep their children at home if they can, any age; primary school, secondary school or childcare. Students will be well supported from the school. The College remains open for those that need it. We thank you for your support.

The Government has provided this advice to schools in the Greater Sydney Area and from tomorrow July 19, this will come into place.

We ask that all our families continue to follow the guidance provided and communicate if they have any questions or concerns.

Take care and I hope the term starts well for you all.

Regards,

Leighton Corr
Deputy Principal (Secondary)

Dear Families

As Term 3 commences we are again painfully affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We wish to keep families and students up-to-date with all relevant information and plans for the College for the coming weeks. We know you understand that this information continues to change as health advice and rules change, and we will continue to keep families informed as quicky as we are able to.

The purpose of this letter is to provide clarity for families on matters related to COVID-19 and note three areas we need parents to action at their earliest convenience.

Key Actions Requested of Parents;

• Complete Parent Survey (included in this letter) by Friday 16 July, 12 noon.
• Read through this communication and check Parent App, emails and the College website regularly for updates.
• Check Edumate contact details and update if required.

Schools in Greater Western Sydney are currently in Level 4 restrictions where students are encouraged to learn from home, but schools remain open for students who need to attend. For those who are present at school, masks are mandatory for all staff, and all students in Year 7 and above in any indoor venue (noting exemptions apply).

It is anticipated that we will be operating at this level for at least the first three weeks of Term 3.

Students are strongly encouraged to learn from home, although no student will be turned away from attending the College in person.

The College is preparing an ‘Off-Campus Learning’ program. All students, whether at school or at home, will be completing the same program while we are in Level 4 restrictions. Specific information regarding ‘Off-Campus Learning’ will be sent to families on Thursday 15 July.

Until further notice, the following will be in place:

• All staff and visitors must check in daily using the Services NSW QR code.
• Before and After School Care provided by Camp Australia will operate according to their normal hours of operation. Specific information can be found at www.campaustralia.com.au.
• Wherever possible, staff will be working from home with reduced numbers of staff on-site to supervise students and ensure the effective operation of the College.
• The Canteen will be closed.
• The Uniform Shop will be closed.
• No co-curricular activities, excursions or incursions.
• No before and after school activities will operate eg. sport and music ensembles.
• No peripatetic/private music lessons will run in person.
• As far as we are aware, buses will operate according to their published timetables.

COMMUNICATION

The primary channel of communication will be via email. Please ensure you check your emails regularly, including your junk folder.

• A portal will be established on the College website for regular updates. It will be at the top of the home page.
• Emails will be sent from the relevant Heads of Schools with more information regarding specific matters.
• Phone calls and emails from teachers will take place as required.
• An SMS will be sent to notify parents of any major or urgent changes.
• Facebook will continue to function with relevant updates on social media.
• The ‘Parent app’ will also be used for providing the parent community with updates.

VISITORS AND PARENTS AT THE CAMPUS

Non-essential visitors are currently not permitted on the College Campus. There will be no face-to-face meetings until further notice including; parent meetings, parent teacher interviews, enrolment interviews or College tours.

Details for how these events will occur online will be provided for families soon. If you are unsure about a particular event, contact College Reception on 4736 8100.

All staff and visitors on campus are required to use the QR codes available at reception to complete their Service NSW COVID Safe Check-in. They are expected to apply hand sanitiser. Essential visitors will also need to sign in as normal via the College’s visitor management system.

MASKS

In Greater Sydney, while at school, masks or face coverings are required in all indoor settings for:

• all students in Year 7 or above.
• all staff in indoor school settings.

Some exemptions apply:

• Staff are not required to wear a mask or face covering where it may affect the ability of a student or students to hear or engage with them, such as where clear enunciation and communication is essential.
• As per the broader health advice, Pre-K staff are exempt from wearing face masks when they are working directly with children.
• Masks or face coverings are not required to be worn by a staff member or student who has a physical or mental health illness or condition, or disability, that makes wearing a mask unsuitable.

PREPARATIONS FOR 'OFF-CAMPUS LEARNING'

Staff have started preparing for the term commencing in an ‘Off-Campus’ capacity. Details of how a school day will operate will be provided on Thursday July 15.

Students will have work provided for them each day and an opportunity to check in with their classroom teacher in Primary and Mentor teacher in Secondary during the day.

