Dear parents/carers,

Welcome back to Term 2, I hope you all enjoyed some downtime with your families. I wanted to share with you some of the public health and social measures that have eased recently.

Close contacts with no symptoms are not required to isolate for 7 days but must do the following:
• Undertake a daily Rapid Antigen Test
• Wear a mask when leaving the house
• Avoid high risk settings such as hospitals and aged care facilities
• Avoid non-essential gatherings and contact with people at risk of severe illness

For schools, this means a child will no longer be identified as a close contact at school. Please continue to contact the school if your child becomes COVID-19 positive.
Any child who becomes symptomatic should stay home and be tested for COVID-19. Please continue to refer to healthywa.wa.gov.au for information on close contact definition, testing and isolation requirements.

As of tomorrow, Friday 29 April masks are no longer mandatory at school. It is your choice whether your daughter/s continue to wear a mask at school. Masks are still required on public transport (including the school bus specials), in taxis and rideshare vehicles and other passenger transport. Masks are encouraged where physical distancing is not possible.

From next Monday, 2 May students are required to wear their winter uniform to school each day and change for PE/Outdoor Education when required. They will be given adequate time to change before and after class.

The easing of restrictions has meant some of our school activities can resume this term. We will provide more information on the requirements and COVID-19 considerations for each activity as they arise on the school calendar.

We are looking forward to a vibrant and exciting Term 2.

Kind regards,
Mrs Kerrie Fraser

As outlined by the government masks will no longer be mandatory in schools as of this Friday, 29 April.  Many of our students will choose not to wear them.  Any staff member who wishes to continue wearing them is able to do so.  Please continue to promote cleaning and seating arrangements.

Other meetings can be held face-to-face at the discretion of the organiser.

For more information, please refer to the WA.gov.au – www.wa.gov.au/government/announcements/public-health-and-social-measures-ease-was-soft-landing-secured#masks

Dear Parents and Carers

As you may be aware, the State Government has announced that Western Australia will move to very high caseload settings from 12.01am Thursday 10 March.

We continue to follow the latest WA Health advice. For a more extensive overview, please CLICK HERE.

Under very high caseload setting, students who are asymptomatic close contacts (other than those who are household close contacts) may now:

• continue attending school;
• attend before school care or after school care;
• attend school-based sporting or cultural training, practice, or events organised through the school and held immediately before or after school at their school; and
• travel between the student’s usual place of residence and their school.

At all other times, asymptomatic close contacts should quarantine for seven days and get tested. As with other close contacts, children who are identified as close contacts should be tested on Day 1 and Day 6 (if a PCR test) or 7 (if a RAT).

These arrangements will not apply to children who are ‘household close contacts’ or who are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.
Students are considered close contacts if they are:

• A household member or intimate partner of a person with COVID-19 who has had contact with them during their infectious period; or
• Someone who has had close personal interaction with a person with COVID-19 during their infectious period, including:
  • At least 15 minutes face to face contact where a mask was not worn by the exposed person and the person with COVID-19; or
  • Greater than two hours within a small room or a classroom environment with a person with COVID-19 during their infectious period, where masks have been removed for this period by the exposed person and the person with COVID-19 (note: others wearing masks in this scenario would not be a contact); or
  • Someone who is directed by WA Health that they are a close contact.

An asymptomatic person means they have no COVID-19 symptoms.
If a member of your household is COVID-19 positive, then the whole household are deemed household close contacts and the testing and isolation protocols apply. If your child is unwell, they should stay at home and get tested.

As always, our priority is to continue face-to-face learning. If your child is required to isolate, we will provide them with learning to do at home. If your child’s teacher is required to isolate, your child may have a different teacher for periods of time. In some cases, we may need to rearrange extra-curricular school activities to ensure our teachers are in classrooms teaching.

For more information on very high caseload protocols, visit wa.gov.au.
Thank you for your understanding as we take the necessary steps to keep our school safe and open for learning.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the College.

Yours sincerely
Mrs Kerrie Fraser
Principal

Dear Parents and Carers

We have received notification that one Year 11 student, two Year 12 students and one staff member have tested positive to COVID-19. As they were not infectious whilst at the College there are no close contacts.

Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding as we navigate our way through the COVID-19 challenges. The safety and wellbeing of our students is always our priority as is showing care and support for all members of our community.

We appreciate that you do not send you daughter/s to school if they are unwell or have any COVID-like symptoms. Please inform the College via Student Services SMS: 0409 396 548 or Email: studentservices@mercedes.wa.edu.au if your daughter has tested positive to COVID-19 or is isolating.

If your daughter is isolating at home, she will not be disadvantaged academically. Assessments and tests can be rescheduled on your daughter’s return to school. Students should refer to SEQTA for their coursework.
If you have any concerns please refer to WA Health’s website www.healthywa.wa.gov.au.

We will continue to update you regarding COVID-19, however if you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the College.
Yours sincerely

Mrs Kerrie Fraser
Principal

Dear Parents and Carers

After hours yesterday we were contacted by AISWA, the Association of Independent Schools WA, informing us that the Health Department has elected to make all students who attended a party at the Bosnian Club last Saturday 26 February close contacts. This decision was made after noting the large number of positive cases associated with that party.

Fortunately, we acted on information we received at the start of this week and students involved in this event are already isolating at home. The Health Department has provided the following dates for testing and quarantine for all students who attended the party:

• End of quarantine date:  0200 hrs Sunday 6 March 2022
• PCR test time:  Today 4 March 2022
• If a PCR was performed earlier then a RAT test must be performed on Saturday 5 March 2022

I have been so impressed with the maturity of your daughters as they cope with many changes that occur regarding COVID. Schools are required to do the contact tracing and it is necessary to meet with students to determine whether they fall into this category. Not every illness is COVID therefore, after negative PCR testing and a student being symptom-free, they will be able to return to school. We give as much detail as possible but also need to be aware of privacy legislation.

