From the Principal (COVID-19 Update)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) update - Friday 07 August 2020

Dear Rostrevor families

I trust that this update finds you well as we watch with concern the impact of a second wave of Coronavirus infections in the eastern states.  As you would be aware, there has been an increase in the number of recorded cases in SA and, consequently, the State Government is reviewing the restrictions in place here.

The purpose of this communication is to let you know that we are following the developments closely and have begun planning our response to any increased restrictions on school activities in the weeks ahead. We will also be emphasising personal hygiene and sensible social distancing within the school context as a way of doing everything we can to keep everyone safe at Rostrevor.

It has been reassuring to note the responsible approach of Rostrevor families and staff members who have notified us that they are staying home due to illness and that they are being tested for COVID-19. Please do not be alarmed if your son comments that he has heard of someone being tested for COVID-19.  Staying home if you are sick and getting tested is to be encouraged.

Restrictions currently in place at Rostrevor

Unless noted below, all activities and events are continuing as normal.

• With the exception of two long-term volunteers in the Junior School, we are currently not accepting assistance from volunteers.
• Principal Tours will proceed only in small groups and out of school hours.
• Most excursions and camps have been postponed or cancelled.
• The 'Come and Try' day scheduled for September has been cancelled.

Year 12 Events

We are doing everything we can to preserve our traditional Year 12 events that have been heavily disrupted by the broader restrictions.  As you can imagine, we are also committing extra resources to supporting the boys in making the most of their final year of studies and to gaining access to their preferred university courses.  In this regard, we are very grateful for the proactive efforts of the university sector to help us ensure that our 2020 cohort are afforded every opportunity to further their studies in 2021.

Preparing for the possibility of school closure

Recent events at Thebarton Senior College are a timely reminder that all schools need to take prudent steps to prepare for the possibility of temporary closure.  As you know, our preference is to keep the boys at school until we are directed to close by the South Australian Health Authorities.  Our short period of closure in Term 1 provided many valuable lessons regarding how to successfully structure online learning for children of different age groups.  In the coming weeks, we will build upon those insights as we prepare for the possibility of returning to online learning in the months ahead.

Rostrevor COVID-19 updates

You will receive a COVID-19 update each Friday until further notice.  You may receive additional updates if there is a dramatic change of events midweek.

Regards

Brian Schumacher
Principal