The College will continue to provide IT support during this time for students who need it.

SURVEY

To assist us with our planning, we are asking all families to complete the following survey to get an indication of how many students may be learning at the College next week. Please complete a

separate survey for each child in your family who attends the College. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PACattendance

EDUMATE

Please check Edumate contact details and update if required.

COLLECTION OF LEARNING MATERIALS

An ‘Off-Campus Learning Pack’ for Primary students will be available for families to collect on Friday 16 July 2021 through a drive-thru service.

Ideally, we would like families to arrive at the following times:

Pre-K and Kindergarten Families 9am-10am

Year 1 and Year 2 Families 10:30am-11:30am

Year 3 and Year 4 Families 12:30-1:30pm

Year 5 and Year 6 Families 1:45pm and 2:45pm

If you have multiple children across many grades, please come at the time of your youngest child. We ask that only one parent attend the pick-up. To avoid a traffic congestion, please only arrive at your allotted time.

Please enter the car park via the main gates and follow the directions provided. Ensure your car park sign with your name is displayed on your windscreen and you are wearing a mask. Please do not leave your car.

If you are unable to come to the College at these times, please contact Mrs Luby Mansell via email l.mansell@pac.nsw.edu.au

INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS ATTENDING THE CAMPUS

Students should not attend school if unwell, even with mild symptoms of COVID-19. Any person with any COVID-19 symptoms will be sent home and cannot return to school until they have received a negative test result and are symptom-free.

In circumstances where children have other medical reasons for recurrent symptoms, a letter from your Doctor is required.

This situation is changing constantly, and the College response will be updated as new information becomes available and advice is received. Our staff are committed to remaining in contact with students and ensuring they have opportunities to engage in quality learning, experience a high level of care and support, and know that they belong to an outstanding Christian learning community.

As I close, let me remind you of the verses in Philippians 4:6-7:

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the College at 4736 8100 and your call will be directed to the appropriate member of staff to assist you.

Yours sincerely

Mrs Felicity Grima

Principal

As you are no doubt aware, the Premier has extended lockdown for a further week with schools hopefully returning to on-campus learning on Monday 19 July. This coincides with the start of Term 3 at the College.

We are currently receiving briefings and advice from relevant authorities, and we plan to be in communication with families about the arrangements for Term 3 on Wednesday 14 July.

We do appreciate your patience and understanding as we commence the term amidst a series of challenges and changes.

Dear Families
In response to recent cases of COVID-19 in school staff and students in NSW, we have been provided with updated advice from NSW Health with measures to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission in school communities. Many measures have already been in place for several months.

NSW Health requires schools to:

• exclude students and staff with even mild symptoms of COVID-19;
• encourage immediate testing for any symptomatic child(ren) or staff;
• prohibit return to school for anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 until a negative COVID test result has been reported;
• ensure that adults maintain physical distancing at all times;
• ensure good hand hygiene at all times (e.g. upon entry to the school, entry to the classroom and upon exit of the classroom);
• restrict parent/carer and non-essential visitor access to the school.

Furthermore, certain practices must cease altogether for the remainder of Term 3 and possibly longer. These include:

• activities that result in the mixing of students from other schools, such as sporting- related activities, drama and debating;
• school-related singing or chanting activities and use of wind instruments in groups;
• school-related social activities (e.g. school formals, dinners or dances; graduation ceremonies; or functions involving parents);
• school-related overnight events (e.g. retreats, camps, excursions), due to increased risk of transmission of the virus in a residential-type setting with shared facilities.

We are permitted to have incursions and guest speakers on-site as long as COVID-safe measures are in place.

As you can appreciate, these restrictions have a significant impact on activities and events in Term 3, particularly those involving Year 12 and their families. As a leadership team, we are reworking new-look and adapted events including, where possible, postponing events until Term 4. Mrs Kennedy (Head of Primary) and Mr Corr (Head of Secondary) will write to families by Wednesday with more information which will be relevant to each section of the College.

COVID Symptoms
We have been experiencing an increase in the number of students, both Primary and Secondary, coming to school with cold or flu-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat or cough.