I thank all parents for your support as we navigate a situation that changes almost daily and the way you provide calm guidance to your daughters. I also appreciate your support when you make the decision to keep your daughters at home when they are unwell. Please do not hesitate to contact the College if you have questions or concerns.

Kind regards

Mrs Kerrie Fraser
Principal

Dear Parents and Carers

We received information today that 7 students in Year 12 have tested positive to COVID-19. Some of these students were infectious in the College community on Monday and Tuesday of this week. We work through AISWA (The Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia) regarding COVID-19 matters and they have been informed of these positive cases and inform the Health Department. It is important that a family contacts the College to confirm their daughter has tested positive to COVID-19. This should be through Student Services:

• SMS: 0409 396 548
• Email: studentservices@mercedes.wa.edu.au
  Schools have been given the task of contact tracing therefore you will not be contacted by the Health Department if your daughter is a close contact through school. The school will contact you and your daughter if they are deemed a close contact.
  Families are reminded that close contacts are defined as:
• Face-to-face contact for 15 minutes or more with an infectious person, where a mask was not worn by the exposed person or the person with COVID-19;
• Interaction for more than two hours in a small indoor space or classroom environment, where masks have been removed for this period by the exposed person and the person with COVID-19 (Note: others wearing masks in the scenario would not be a contact); or
• Advised By WA Health: Someone who is directed by WA Health that they are a close contact.

If your daughter is isolating at home, she will not be disadvantaged academically. Assessments and tests can be rescheduled on your daughter’s return to school. Students should refer to SEQTA for their coursework.

All current COVID information is stored on the College website under the banner of the College’s Mercy values, refer to the screenshot below. The website address is www.mercedes.wa.edu.au

Friday Parent Memos also contain vital information. Please check these locations for updates.

Advice for all families:

• Please continue to monitor your daughter and family for symptoms of COVID-19 and if symptoms develop seek testing immediately and isolate until you receive a negative result.
• It is important to assist your daughter/s to remain calm if they test positive or are deemed a close contact. Home and school will work together to manage the situation.
• If required to quarantine, please consider who will be in self-isolation with your daughter/s and the implications for the rest of the household.
  If you have any concerns please refer to WA Health’s website www.healthywa.wa.gov.au.

The safety and wellbeing of our students is always our priority as is showing care and support for all members of our community.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the College.
We will continue to update you regarding COVID-19 and its implications for teaching and learning. Thank you for your ongoing understanding and support.

Yours sincerely
Mrs Kerrie Fraser
Principal

Dear Parents and Guardians

We received information this morning that a student in Year 9 has tested positive to COVID-19. We work through AISWA (The Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia) and the Health Department regarding COVID-19 matters.

The College will work closely with WA Health to identify close contacts. Families are reminded that close contacts are defined as:

• Face-to-face contact for 15 minutes or more with an infectious person, where a mask was not worn by the exposed person or the person with COVID-19;
• Interaction for more than two hours in a small indoor space or interaction for more than two hours in a classroom environment with an infectious person, where masks have been removed for this period; or
• Someone who is directed by WA Health that they are a close contact.
  Advice for all families:
• Unless advised to do so by WA Department of Health, your child is not required to quarantine. However, we appreciate some families may wish for their children to be tested.
• Please continue to monitor your child and family for symptoms of COVID-19 and if symptoms develop seek testing immediately and isolate until you receive a negative result.
• Please note that the Omicron strain can present with less typical symptoms such as diarrhoea, particularly in children.
• If required to quarantine, please consider who will be in self-isolation with the child and the implications for the rest of the household.

If you have any concerns please refer to WA Health’s website www.healthywa.wa.gov.au.

The safety and wellbeing of our students is always our priority as is showing care and support for all members of our community. I ask that you pray for our community members who are now impacted.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the College.
We will continue to update you regarding COVID-19 and its implications for teaching and learning. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Yours sincerely
Mrs Kerrie Fraser

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The College has received information that two members of the Mercedes community have tested positive for COVID-19. Fortunately, they were not contagious when at school, so no contacts need to be traced. Our daily schedule of lessons continues with no other students needing to isolate at home. Due to confidentiality, I am unable to provide more specific information.

I appreciate the support you have shown by not sending your daughters to school when they are unwell. This is assisting us to keep the environment as safe as possible during the pandemic. As a Catholic College, the safety and wellbeing of our students is always a priority as is showing care and support for all members of our community.

I will keep you updated with any new information.

Kind regards

Mrs Kerrie Fraser

Dear Parent/Carer

Further to my previous COVID-19 communications, you may have seen the announcement by the Premier of the high caseload settings in place across WA as of Tuesday 8 February 2022. This includes additional measures to help keep our school open and providing face-to-face learning to your daughter/s.

Parents and carers can continue to drop-off and pick-up their daughters but are not permitted to enter classrooms. If you need to access the College Wear Shop please make an appointment and enter through the Hay Street gate.

As a result of the Premier’s communication, we are currently planning and implementing further ways to minimise the risk of COVID-19 entering or being transmitted at Mercedes including:
• moving parent-teacher interviews to online or over the phone
• changing indoor face-to-face events
• no choirs or orchestras are to meet face-to-face
• cancelling or postponing school camps
• limiting the mingling of groups

Parent Information Evening
These meetings can no longer be facilitated onsite and will move to an online forum. Details will be provided closer to the date.

Co-Curricular Sport Changes
To reduce the number of students in small venues and reduce the likelihood of students mixing students from other year groups, the following changes to the co-curricular schedule have been made:
Swim Club has now changed to:
• Monday – Year 7 & 8 only
• Wednesday – Year 9 & 10 only
• Friday – Year 11 & 12 only

Fitness centre has now changed to:
• Tuesday PM – Year 11 & 12 only
• Thursday AM – Year 9 & 10 only

SASJ trials on Wednesday 9 February (tomorrow) have been cancelled. At this stage SASJ and ACC Basketball trials will go ahead on other days, however more information will be shared regarding these competitions as it comes to light.

