COVID-19 Principal Update & Information - Harrisdale SHS - Excellence in Learning and Teaching

Principal Update

Dear parents, caregivers, students and staff

The state government has announced that public health and social measures will be eased from 12.01am Friday 29 April (details at wa.gov.au).

For schools, these changes include:

masks no longer mandatory at school except for in specific settings and circumstances. Masks are encouraged for staff and students (Year 7 and above) where physical distancing is not possible.
density and capacity limits no longer apply to school activities
asymptomatic close contacts no longer required to isolate (see requirements below)
an additional supply of RATs for all students and staff.

If your child becomes an asymptomatic close contact, due to a person in your household being COVID-19 positive, they will no longer have to isolate for 7 days. They will be required to:

do a daily Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) and receive a negative result each day to attend school
wear a mask at school (for students in Year 7 and above) and when travelling on public transport or ride-share.

We will let you know when you can collect the free RATs the state government is providing for all students. In the meantime, if your child becomes symptomatic or a household close contact, please contact us (see link below).

All school activities can resume, and we will continue to follow COVID-19 safe measures:

all staff and regular workers (including regular volunteers) at school are double dose vaccinated (third dose vaccinated within one month of being eligible)
adequate ventilation in each classroom, in line with health advice
enhanced cleaning remains in place.

If your child becomes symptomatic they should stay home and be tested for COVID-19. Refer to healthywa.wa.gov.au for information on close contact definition, testing and isolation requirements.

Please use the following link to advise the school if your child tests positive. https://harrisdaleshs.wa.edu.au/report-a-covid-19-absentee/

Thank you for your continued efforts in keeping our school COVID-19 safe.

Angie Thomas
Principal
Harrisdale Senior High School

Additional Resources

DoE Covid-19 Safe Measures – updated 29 April

COVID-19 Safe Measures

Learning Online

FAQ’s

Please click on the following link for the Australian Government Department of Health publication and downloads.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Frequently asked questions

Tips for Coping with Coronavirus Anxiety

Helpful Smartphone Apps

Guided Meditation and Mindfulness – The Headspace App
Find Your Calm
Mindfulness – Smiling Minds
Your mental health companion – MindDoc
Youth Beyond Blue – The Check In App