We wish to emphasise the following:

• Students and staff who are unwell or displaying symptoms of respiratory illness or flu-like symptoms potentially associated with COVID-19 must not attend school and should remain at home until all symptoms have disappeared.
• COVID-19 symptoms can include fever (37.5°C or higher), cough, sore/scratchy throat, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell. NSW Health requires that such a person self-isolate and be tested for COVID-19 at a testing clinic even if they have mild symptoms.
• Any student or staff member who has been tested must not attend school while awaiting results and must adhere to isolation/quarantine protocols. Please notify the College if the result is COVID-19 positive.

Therefore, we strongly reiterate the need not to send your child(ren) to the College if they are displaying any of these symptoms. Should your child(ren) display any cold- or flu-like symptoms when at the College, we will contact you to come and collect them.

Support and Care
While we are all disappointed about these restrictions, we trust that you will recognise that the decisions are made with the students’ best interests at heart.

Our students continue to have access to the best mental health support we can offer at the College. However, please be encouraged to seek additional support for your family if the need arises:

• Headspace – Phone 1800 650 890
• Beyond Blue – Phone 1300 224 636
• Kids Helpline – Phone 1800 551 800

We thank you for your continued understanding and support. As a community we continue to look to Christ as our source of strength, peace and courage during these constantly changing times.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

Please do not hesitate to contact us at the College if we can be of support or assistance at this time.

Yours sincerely
Mrs Felicity Grima
Principal

Term 2 Return to School

Dear Parents and Carers,
It has been so refreshing to have students begin their return to the College campus over the last few weeks. I wish to express my sincere thanks to all College families for their cooperation and flexibility in these challenging times. It is wonderful to be part of such a committed and generous community.

Having one House per day attend over the last two weeks has allowed the staff to prepare the College for a full-time return of students. And so, in line with the announcements made by the NSW Premier on Tuesday, all students will be returning full-time to the College on Monday 25 May (Week 5). From this day, we will be returning to face-to-face teaching for all classes from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12.

All College activities will be in line with Federal and NSW State Government advice for schools including the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and the NSW Department of Health.

Learning at the College

With students returning to full-time face-to-face teaching, all ‘Off-Campus Learning’ will cease on Monday 25 May (Week B) as it is not sustainable to provide both modes of teaching.

The College will support students who are unable to return to school for medical reasons. Please contact your child’s Classroom Teacher (Primary) or Head of House (Secondary) for further information.

Until further notice:

• Physical education and sport will continue outdoors or in the Gym according to recommended guidelines. Students will not be changing in changerooms. Secondary PDHPE classes will not involve practical components until at least Week 7.
• Assembly, Year Meetings, House Meetings and Chapel will be live streamed to classrooms.
• There will be no excursions or interschool activities, including camps.
• There will be no after school co-curricular activities.

Attendance

All students should be at the College unless:

• They have a medical certificate which states that they are unable to return to the College due to an ongoing medical condition.
• They are currently unwell.
• The NSW Health Department has instructed them to isolate.

Our normal attendance expectations will recommence on Monday 25 May. If a student is absent without a medical reason or approved leave, this is required to be recorded as an unexplained absence.

If your child is unwell, do not send them to school. They should remain home until the symptoms have disappeared.
If students or staff have COVID-19 symptoms, which include a cough, sore/scratchy throat, shortness of breath or fever, NSW Health requires that person to be tested for COVID-19 at a testing clinic. They will be expected to self-isolate until they get their test result and notify the College immediately if their result is positive for COVID-19. Anyone who has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 must remain in isolation for 14 days following that contact.

If a student or staff member becomes unwell with COVID-19 symptoms at the College, you or your child’s nominated emergency contact will need to collect them immediately. They will be isolated in a room next to the Reception area until you arrive. Please ensure your contact details are up-to-date on Edumate.

Responding to COVID-19 cases
In the event of a confirmed COVID-19 case at the College, the College will be notified by the NSW Department of Health. The College would be temporarily closed and we would follow the directions of NSW Department of Health in relation to notifying close contacts and thorough cleaning to ensure the College is safe to return to being operational.

Safe and Healthy College Environment

• Personal Hygiene

All families are encouraged to continue to speak to their children about good hygiene practices, including:
- Washing hands frequently with soap and water before and after eating and after going to the toilet.
- Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your face.