For more information on the high caseload protocols visit WA.gov.au.

Thank you for your understanding as we take the necessary steps to keep Mercedes College a safe environment and open for learning. I know our students will be disappointed with some changes that have to be implemented but our key focus is on providing a safe environment where your daughters can attend classes for face-to-face learning.

Kind regards,

Mrs Kerrie Fraser

Dear Parents/Carers

Vaccination requirements for 2022
As you may be aware, the State Government has mandated that all school staff are required to be double dose vaccinated before Term 1, 2022 starts.
The State Government has issued Education Worker (Restrictions on Access) Directions (No. 3), which are published on wa.gov.au. These Directions include vaccination requirements for visitors entering school sites.

Please note, students are not required to be vaccinated, however children aged over 12 can receive the COVID-19 vaccination, with access likely to be extended to children over the age of 5 in January. If you have any concerns, please discuss your child’s vaccination requirements with your doctor.

However, if your child is on a work placement, they will need to comply with the industry/business requirements at that workplace.

Parents/carers are not required to be vaccinated when:
• dropping off or picking up their child from school;
• volunteering at school on an ad hoc basis – which means attendance at no more than one education facility no more than once per week;
• attending an event such as an assembly or parent teacher interview; or
• entering the school after hours.

Parents/carers are required to provide vaccination evidence (single dose vaccinated from 1 January 2022 and double dose vaccinated from 31 January 2022) or exemption when:
• volunteering at the school/s more than once a week (this includes volunteering at the school canteen, uniform store or an in-class literacy or numeracy program);
• working in an unpaid capacity at the school/s more than once a week; or
• participating in an endorsed program at the school where parent attendance is required more than once a week, such as Playgroups or Aboriginal Families as First Educators (AFaFE).

The following are acceptable forms of evidence of COVID-19 vaccination or exemption:
• written confirmation of the COVID-19 vaccination issued by the Department of Health
• the COVID-19 digital certificate, which shows only your COVID-19 vaccinations and you can access information on how to get your COVID-19 digital certificate here
• an International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate issued by the Commonwealth Government. This shows the COVID-19 vaccination recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register
• medical exemption issued by the Australian Immunisation Register
• a temporary exemption granted by the WA Chief Health Officer

We are committed to ensuring our school is a COVID-19 safe space. The Department of Health has provided clear directions regarding the requirements to keep students, staff members and our community safe. If you have any queries, please contact me.

Thank you for your support.

Yours sincerely

Mrs Kerrie Fraser

Dear Parents,

Thank you for your ongoing support and patience during this challenging and uncertain time.

Please note below important information regarding the current COVID 19 lockdown:

• The health and wellbeing of students and staff is our top priority with a continued focus on learning and teaching.
• For COVID-19 WA Government updates please visit WA.gov.au and for a list of exposure sites click here.
• Schools are open, however, parents may choose to keep their children at home.

If so, you must inform the College of your daughter/s absence by contacting Student Services via the Absentee SMS 0481 883 770 or email studentservices.

• Masks must continue to be worn by all at the College, mask requirements remain unchanged.
• Parents should only be dropping off and picking up students at this stage with no other reason to be on the campus. Only essential services are permitted on campus.

Teaching and Learning

• At this stage face to face teaching will continue, with details of lessons provided on SEQTA – no online teaching will occur during this lockdown period.
• Students won’t be negatively impacted if they miss an assessment.
• Cert IV Business students can stay at home and connect with their tutor via Zoom. Tutors will email students.
• As the holiday term break approaches, please remind your daughter to bring home their laptop and any books, materials required.

Co-Curricular Activities

• During the lockdown period all co-curricular activities and events including production and music ensemble rehearsals must be cancelled until further notice.
• However, Instrumental music lessons will continue as normal.

PE Uniform

• Students are permitted to wear their PE uniform for the full day on days that they have PE classes.

Hygiene

Parents are asked to remind their daughter/s about good-hygiene practices:

• Washing of hands regularly with soap and water. This includes before and after eating and after going to the toilet.
• use alcohol-based hand sanitisers when you can’t use soap and water.
• avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• clean and disinfect objects regularly in use such as mobile phones.

Uniform Shop

Until further notice we will not open the uniform shop during the lockdown period. The next scheduled operating day is Monday 19 July, which is a student free day. Please check the College website for any updates on opening hours Uniform Shop.

Kind regards

Mrs Kerrie Fraser

Dear Parents and Care Givers

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our community in many ways, it has altered our thinking and provided opportunities to change and grow. We thank you for your resilience in these times and for modelling to your daughter this important character strength.

The uniform has been an area of difficulty, transitioning to the winter apparel whilst not having full access to the Uniform shop has posed some challenges.
With the start of phase 3 easing of restrictions beginning on Saturday 6 June we are pleased to advise the following:
• The Uniform shop will be operating with full access to parents.
• Full winter uniform is required by Monday 8 June, parental contact with the relevant Head of Year is required if your daughter cannot meet this requirement.
• Please see below for the guidelines for both the Winter and Sport uniform. Note for winter uniform the opaque black tights are to be 50 denier, stockings are not permitted.
• PE classes will be able to utilise the changerooms to change from their winter uniform.
• Please note that sport shoes must be supportive and designed for physical activity, skate shoes and street wear is not practicable or suitable.
• Personal grooming as per the student diary. Please pay particular attention to what jewellery is required, hair is to be tied back and no make-up allowed.

The student body will be advised of the adjustment back to normal uniform requirements and protocols. From Monday 8 June students will also be made accountable for the failure to follow these guidelines and normal warnings and sanctions will be enforced.

Thank you for your patience and support in these unusual times.

