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Compass and COVID-19
When does school start?
The Government has pushed back the official start of the school year to Wednesday 2nd of February. However, all students are very welcome still on Monday 31st of January from 9am.
We will still have all staff on deck, and activities and conversation ready to go.
Why is this happening? Why are there changes?
The plans that the Government and Catholic Education SA are putting in place is with the safety and wellbeing of our school community in mind and with the intention of supporting learning for our students. COVID is a changing situation and we are doing the best we can to make sure we keep providing education to our young people.
Are we going to remote learning/learning from home?
This is not the plan at this stage. We are opening for face to face learning from the 31st of January, and Compass will stay open as long as possible for all students to learn on site. We will keep you updated always.
What if I don’t want to/am scared to/am worried to come into Compass?
Our Learning Supporters and your Learning Facilitator will be in touch with you to provide you with whatever support we can. However, as teachers will be engaged in face to face teaching on site, they will not be readily available to support students who are absent from school.
Have a chat with us about how we can best support you.
Can we still go Off Site for learning activities?
Unfortunately no. SA Health have said for at least the first 4 weeks of term that we are not able to. Hopefully after that, we can get out there!
This means that our planned activity on Friday Week 1 will have to be rescheduled. We will stay on site for that day.
Will I have to wear a mask on site?
While you are inside at Compass, yes, you will have to wear a mask. This is the same for all staff and students. We will have some available for you to use at no cost (disposable ones), or you are welcome to bring your own.
We are also setting up some outdoor learning areas so that we can eat and chat and be together outside.
Do I have to be vaccinated to come to Compass?
No, you don’t have to be, but we would really encourage you to consider being vaccinated. All our staff are fully vaccinated, and SA Health tell us that it is the best way to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our community.
You can book to get a vaccine here https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking/
If you need any help or assistance to get vaccinated, please contact us on 0498 141 231 and
we would love to help you.
Will the Early Years Hub still be open?
Yes, it will be. From Wednesday 2nd of February (week 1) we will be able to supervise children enrolled in the Early Years Hub.
On Monday 31st and Tuesday 1st of Week 1, Kelly Copeland, our Early Years Coordinator will be on site to meet you and your little one if you wish to bring them in, but we won’t be able to supervise any children those days.
How clean will Compass be?
Compass will be cleaned every evening by professional cleaners, ready for the next day. We will have hand sanitiser available for everyone and free face masks also available.
What if there is a COVID case at Compass?
If one of the staff or students at Compass gets COVID, a few things will happen.
1. That person must isolate for 10 days. They can’t come to Compass for 10 days, but can still join remotely if they would like, or be supported in other ways
2. We will let everyone in our community know that there has been a case, so that you are aware, and you can watch how you are feeling, and if you feel sick with symptoms, you can go and get a test (see question below)
3. If you don’t feel sick, you can keep coming to school!
If this happens at Compass, we will keep you informed every step of the way, and will always be available to answer questions.
I’ve had COVID over the holidays. Can I still come to Compass?
Yes! As long as you have passed the requirements for isolating, you are able to return to Compass. Check in with your Learning Facilitator if you have any questions.
I feel sick with flu like symptoms. What should I do?
If you don’t feel well and have a runny nose, a cough, a sore throat, loss of smell or taste, please don’t come to school. Let us know that you are not well, and please go and get a PCR test at a COVID Testing Clinic. You must stay home until you get the result. If it is negative, you can come back to school when you feel better. If it is positive, let us know straight away. If you need anything while you are isolating, be in contact also so we can provide support.
You can get tested at Elizbeth South (185 Philip Hwy, Elizabeth South) or Elizabeth Park (1 Gould Road, Elizabeth Park), as well as lots of other places. Give us a call if you need any assistance with this.
What should I do if I have been told that I am a Close Contact for someone I live with?
Please give us a call and don’t come to School. If you need some help navigating the tests you need to take or what you need to do, just let us know and we can lend a hand. If you need anything while you are isolating, be in contact also so we can provide support.
I have more questions!
Never hesitate! Please contact Compass directly on 0498 141 231 either by voice or by text, or send us an email at info@compass.catholic.edu.au. No question is too small or strange - please reach out.