• Cleaning and sanitising

The College has increased the availability of soap and hand sanitiser around the College. There is additional cleaning throughout the day targeting high-touch areas and other hard surfaces, door handles, lockers, light switches, and handrails.

• Parents on school grounds

Parents and carers are required to stay in their car to drop off and pick up children. Parents are asked not to enter the College campus other than Reception and the Uniform Shop.
There will be no parent volunteers in classrooms until further notice.

• Visitors and Contractors

Visitors and Contractors attending the College have been minimised to only those essential for the functioning of the College. As normal, they are expected to sign in at Reception and apply hand sanitiser. Staff will also confirm that they do not have any COVID-19 symptoms. Visitors will be escorted around the College with a member of staff and will be required to maintain appropriate social distance at all times.

College Carpark

A separate communication will be sent to families detailing the arrangements for the College carpark. This will include information about staggered afternoon pick-up times and locations.

We recognise that there will be increased numbers of cars in the carpark in the coming weeks and it may take longer to collect your children. Please be aware that every effort will be made to manage the carpark as efficiently as possible while ensuring the safety of our staff and students.

We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

Bus Transport
Busways and Blue Mountains Bus Company have confirmed that:

• School services will run as normal according to the published timetables.
• No student will be turned away from travelling on school buses.
• Where possible, students are asked to sit with their siblings.
• Students are encouraged to maintain 1.5m social distancing at bus stops.
• There has been increased cleaning measures on board buses.
• Students are reminded to tap on and off with the Opal cards on every trip.

Food and Beverage

• Canteen

The Canteen will continue to operate in an online only capacity for the return of students. Orders can be made via Flexischools and will be delivered to classrooms for Primary students and collected, as normal, for Secondary students.

• Bubblers

The bubblers will remain closed. All students should bring their own water bottle to the College each day.

• Birthday treats

Students who wish to celebrate their birthday with others are permitted to bring pre-packaged snacks to the College such as a small chocolate or lolly. Staff will ensure these are shared with students safely. Please note, the College remains ‘allergy aware’ and food products containing nuts should not be brought to the College.

Uniform Shop

Full Winter Uniform is now required for all students. We understand this may be difficult for some families and consideration will be given to anyone unable to be in full winter uniform due to the circumstances. Primary students should wear sports uniform on Fridays, and Secondary students on Tuesdays.

The Uniform Shop will be open on Wednesdays from 1pm to 5pm. During these hours, 1pm to 3pm will be set aside to allow shop staff to pick any online orders, and also to set appointments for student fittings. These appointments can be made online by parents at http://penrithanglicancollege.permapleat.com.au/shop/

Online orders are required to be placed by midnight on Tuesdays and can be collected between 3pm and 5pm on Wednesdays.

Before and After School Care

Before and After School Care will operate as normal. Please contact Camp Australia directly to make a booking. Parents will continue to escort their children to and from the Centre.

As always, we continue to seek wisdom and strength from our Heavenly Father.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. (Phil 1:9-10)

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at the College.

Yours sincerely
Felicity Grima
Principal

Letter to the College Community

Dear Parents and Carers

Term 2 Arrangements

As you are no doubt aware, there have been several Government announcements this week about school education in Term 2. As a College, we continue to work through all the requirements as they apply to Penrith Anglican College. The health, safety, and wellbeing of our students and staff remain our priority, along with ensuring continuity of learning for all students. Detailed planning will require time as the relevant authorities provide further information and clarification.

The following arrangements will be in place for Weeks 1 and 2, Term 2:

• Students will commence learning through our 'Off-Campus Learning' programs on Tuesday 28 April. Students can complete the work at home or the College.
• The College will be open for all students who need to attend. No student will be turned away.
• All members of our community are required to maintain social distancing of at least 1.5m.
• During morning drop-off and pick up times, all parents and carers are requested to remain in their vehicles and use the 'Kiss and Drop' arrangements. Executive staff will be in the carpark to support this process. Parents may park and leave their vehicles to access Reception and the Uniform Shop.
• Our College ANZAC Chapel will be broadcast online to families on Friday 1 May. A link will be provided separately.
• The Canteen will be open for online orders only.
• Vacation Care will operate on Monday 27 April. Please contact Camp Australia directly to make a booking. Parents will continue to escort their children to and from the Centre.
• Before and After School Care will continue to operate from Tuesday 28 April. Please contact Camp Australia directly to make a booking. Parents will continue to escort their children to and from the Centre.
• The Uniform Shop will be open on Wednesday 29 April from 3pm to 5pm. Online orders can be placed at any time and fittings should also be booked online in advance. Wednesday 3pm to 5pm will be the revised opening hours during Term 2. Further information regarding the Uniform shop including how to make an appointment can be found on the College website. https://www.penrith.nsw.edu.au/enrol/essentials/uniforms/

Arrangements for Week 3 onwards will be communicated to families by next Friday 1 May.