Kind regards

Kerrie Fraser

Dear Parents/ Carers

We would like to thank you all for your support, patience and commitment during the last few months. The challenges COVID-19 has delivered our community are unprecedented. With the imminent return of all our girls to the College it is pertinent you are aware of the following:

• Students please do not come to school if you have any cold or flu-like symptoms.
• Social distancing will be encouraged and we ask that students take responsibility for this. Teachers will remind students of the 1.5m guidelines, however it is difficult to enforce. We have a number of students, teachers and family members who may be at greater risk, so we ask that students be mindful and accountable for maintaining the correct social distancing where possible.
• Whilst the Government has stipulated that social distancing is not required in school, we will endeavour to social distance within classrooms, however many of our rooms and workspaces are not designed to allow for the spacing.
• Lockers will be used from Monday, 11 May. These areas of high traffic have the potential to see large numbers of students congregating. We ask each student to be responsible and to spend as little time as required at their locker. Guidance will be provided to minimise congregating in groups. However, once again it will require personal responsibility and care from each individual student in ensuring this occurs.
• Soap is available in all toilet areas and we recommend students wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, as per the AHPPC guidelines. Hand sanitiser is available and ready for student use. Classroom teachers will have cleaning protocols and expectations for their specific areas.
• Communal water fountains will continue to be closed until further notice. Students will need to provide their own or purchase bottled water from Catherine’s Cafe.
• Catherine’s Cafe will be open and fully operational.
• From Monday May 18 the College winter uniform will be mandatory, until then either the summer or winter uniform can be worn.
• Students who have physical education may wear their full PE uniform (tracksuit) on that day to minimise large groups of girls in the changerooms.
• To assist with maintaining the health of all students and staff, parents and caregivers may not enter the College grounds. Arrangements for students arriving late or leaving early should be made by contacting Student Services.

To assist everyone to be aware of the need to socially distance, bright green ribbons will be available to be voluntarily worn by students and staff members who are, or have, someone at home at greater risk of COVID-19. These will be available from Student Services from lunchtime on Monday, 11 May. This is a personal choice. We thought it was worth trying a physical reminder of social distancing because it is so easy to forget and does not come naturally to many people.

Once again thank you for your support of the College during this time. The staff have worked tirelessly to ensure your daughter/s’ education and pastoral care has been of the highest order. We are extremely proud of the unified approach of the Mercedes College community and look forward to the return of all students.

Kind regards

Kerrie Fraser

Dear Parents/ Carers

As restrictions have continued to be lifted and the majority of our students have now returned to classroom learning, it has been heartening to see the excitement of students and teachers alike as our school buzzes with life.

While it has been challenging for all in our community to adapt to the ongoing changes, there is an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the leadership and shared community responsibility that has meant that children can return to school and that we can all begin to enjoy time together again.

We hope that you have felt supported to decide whether to send your daughter to school or to engage in their learning from home, depending on your own family’s circumstances. Our school staff have certainly done their very best to deliver a quality Catholic education to all our students, irrespective of whether they were being taught at school or at home.

Since the start of Term Two, we have been actively planning for all students to return to classroom learning as soon as recommended by Government and health authorities. As the health and safety of all our students and staff is our highest priority, we have now introduced a range of sustainable cleaning, hygiene and safety measures and have made some changes to our school practices that are designed to minimise risks of COVID-19 transmission in our school environment now and into the future.

On 11 May, following a comprehensive School Readiness Review of all Catholic schools in Western Australia, Catholic Education Western Australia has determined that Catholic schools across the State will return to classroom teaching and learning for all students from Monday 18 May. This means that students are required to attend school from Monday 18 May unless they are unwell or have a medical referral to continue their learning from home.

This recommendation aligns with the latest advice from both State and Commonwealth Governments and has been made with the safety and wellbeing of students, staff and our whole community as the first priority.

Students may continue to learn from home if they, or a member of their immediate family, are immune-compromised or are otherwise considered at-risk medically. Parents who plan to keep their children home to continue learning remotely are asked to please contact Student Services. These students will continue to be supported by school staff; however from 18 May, these students will not be engaged in online learning through TEAMs as face-to-face learning is occurring in the classroom.

Students who are unwell should stay at home. Parents are asked to seek medical advice if their daughter exhibits symptoms of COVID-19. Mercedes College processes for advising the school of a child’s absence will continue to apply. Whilst physical distancing is not mandated for students in schools, students are actively encouraged to do so wherever practical. Physical distancing is still a requirement for all adults. Green ribbons are available from Student Services to any students who would like to wear one as a reminder that there are vulnerable people within the College community.

If your daughter is worried about attending school due to COVID-19, please remember you can find resources prepared by CEWA’s Psychology Team here https://covid19.cewa.edu.au/wellbeing/. These may assist in supporting your daughter at this time, and we would encourage you to speak to your daughter’s homeroom teacher if you have concerns about how they are coping with being back at school or would like to know more about support available.

For Year 12 students, the 2020 ATAR course written examinations will go ahead as scheduled from 2 November. Written examinations will take the same form as previous years, with a three-hour duration.

Whole school assemblies, camps and interschool activities will still not be permitted. Advisory Council, P & F and other parent gatherings may resume after school hours for up to 20 people where physical distancing and enhanced cleaning and hygiene protocols are observed.

Drop off and pick up arrangements that restrict parents and carers, and non-essential visitors, from entering school grounds remain in place. These arrangements will be reviewed as part of Phase 3 of the McGowan Government’s WA roadmap.

Due to many requests to be able to purchase uniform items the following arrangements have been put in place whilst the College Wear Shop is closed:

• Uniform orders may be placed by phone directly to the College Wear Shop on 93231388 on Mondays and Wednesday between 10:30am – 1:00pm.
• Payment is by credit card only and paid orders will be sent to Student Services for students to collect.
• Unfortunately, as recently stated, trying on of items during the present climate is not permitted for health reasons. As a result of this no exchanges or refunds will be possible.

I am certain you share our staff’s joy and gratitude that our students are able to return to school to resume classroom learning together. As members of our College community, we ask that you join us in continuing to pray for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at home and abroad.

Kind regards

Kerrie Fraser

Dear Parents and Caregivers

What learning will look like for Year 8 and 9 Mercedes College students from Monday 11 May 2020.

1. Student timetables will remain the same in Term Two.
2. Our online interactive platform in Teams allows for those students at home and for those students in the classroom to experience the same lesson, at the same time.
3. Recorded Teams meetings will allow for work to be explained in the same way to those attending school and for those at home. This will allow for verbal and written questions from those physically attending and those at home. These questions can be responded to, where possible, during the lesson in a verbal or written fashion via Teams. Responses will be accessible to all students.
4. The running of a recorded Teams meeting during a timetabled lesson will enable for interactive online learning for students at school and home.
5. Ultimately, students will receive or access the same instructions, interactions and advice through the College online platforms, namely SEQTA and Teams, whether they are at home or at the College.
6. Practical classes will not be conducted other than tasks that can be completed by students who are learning remotely.

Health and Logistics

7. Students displaying cold/ flu like symptoms should in the first instance stay at home, if they attend, they will be sent to Student Services so they can be collected by their parents.
8. Students will have access to their lockers and must ensure they have the correct books for each lesson through the day as per normal school rules.
9. For the next two weeks either the full winter uniform or summer uniform (with hat) can be worn, with PE uniform allowed on days when Physical Education classes are scheduled.
10. Communal water fountains will be closed as directed by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).
11. The Café will open and resume sales of hot and cold food with the regular recess and lunch menu.  However, communal microwaves and other shared equipment will not be used.

Kind regards

Liana Angove, Deputy Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Welcome to Term Two. As you are aware, the last six weeks have been an incredibly challenging time for everyone. The COVID-19 virus has impacted on every aspect of our daily lives. Education has been no exception. I do want to thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to Mercedes College.

We know our students are very excited at the prospect of returning to the College as they indicated this during TEAMs meetings on Friday. We are also looking forward to school recommencing on Wednesday 29 April.

Please understand that our school is operating differently at the moment due to the physical distancing requirements. Normal activities, especially those that require close physical contact, may not take place or be significantly modified. We are being cautious for the safety of our students and staff and so we are promoting social distancing in the classroom as well as the school grounds, where possible.

Be assured that whether your child is working at school or home, they will be provided with help, although the manner that this assistance is provided will vary. If you do have concerns or questions about how your child will be supported, I would ask that, in the first instance, you contact your child’s teacher. If there are continuing concerns, please contact me.

There has recently been public and media attention regarding fees in Catholic schools and a suggestion that parents should receive discounts. I would respectfully like to make the following points:

1. Parents have been assured that their child’s place at Mercedes College is guaranteed regardless of a parent’s financial situation. I encourage you to contact me or Mr Ian Barter, Bursar, directly if you have any concerns regarding school fees. Any such arrangements are, of course, confidential.
2. All members of our wonderful staff have continued to work very hard to support your child’s education. You will understand that they have continued to be paid for their work. We rely on your school fees to assist us in meeting this significant ongoing financial obligation.
3. Please be assured that our annual fees and charges are set at the lowest possible level to balance our yearly budget. All Catholic schools are not-for-profit, which means that if there are any surplus funds left at the end of any year, they are automatically used to offset future fee increases and/or fund future improvements for our students, including equipment and facilities.

I would like to provide you with some information about the planned transition of Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) to full attendance at school by all of our students. We hope that this will occur soon.

CEWA is guided by, and in full compliance with, the COVID-19 National Principles for School Education:

https://www.dese.gov.au/news/covid-19-national-principles-school-education

In making a final decision regarding the full return by students to schools, the following three considerations will need to be satisfied:

1. Our students and staff must be safe at school.
2. The education provided to all students must be high quality and equitable.
3. Teachers will provide teaching and learning opportunities to students through one mode of delivery.

In determining the achievement of these three conditions, CEWA will undertake a formal review of its current position on Monday 11 May. CEWA will closely monitor the Government’s daily health advice, guided by the Chief Health Officer of Western Australia and informed by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) https://www.health.gov.au/news/australian-health-protection-principal-committee-ahppc-advice-on-reducing-the-potential-risk-of-covid-19-transmission-in-schools-24-april-2020 .

Our staff are missing the vibrancy and excitement of having all our students at school and we are looking forward to the time, hopefully in the not too distant future, when we will see a full return to our physical school site by all our students.

In the meantime, we will continue to offer our students the very best teaching and learning opportunities possible, whether they are at school or home.

Kind regards
Kerrie Fraser

Dear Parents and Caregivers

In line with Premier Mark McGowan’s latest announcement regarding new learning arrangements in Western Australian government schools, parents with children in all Catholic schools in Western Australia should keep their children at home from the close of school tomorrow (Friday 27 March), if at all possible.

This decision has been made to prioritise the health and wellbeing of the Western Australian community and is based on the best national medical advice.

All Catholic schools across the State have response plans which will now be enacted to provide for the continued delivery of education, with varying remote learning programs best suited to different school contexts.

Students attending school.

Schools will remain open to ensure that remote learning takes place, as well as to supervise children of parents currently working in health or essential services. Parents who are currently involved in health or essential services who require their child to attend school to be supervised in their remote learning will need to advise their school Principal.

Parents will not be required to contact their school if their child is remaining at home from Monday 30 March.

School term changes

The Premier has further announced that Term 1 for students will now conclude on Friday, 3 April.

This is a difficult time for all in Western Australia and it is normal that your children may be feeling anxious or worried. Catholic Education Western Australia and Mercy Education Limited remains focused on the care and wellbeing of all students, staff and families and as a Catholic community, I encourage you to pray for the health of all in our communities, especially those who are more vulnerable.