Additional cleaning and hygiene arrangements will be in place at the College. If your child is sick, please do not send them to the College. I encourage all families to continue to speak to their children about good hygiene practices, including:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water before and after eating and after going to the toilet.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Limit physical contact with others and maintain a minimum social distance of 1.5m.

While we face an ever-changing world, we can continue to find refuge and strength in our unchanging God.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1)

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Yours sincerely
Felicity Grima
Principal

Letter to Primary School Parents: Term 2 Pre-Kindergarten - Year 6

Dear Parents and Carers

Welcome to Term 2. I trust all College families have enjoyed some relaxation at home during our Easter break. Term 2 will commence with the continuation of our Off-Campus Learning.

As communicated at the end of Term 1, the Primary staff have considered the constructive feedback from parents and made some changes and refinements to the way we deliver Off-Campus Learning. Thank you to parents and carers for the support and encouragement given to staff as we work in partnership to best navigate this period of learning. Our children are showing courage and resilience as they engage with Off-Campus Learning and are to be commended at this time.

The following processes will be in place during Weeks 1 and 2:

• Primary Resource Packs of additional material for each child in Pre-K to Year 4, to support Literacy and Numeracy learning, can be collected at College Reception from Tuesday 28 April. The Resource Packs will be collated for each family. Please observe social distancing as you attend the Reception (one adult per family) or stay in your car at Reception entrance for a drive-through service.
• Additional art packs are now available if required.
• Parents and carers are asked to only be onsite if attending Reception or the Uniform Shop.
• During morning drop-off and pick up times, all parents and carers are requested to remain in their vehicles and use the 'Kiss and Drop' arrangements. Executive staff will be in the carpark to support this process.

- Pre-K drop-off is at the ramp near L Block.
The Pre-K staff will be on hand at the ramp to allow parents to stay in their vehicle to drop off and sign in. The Pre-K students will then be walked into Pre-K by the staff.
- K-2 drop-off is at the ramp near L Block.
- Years 3-6 drop-off is at the Primary Assembly Area.
- The afternoon pick-up procedures will be the same locations as drop off.

• Weekly learning plans for Primary grades will be communicated each Friday.
• Primary classes will enjoy a Zoom meeting each morning.
• Teachers will be presenting Literacy and Numeracy lessons across the week. These lessons will be recorded and available on Seesaw and Canvas.
• Teachers will have open Zoom sessions across the week to facilitate questions and the opportunity for teachers to give guidance about tasks.
• Weekly planning will include a balance between screen time and other active and creative learning experiences.
• Teachers will provide instructions each week about the work samples that need to be uploaded.
• Homework will not be set during Off-Campus Learning.
• Primary staff will be in contact with families as the term commences to answer questions and support parents.

As the Term gets underway, the College will continue to follow the advice of governing bodies. We will update parents and carers through the various platforms of any new details, information and changes as required.

Further information will be communicated about our Term 2 Chapels and some scheduled events.

Please contact me if you have any questions or additional feedback.

Mrs Sue Kennedy
Head of Primary

Dear Parents and Carers

Penrith Anglican College Community Business Register

In times of unprecedented change and uncertainty, the value of community is paramount. We are amazed and thankful for the expressions of genuine care and support among the staff, students and their families.
We know that many businesses have faced significant challenges as a result of legislated changes to their daily operations. Many families have asked if we could share the names and contact details of businesses within our College community so that they could show their support.

To enable this, the Parents & Friends Association will be creating the Penrith Anglican College Community Business Register as a link for business and families to support each other. This initiative is being created for businesses of Penrith Anglican College families rather than a general advertising site. Each business in the directory must have a direct link with a College family.