Yours sincerely
Kerrie Fraser

Dear Parents/Carers

Welcome to Term Two I hope your families are safe and well and were able to celebrate Easter as a family unit. As promised at the end of last term here is our update about the way the College will operate at the start of Term Two.

As you may be aware, Premier Mark McGowan announced Term Two arrangements for public schools in Western Australia on Friday 17 April. The following sets out Mercedes College’s arrangements for Term Two, which reflects the guiding principles of Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA):

1. The health and safety of our students and staff remain our first priority.
2. All students will continue to be provided with a quality Catholic education.
3. Decisions regarding school education will continue to be informed by nationaland state-based health and educationadvice andalign with the National Principles for School Education.

When Term Two commences on Wednesday, 29 April, Mercedes College will provide one mode of learning, online learning, until Friday 22 May (end of Week 4, T2), with a review taking place on 18 May. If triangular meetings have been arranged, they will proceed as normal.

Year 11 and 12 Students

From Wednesday 29 April, students in Years 11 and 12 are strongly encouraged to attend school to continue their learning. Where possible a student’s teacher will be present unless their health or family situation requires them to be at home. Students onsitewillbe supervised by analternative teacher if their usual teacher is not available.

Mrs Angove will survey Parents and caregivers to determine which students will be attending school. This is necessary to ensure appropriate plans are in place to comply with the Department of Health’s physical distancing advice. It also ensures the school is able to make appropriate arrangements for student supervision while ensuring teaching and learning continues.

Year 7 to 10 Students

From the start of Term Two, parents and caregivers with children in Years 7 to 10 may choose to keep their children at home to engage in online learning. As has been the case since our school transitioned to online learning in Term One, this approach particularly allows parents and caregivers who are engaged in essential services or are required to maintain employment to send their children to school if they are unable to care for them at home.

Should parents and caregivers choose to send their children in Years 7 to 10 to school, these students will engage in the same mode of learning being provided to students learning from home. Schools will provide appropriate supervision but not face-to-face teaching for students attending school in person.

Students attending school

• Mrs Angove will survey Parents and caregivers to determine which students will be attending school. This is necessary to ensure appropriate plans are in place to comply with the Department of Health’s physical distancing advice. It also ensures the schoolis able tomake appropriate arrangements for student supervision while ensuring teaching and learning continues.
• Medically compromised students are asked to remain at home until they receive a medical clearance to attend school. Online learning will be provided to these students.
• Parents and caregivers are not permitted on school property other than to drop off or pick up their children, at which time they must not exit their vehicle. If parents and caregivers are walking their children to and from school, they should undertake their drop off or pick up at the College gate.
• Students need to restrict the number of books/items they bring to school so that locker access is limited due to social distancing requirements.
• Assemblies, excursions, interschool activities and school-based co-curricular activities will not recommence until advice is received from the Department of Health that it is safe to do so.
• Due to online learning no physical education or practical lessons will occur on site.
• Catherine’s Café will be open for snacks and drinks. Students will need to provide their own recess and lunch as they will not be permitted to leave the campus.
• The school will continue to ensure that environmental cleaning practices are in place, with enhanced routines where necessary.
• Students will be required to continue with the hygiene practices put in place in Term One and will need to follow the physical distancing measures that are needed to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

I wish to reiterate that during this period, our staff will continue to ensure we best support our students’ learning from home, as well as those students who may be at school. We acknowledge that it will be important to maintain regular contact between the school and parents and caregivers.

At this difficult time, I wish to reassure every parent and caregiver that the ongoing enrolment of every child in our school is guaranteed. I encourage parents seeking financial support arrangements to discuss this matter with myself or Mr Ian Barter our Business Manager.

I will keep you updated with any new information as it becomes available.

Kind regards

Mrs Kerrie Fraser

Dear Parents and Caregivers

I am writing to update you on our way forward for Term 2. The following arrangements will be in place at the start of term:
• Mercedes College like all other Catholic schools will remain open but parents are encouraged to keep their children at home.
• Parents unable to supervise their daughters because they are engaged with essential services, or to maintain employment may choose to send their daughters to school. In this case these students would still be involved with on-line learning like their peers at home.
• A timeframe for this arrangement is not available at this stage but the first four weeks of term are being planned for with the possibility that this could be extended. Teachers will continue to work through Term 2 to ensure we can best support your daughters’ learning from home, as well as those students who may be at school. Some staff may be working from home, or from school, as appropriate.

I am aware that it is challenging for families during this unprecedented time. Teachers are working very hard to support your daughters’ learning by providing attendance checks for each lesson and interacting on-line with their classes using TEAMS. From student and parent surveys we know that these measures are appreciated. Teachers are also adopting a consistent way of setting out lessons on SEQTA to support the learning environment. Non-teaching staff members are also working behind the scenes to support your daughters’ needs particularly in the area of monitoring attendance.

The normal daily timetable continues to provide your daughters with routine. As mentioned in earlier correspondence, asking your daughters to wear their Mercedes Sport Uniform also assists in establishing routine. This is your choice as parents but there is data that indicates that the way a person presents themselves can assist with the quality of work produced in a home environment.

If your daughter is unwell while we continue on-line learning, please do as you would in normal circumstances and inform Student Services.

As parents, you are playing an important hands-on role, assisting your children in engaging in learning at this time, as well as supporting them through any worry they may be feeling. I emphasise that parents are not expected to take the place of teachers, and we are doing our very best to support you and your daughter, delivering the curriculum and pastoral care in the most engaging way possible remotely.

As indicated earlier, tuition will resume on Wednesday, 29 April considering the ANZAC Day public holiday and the Triangular Meetings scheduled for Tuesday, 28 April.

The wellbeing of your daughters pastorally and academically continues to be our top priority. The willingness of students and parents to complete surveys supports us to develop effective strategies and resources. I thank you for your support in this area.