If you would like your business to participate in the Community Business Register, please fill out the form via the following link. There is no cost involved. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PACBus_Reg

Your business details will be made available to our community via the College App, email and e-marketing. Details will not be used for any other purpose.

Please note, the Parents & Friends Association, Penrith Anglican College and their staff will not be liable for any interactions or transactions that occur between any parties connected through this P&F Initiative. The Parents & Friends Association has not vetted the information, products or offerings provided by these businesses. The Parents & Friends Association is creating this opportunity to assist our College Community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Parents & Friends Association via email pandf@pac.nsw.edu.au.

Yours sincerely
Felicity Grima
Principal

Sunny Hunt
Parents & Friends Association

To help parents navigate this difficult period with their children, our Continued Teaching and Learning Resources page will be regularly updated with resources for Off-Campus Learning and Wellbeing.

The latest resource is tips and links for helping with our emotions during the pandemic.

Check back regularly for further articles, links and helpful information.

Dear Parents and Carers

The College is continually monitoring and following advice from relevant authorities in relation to COVID-19. The health, safety, and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our priority, along with ensuring continuity of learning for all students. In line with advice from the Prime Minister tonight, only children of workers who are unable to work from home should attend the College each day. All other students will complete their schoolwork at home using our Off-Campus Learning’ program.

Our ‘Off-Campus Learning’ program has been devised as part of our ongoing commitment to the continuity of learning and the wellbeing of your children while we navigate these challenging times together. Our commitment to maintaining the provision of excellent learning opportunities has seen this project implemented in a few short weeks. Although such a program may normally result from a longer planning process, we are confident of the quality and effectiveness of our program for your children.

I have been incredibly proud of the teachers and staff at the College as they embraced this challenge. Our staff are going above and beyond to deliver quality learning to our students through this new program. However I am unsurprised by this diligence and effort – the teachers at the College are wonderful teaching professionals.

The provision of an Off-Campus Learning program does not mean less work for teachers and staff. The work load is in fact greater as teachers navigate new platforms and modes of delivery. Our staff and teachers are working extraordinarily long hours and are stepping up to this because they care deeply for our students – your children.

Later this week, parents and students will be provided with the opportunity to offer your feedback on the program as we continue to refine and improve.

Thank you again for the many messages of support staff have received over the past weeks as this situation has unfolded. Our staff remain committed to ensuring our students engage in quality learning, experience a high level of student care and support, and know that they belong to an outstanding Christian learning community.
Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the College by phone or email.

Yours sincerely
Mrs Felicity Grima
Principal

Dear Parents and Carers

As you are aware, the College is monitoring and following advice from relevant authorities. The health, safety, and wellbeing of our students and staff is our priority, along with ensuring continuity of learning for all students.

I am writing to advise you that in line with advice from both the Prime Minister and the Premier of NSW, we are strongly encouraging all students to remain at home until the end of Term 1. The College campus will remain open for those students who are unable to be supervised at home. For the remainder of this week, students in Years 11 and 12 are encouraged to attend the campus in order to best prepare themselves for Off Campus Learning.

The College will be moving to Off Campus Learning for all years to ensure continuity of learning for all students. This will begin on Wednesday 25 March.

Please read the following carefully to understand how the College will be operating from Tuesday 24 March and complete the survey found at https://bit.ly/PACStudentAttendance.

Pre-K to Year 6

Students have already received their Home Learning Packs and instructions on how to access and use any online learning platforms. Students are welcome to begin this work from Tuesday. This day could also be used to set up work stations at home. Please expect to be contacted by your child’s Core Teacher to ensure we have the correct contact details for your family and to touch base regarding your family’s wellbeing in these unprecedented times.

Students who are at the College on Tuesday will not attend normal classes. Students will be supervised in year groups and will participate in a range of activities which complement the Primary curriculum.

From Wednesday, the College’s Off Campus Learning Plan will begin for all students whether working at the College or from home. Please see the separate document titled “Off Campus Learning Plan.”

Years 7 to 10

Students in Years 7-10 have a number of assessment tasks at this point in time. Time on Tuesday should be spent working on assessments. Students on campus will not be in timetabled classes and will be supervised in G Block as they work independently on these assignments. Students will have the opportunity to have regular breaks and be active.

Mentor Teachers will contact all families to ensure that our contact details are up to date and appropriate and to touch base regarding your family’s wellbeing in these unprecedented times.

From Wednesday, the College’s Off Campus Learning Plan will begin for all students. Please see the separate document titled “Off Campus Learning Plan.”

Years 11 and 12

The College strongly encourages Year 11 and 12 students to continue to attend regular classes at the College for the remainder of this week.

Where this is not possible students will be emailed the content of the lesson from 7:30-8:30am each day. Staff may expect students to Zoom into a lesson, or there may be content that students can complete at home independently.

Full Off Campus Learning will begin for Years 11 and 12 students on Monday 30 March.

Mentor Teachers will contact all families to ensure that our contact details are up to date and appropriate and to touch base regarding your family’s wellbeing in these unprecedented times.

NESA is updating schools regularly and will provide further clarity regarding the HSC in the coming days.
The International Baccalaureate Organisation is also communicating regularly with schools and parents will be kept updated as information is published.

General

• Students who attend the College should wear school uniform, with sports uniform being worn on the normal days. There will be regular break times, and times of physical activity.
• The Canteen will remain open, under current restrictions, for online orders only.
• Students who attend the College should bring their own water, and will be required to abide by social distancing protocols where possible.
• As far as we are aware, buses will operate according to their published timetables.
• Camp Australia will continue to provide Before and After School Care.
• Previously communicated directions in relation to social distancing and minimising transmission will continue. Staff or students with cold or flu like symptoms will be asked to stay away from the College.

Thank you for the many messages of support staff have received over the past weeks as this situation has unfolded. Our staff are committed to remaining in contact with the students and ensuring they have opportunities to engage in quality learning, experience a high level of student care and support, and know that they belong to an outstanding Christian learning community.

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the College by phone or email.

Yours sincerely
Mrs Felicity Grima

The current situation across the globe is moving very fast and changing daily. We will continue to update our community in regard to the College’s response to the COVID-19 situation as it unfolds and governments make announcements relevant to our College.

Penrith Anglican College is known for its strong community and it is at times like these that we see this strength through the compassionate, caring and genuine support of each other. This was evident today as we conducted our first Chapel Service live-streamed into each classroom at the College. We work together and support one another. We continue to put our trust in God knowing that He will strengthen us, uphold us and comfort us.

As part of our considered, prepared and responsive approach to this fluid situation, we continue to monitor and reassess each aspect of our College practice in order to provide a safe and supportive environment for our community. We have put several additional, precautionary measures in place this week.

Communication
In addition to the College App, email and text messaging, we have launched a parent portal on the College web-site specially for COVID-19 information and communications. Where possible, information will be posted in date order, with the most recent at the top of the page. Communication will continue to be provided through all our normal channels. It is hoped that this portal will assist parents to easily locate information from the College at a later point as well as provide advice from other sources.

The COVID-19 portal is located in the top righthand corner of the web-site within the portal button.

Possible College Closure
The Prime Minister, based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer, has asked schools to remain open at this point in time. Notwithstanding this current advice and given this is a very dynamic situation, it is still possible that an across the board closure of schools in NSW, if not Australia, might take place in the foreseeable future.

Further, it may be possible that the College is closed individually if there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 in our community. In such circumstances, the length of closure would be on the advice of the Health authorities.

Our staff has been working and planning for the possibility of the School closing, preparing work and testing systems for making work available online. In addition to this planning, Primary staff have been proactive by providing ‘Home Learning’ packs for primary student and additional Library books. Secondary students have been loaned novels to read for future units of studies.

All students have been briefed and are well prepared for learning at home using a range of resources and online platforms.

Food at the College

• Until further notice, the Canteen will remain operational, but purchases must be online through FlexiSchools www.flexischools.com.au. There will be no food sold over the counter.
• No money will be exchanged at the canteen.
• The water bubblers have been turned off. Students need to bring a water bottle with them to the College. Staff will allow bottles to be refilled in an appropriate location.
• Students wishing to celebrate their birthday with their peers should bring pre-packaged treats instead of cakes and doughnuts.