I am ever mindful that the social and economic impact of COVID-19 is far-reaching and once again I want to reinforce that we are here to support you through this challenging time. Please don’t hesitate to make contact if we can support you or clarify any question or concern. Financial matters can be discussed with me directly or Ian Barter our Business Manager.

My best wishes to you for Easter as we remember the Resurrection of Jesus. We will look back on this time and be proud of the way home and school collaborated to support the education of your daughters.

I will keep you updated with any new information as it becomes available.

Kind regards
Kerrie Fraser

Dear Parents and Guardians

Further to my previous communications to the College community regarding the Coronavirus I write to provide the following updates.

Thank you for the support you have shown so far especially regarding keeping your daughters at home if they have been unwell. This assists us to ensure that the immune systems of students and staff are not compromised. Please continue to stress the importance of hygiene with your daughter. Students can use their own water bottle and they are able to carry their own small bottle of sanitiser, if they have one. As a College we are doing our best to provide the highest level of cleaning throughout the day. Each classroom is equipped with provisions to enable this to happen.

Mrs Angove will continue to keep you updated with academic information regarding on-line resources if your daughter does need to work from home. Heads of Learning Area and their teams have been working conscientiously to ensure the availability of on-line resources. If your daughter is in Yr 11 or Yr 12 please reassure her she will not be disadvantaged if she is not at school. The School Curriculum and Standards Authority will provide details if school closures do occur.

At this stage we are continuing with our usual day to day activities as best we can and providing a calm environment to support your daughters’ learning. I have been impressed by the maturity your daughters have shown and their ongoing commitment to their studies.

As the Department of Health has been advising that overseas travel is not recommended please inform me if your family does intend to be overseas as a self-isolation period of two weeks would need to occur on your return.
In addition to previous events that we have postponed or cancelled a decision has been made to cancel the following events for 2020:

• Trinity College Quarry Concert 29 March (refunds are being organized through trybooking)
• HPAF – all rehearsals from now on and the event on 30 March at PCH.
• House Film Festival – filming weekend, production and screening.
• NIDA Tour to Sydney in April school holidays
• Matilda the Musical – all rehearsals and performances.

With regard to tickets purchased for the HPAF on 30 March the Perth Concert Hall has advised:

• All tickets and associated fees will be refunded to patrons for this event;
• Bookings made with a Visa, MasterCard or Amex Card will be refunded automatically. No further action needed.
• For bookings made by EFTPOS Card, please contact the Box Office directly on 9231 9999 or boxoffice@perthconcerthall.com.au.
• All refunds will be processed by the Perth Concert Hall Box Office as soon as possible.

I realise this is disappointing for everyone involved but it is a necessary precaution to ensure the safety of your daughters. Please follow accurate information provided by the government rather than relying on social media. I will keep you updated as new information becomes available. I appreciate your support during this challenging time for families and the global community.

Kind regards
Kerrie Fraser

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Thank you for your ongoing support during this difficult time as we work in partnership for the learning needs of your daughters.

As directed by the Federal and State Governments we remain open for delivery of curriculum. As parents you have the choice whether to send your daughters to school or keep them home until the end of term. We understand there are family decisions you have made in the best interest of your daughters and your family contexts.

As of Monday 30 March, we will be moving to our Online Learning Program which will chiefly be delivered through SEQTA Learn and a select number of online platforms such as Teams. These will be used according to the teaching modes of departments as they see fit. This will be the mode of delivery for students who attend school and those who are at home.

We will be following the normal school timetable and we expect your daughter to complete work at the scheduled time. Teachers in all learning areas will be available for questions and clarification according to their availability at these times. It is the expectation students will attend to tasks and learning documents throughout the next two weeks until the end of term on Thursday 9 April.

We will inform you at a later date of plans for the Online Learning Program should this be required to continue in Term Two.

Unless we are directed to alter this plan by the Department of Health and government authorities, Mercy Education Limited and Catholic Education Western Australia, we will continue to keep our College open and deliver teaching and learning programs online.

We understand this may prove challenging for some students; however, we are dedicated to assisting all students at this time with this particular mode of delivery.

As mentioned in a previous email to you, assessment programs will continue until Friday 27 March. If students are not here to complete assessments, they will not be disadvantaged.

We will suspend in class written and practical assessment programs from Monday 30 March as already stated. While in class written and practical tests are not going to be set, there will be other assessments set by your teachers through SEQTA that your daughters will be expected to complete. If not completed, the rules of the Assessment Policy will apply.

Assessment programs for Term Two will be modified when we have a clearer picture of how schools will be impacted by government restrictions in light of the COVID-19 situation.

As communicated earlier this week, the School Curriculum and Standards Authority and the Tertiary Institute Services Centre are continuing to deliberate on the outcomes of the disruption to education for all year groups. This communication from Wayne Betts, Executive Officer at TISC, was sent on Monday 23 March:

TISC is closely monitoring the unfolding situation and acknowledges that there will be unavoidable and significant disruption for all school communities this year. While the situation will affect all students, we are particularly mindful of the impact it will have on Year 12 students..

I want to assure all Year 12 students that TISC will be working closely with WA universities, the School Curriculum and Standards Authority and other states’ Tertiary Admissions Centres to make sure that fair and transparent admissions processes are available for everyone seeking entry to university in 2021.

Students continuing to attend school from Monday 30 March
Students attending will need to meet at Coady Sport Centre at 8.20am where they will be directed to a specific section of the College to engage in online learning by their Head of Year. Social distancing regulations will apply and students will be provided with hand sanitisers and other items to assist with their hygiene.

Students will need to bring a fully charged and functioning device with headphones or earbuds, and other relevant resources.
Please reinforce with your daughters the importance of social distancing and hygiene standards as we work together to ensure your daughters’ safety at this time.

Please note: If your daughter is feeling unwell in any way, please keep her at home.