Students and Staff currently excluded from the College

Students and Staff are currently excluded from the College if they:

• have returned to Australia from oversees since 16 March 2020
• have been in or transited through China within the last 14 days
• have been in Iran within the last 14 days
• have arrived from the Republic of Korea after 5 March 2020
• have arrived from Italy after 6pm 11 March 2020
• are under medical assessment
• have been diagnosed with the COVID-19 or
• have had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 infection.

Students who present with cold or flu symptoms at the College, in particular a fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath, should remain at home and are not to attend school until the symptoms resolve.

Social Distancing
The Government has instructed that indoor gatherings should be no larger than 100 and outdoor gatherings should be no larger than 500. As a consequence:

• Chapels and Assemblies will be filmed and stream to classrooms.
• Students are instructed to spread out as much as possible at breaktimes (our 48 acre campus makes this easier) and in classrooms.
• Areas of potential congregation will be closed such as the Canteen space.
• The Library and E-Study Centre are supervised and students asked to adhere to social distancing.
• We are considering other internal activities on a case-by-case basis.

Following is a full summary of cancelled events:

• College Cross Country
• All excursions
• NAPLAN Testing
• All External Sporting events including representative trials and carnivals until further notice
• 2020 College Musical “Suessical” (postponed until 2021) and all associated rehearsals and activities
• Year 6 Excursion to Canberra
• Penrith Anglican College Fun Fair
• All College Tours, Information Evenings and ‘Taster’ days
• Rostrum Public Speaking
• HICES Debating
• P&F Meetings
• Principal Coffee Mornings/Afternoon teas
• 7-10 Parent-Teacher Interviews (will be rescheduled)
• Easter Hat Parade
• Great Western Sydney Careers Market
• Australian Airforce Cadets

At this point in time, Easter and ANZAC Services will be filmed and streamed to classrooms. Parents will be not be able to attend.

Incursions will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

Before and After School Care – provided by Camp Australia
Before and after school care will continue to operate as normal. Separate communication has been provided to families who use the service by Camp Australia. For further information contact call 0424 461 509 between the hours of 6:30am – 8:40am or 3:15pm – 6:00pm or email oshc@campaustralia.com.au

Uniform Shop
The Uniform Shop will continue to operate as normal.
Tuesday 8:00am to 11:00am
Wednesday 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Friday 8:00am to 11:00am

Parents and students may be asked to wait outside during busy times to ensure social distancing.
Online orders can still be placed via the following link: http://penrithanglicancollege.permapleat.com.au/shop/

As the COVID-19 situation continues to unfold, the College is closely monitoring and following all advice from the relevant authorities.

At the College, the health, safety and wellbeing of our students and staff is the greatest priority, followed closely by the continuity of educational services to our students.

With these priorities in mind, and in line with current advice, the College is implementing a range of protocols in the coming week.

From Monday 16 March until further notice:

• All offsite activities are postponed or cancelled.
• Incursions and on-site visits will be subject to strict requirements.
• Gatherings held indoors at the College will not involve any more than two year groups together.
• Chapel Services will be run differently, avoiding more than two year groups being together inside at any time.
• Primary and Secondary Assemblies will not occur.
• Primary School outdoor morning assemblies will run as normal.
• School sport will still run onsite and will be modified as required. All interschool sport has been cancelled.
• Offsite Tabitha activities will not run. Tabitha students will participate in activities onsite.
• We will suspend the use of Parent Volunteers until further notice.

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement, if parents or families have been overseas, returning after midnight Sunday 15 March, the Government requires that they self-isolate for 14 days after their return.

For Week 8, March 16 – 20, the following events have been cancelled:

• Offsite Sport (as above)
• Offsite Tabitha Activities (as above)
• Year 10 Photography excursion
• Pre-K – Kindy Open Morning

The protocols above will be in place until further notice and tighter restrictions may be introduced as the situation and advice changes.

I wish to reassure parents that the College has been planning for this contingency to ensure that teaching and learning can continue from Pre-K to Year 12 as required.

To assist us in communicating clearly and efficiently with all College families, I ask that you ensure that your contact details on Edumate are accurate and up to date.

Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the College by phone or email.

For the latest information on COVID-19 from the Department of Education, Skills and Employment, please see their COVID-19 page.

The College will keep families updated by email as the situation develops. Please join me in keeping the College and the wider situation in your prayers.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Yours sincerely

Felicity Grima
Principal