School Operations
• Catherine’s Café – will be open as usual
• Bus Services – these will run as normal
• Homework Club – this will continue to operate as normal
• Uniform Shop – this will operate as normal
• Music Tutors – students are to please liaise with tutors about arrangements
• Speech – Mrs Ritchie is using Teams to work with her students and work will be posted at the beginning of each week.
• College Psychologists – these will be available through email
• ICT Support – these personnel will operate between 8.00am and 4.00pm
• Teaching Staff – will be available by email for specific support to students between 8.30am to 3.45pm.

We acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our staff who have worked tirelessly to provide resources and upskill in the area of online learning. They have appreciated the positive comments of so many parents during this difficult time. Your daughters’ learning and health are the key priorities of our staff and we will seek to progress through this.

We will continue to update you as information and developments occur. Please keep in your prayers the whole College community, health workers and essential services who are working to support the wider community during the COVID-19 experience.

If you have any questions or clarification, please contact us at the College.

Yours sincerely
Mrs Kerrie Fraser

Dear parents and caregivers

In line with the latest advice from Commonwealth and WA governments, Mercedes College is planning to remain open at least until the end of term to provide the best possible education to your children. In line with Prime Minister’s and the WA Minister for Education’s advice, parents may choose to keep their children at home during this unprecedented time.

State and territory Premiers and Chief Ministers have committed to the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee advice that says that it is safe to keep schools open.

In considering the potential risks associated with COVID-19, our school has been working with Catholic Education Western Australia, Mercy Education Limited in conjunction with the WA Department of Health and the Department of Education throughout the evolution of COVID-19 to ensure we have the best possible preparedness and response strategies in place.

We are working hard to ensure our teaching and learning continuity plan supports students to engage in remote learning should our school be required to close. Those students who are not attending school because parents have chosen not to send them will be able to engage with their learning through SEQTA.

Please be assured that while the school remains open, social distancing will be enforced and cleaning regimes will continue to be completed to the highest possible standards to mitigate risks associated with the spread of the COVID-19 virus. I ask that you also have conversations with your child about the importance of these measures. If your child is feeling unwell in any way, please keep them at home.

In acknowledging the far-reaching impact of COVID-19 for families in our school community, I also assure parents that we remain determined that no family seeking a Catholic education for their child be denied the opportunity due to financial difficulty.

Catholic Education Western Australia and Mercy Education Limited are addressing potential concerns relating to fees and affordability that may arise as a result of COVID-19.

COVID-19 is a changing situation that is affecting many areas of our lives, and it is normal for all of us to feel anxious and worried, your child included.
Our teachers and other school staff are doing a wonderful job in providing pastoral support to students at this challenging time. It is important to remember that as parents, you can help your child process all the information they are receiving and the changes that are taking place around COVID-19.

You can stay informed and provide factual, age appropriate information about COVID-19 that will help your child feel informed and empowered, rather than afraid.

Everyone in the community has a part to play in helping control the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to follow the latest advice of the Department of Health. I will keep you informed about any changes for our school as updates become available.

Thank you for your support at this time, and as a Catholic community I encourage all of you to pray for those coordinating our response in Australia, and for all of those in Australia and abroad affected by COVID-19. As always, I ask that you contact me directly if you have any concern that may relate to your child.

Yours sincerely
Kerrie Fraser

Dear Parents and Guardians

While media and public commentary in relation to Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to raise concerns for many in our community, public health authorities are advising that the current risk remains low in Western Australia.

However, as the health and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our highest priority, we need to remain vigilant to any potential for increased risks and take precautionary measures to ensure the safest possible educational environment for children and young people.

As a result, Catholic Education WA advised that effective from today all school-related international travel, with the exception of travel to the USA, Canada and New Zealand (providing that this travel does not go through Asia), is not to proceed until further notice. This advice applies to all students and education sector staff across Western Australia.

I appreciate that your child may be disappointed and you may have questions in relation to this advice.  Please direct any questions to me in the first instance.

As we continue to respond to COVID-19 in our community, please be assured that the Department of Education, Catholic Education Western Australia and the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia will continue to respond as a collaborative team to advice from the WA Department of Health and provide updated advice to schools and staff as appropriate.

Yours sincerely

Kerrie Fraser

Dear Parents and Caregivers
As you may be aware, Novel coronavirus was detected in Wuhan, Hubei Province in China in late December 2019. There have been a number of recent cases of the virus confirmed in Australia.

The Department of Health advises that if a student has been in contact with someone who has contracted the virus, they should seek medical advice and stay away from school until they are clear of symptoms for 14 days.

As a further precaution, late yesterday the Ministers for Education and Health requested that students who have travelled to, or transited through, China or Hong Kong in the past two weeks be asked to stay away from school for a period of 14 days from the date they returned to Australia. This request applies to children in all schools, including Catholic, Independent and Government.

Consequently, I am writing to request that you keep your child or children away from school should the above apply to them. Current medical advice is that while the risk of the virus being transmitted in Australia is low, this voluntary exclusion will cover the incubation period. Should your child not exhibit any symptoms for 14 days after returning to Australia, she may attend school.

I am providing this information today to give parents and caregivers as much time as possible to make arrangements for the care of their children during the period of non-attendance from school, should the above apply.

Please contact the school office on 93231323 if you will be keeping your child at home because of recent travel to or transiting through China or Hong Kong. I would also request that you provide the school with the anticipated period of absence.

I know that this situation has the potential to cause significant issues with respect to care arrangements for your children. I hope that you will understand that the option to keep your child at home during any potential incubation period is precautionary and designed to minimise the potential transmission of the Novel coronavirus.

Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) is working closely with the Department of Education and health authorities to monitor the situation and further advice will be provided as required.

Should you wish to access more information about the virus, including a parent factsheet, please visit the Department of Health website (ww2.health.wa.gov.au/coronavirus) or call the Healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222.

Thank you for your support in this significant public health matter.

Kind Regards
Kerrie Fraser