COVID-19 Updates

Please be advised that as decisions are made regarding the College response to COVID-19, as much information as possible will be sent out to families via SEQTA Emails. As such, you must ensure that your personal details are up-to-date. Should your details have changed please email admin@ufcc.wa.edu.au to advise.


Update: Friday 15 May 2020

I write to update the information provided to our community earlier this week (13 May 2020) about student attendance from next week.

Premier Mark McGowan and Minister Sue Ellery yesterday provided the State Government’s advice in relation to school attendance and operations effective Monday 18 May 2020.   As Catholic Schools continue to work closely with the Department of Education and AISWA, with direction from State and Federal Government, I am pleased to provide further clarity in relation to arrangements for student attendance and operations at Ursula Frayne Catholic College.

While the Quick Reference Guide (Attachment) provides detailed information to parents/carers regarding arrangements for students returning to school, I need to highlight the following:

  1. Compulsory Student Attendance
  2. Student Attendance Exemptions
  3. Maintaining a Healthy School
  4. Support for Students
  5. Canteen Arrangements
  6. Parents and Caregiver Access
  7. Balmoral Campus – End of Day Arrangements
  8. Transition Towards the ‘New Normal’

 

1. COMPULSORY STUDENT ATTENDANCE

Effective Monday 18 May 2020 all students enrolled in Western Australia Catholic schools are required to attend on-site unless they are unwell or have a medical referral to continue their learning from home.

On 11 May 2020, 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 next Monday.

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.

2. STUDENT ATTENDANCE EXEMPTIONS

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 the College via admin@ufcc.wa.edu.au. These students will continue to be supported by school staff, however from 18 May 2020, these students may not be engaged in the same learning program delivered in classrooms.

3. MAINTAINING A HEALTHY SCHOOL

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 the advice of the Chief Health Officer of Western Australia, we need to remain diligent during this time. You are encouraged to keep your child home if they are unwell and, if you or your child has a fever, cough or cold symptoms, get tested for COVID-19.  We should all continue to follow the social distancing guidelines when interacting with other parents, teachers, and school staff.

It is also important that students and staff continue to follow everyday preventative actions which are critical to slow the spread of the illness:  These include:

  • staying home when sick;
  • covering mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of used tissue immediately;
  • washing hands often with soap and water

4. SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS

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

5. CANTEEN ARRANGEMENTS

To ensure that the safety and wellbeing of our community, new and improved measures have been adopted by our College canteens in preparation for Term Two.  Opening Dates for each campus are as follows:

  • Duncan Street Campus Canteen – Monday 18 May (Week 4)
  • Balmoral Street Campus Canteen – Monday 25 May (Week 5)

Please be advised that no cash transactions will be accepted, and all purchases must be pre-ordered.

Parents of students and students can order recess or lunch, using the  Online Ordering system on ‘My Student Account’. Orders must be placed prior to 8:00am on the required day.

If you haven’t utilised this service before you will need to read the My Student Account (MSA) instructions on how to set up your MSA and load funds onto the account.  Once the information is active you can order your son or daughter’s recess or lunch.

All orders on Duncan Street will be collected at the Canteen, whilst Balmoral Street students will have their order delivered to their classroom.

Next week the specials of the day at Duncan Street are:

  • Monday – spaghetti bolognaise / vegetarian pasta bolognaise
  • Tuesday – Thai green curry and rice/ vegetarian curry
  • Wednesday – spinach ricotta pasta bake
  • Thursday – chicken teriyaki and rice / vegetarian (tofu) teriyaki with rice
  • Friday – beef burrito bowl/beans burrito bowl

6. PARENT AND CAREGIVER ACCESS

Unfortunately, parents and caregivers are still not able to access the campuses until further notice.  However, some on-site meetings are permitted by appointment for new enrolments, pastoral care case management, student behaviour and engagement, medical reasons and other emergencies.

7. END OF THE DAY ARRANGEMENTS FOR STUDENTS ON BALMORAL CAMPUS

The arrangements in relation to the staged end of the day procedures for the Balmoral Campus will remain in place until further notice.

8. TRANSITION TOWARDS THE ‘NEW NORMAL’

As restrictions have continued to be lifted and a significant proportion 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.  However, we need to be mindful that schools are still in a period of transition, which at this point, remains undefined.  As such, many aspects of the College’s broader curriculum remain curtailed or suspended (e.g. extra-curricular activities; sport and Physical Education activities) based on current health directives.

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 collaboration and shared community responsibility that has meant that children can return to school, that parents can return to work and that we can all begin to enjoy time together again.

We hope that you have felt supported to decide whether to send your child 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.

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 school community, we ask that you join us in continuing to pray for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at home and abroad.

With regards and best wishes.

Yours sincerely

Geoff Mills

Principal


Update: Wednesday 13 May 2020

Effective as of Thursday 14 May, the following drop-off and pick-up practices will apply on the Balmoral Campus:

MORNING

  • Kindergarten students can be dropped-off at either the Kiss and Drive or Kindy gate (lower Camberwell Street).
  • Students in Years PP-6 can be dropped-off at the Kiss and Drive or “old Kindy” gate (upper Camberwell Street).
  • As per standard College requirements, students should not arrive prior to 8.15am. 
  • When using the Kiss and Drive please remain in your vehicle and encourage your children to exit the car from the left side of the vehicle, closest to the kerb.

AFTERNOON

  • Staggered dismissals in the afternoon will apply.
  • Students in years Kindergarten-Year 1 will conclude their day at 3.00pm (or 2.00pm on Thursdays).
  • Years 2-6 will finish at the normal time of 3.15pm (or 2.25pm on Thursdays).
  • Collection points for students are as follows:
    • Kindergarten: Kindy gate (lower Camberwell Street). This is not a Kiss and Drive area and parents will need to park and collect their child/ren.
    • Pre-Primary: “old Kindy” gate (upper Camberwell Street). This is not a Kiss and Drive area and parents will need to park and collect their child/ren.
    • Year 1: Main Balmoral Street gate or through Kiss and Drive.
    • Years 2-6: Lower Balmoral Street gate, Kiss and Drive or the “old Kindy” gate (upper Camberwell Street). Students in these years may also walk/ride or catch the bus home.

If you have multiple children at this campus, the oldest child/ren will gather with their youngest school aged sibling at the youngest sibling’s nominated collection point and time. Please note that whilst Tuesday and Friday are not Kindergarten days, siblings will still adhere to this early release practice to maintain routine.

In order to ensure a smooth process, prompt collection and movement out of the area is appreciated. Any parents with students in Years 2-6 who arrive in Kiss and Drive prior to 3.15pm will be asked to move on.

These arrangements have been made to ensure the safe collection of all students from the campus. Please be reminded that you are required to observe physical distancing whilst waiting for your child/children and avoid congregating in groups in line with current Health Department advice.

Update: Wednesday 13 May 2020

At the beginning of Term Two we welcomed back onto campus our Year 11 and 12 students and have experienced high attendance rates.  I am delighted to advise that from Monday 18 May 2020, students from Kindergarten to Year 10 are also very strongly encouraged to return to onsite classes and resume face to face learning as per the arrangements for Years 11 and 12.  From Monday, on-campus, face to face teacher and student interaction will become the primary mode of learning and teaching across the College.

For students who are unable to physically attend school due to a diagnosed medical vulnerability, we will continue to do our best to equitably support them and a very small number of students who have no other option than to continue learning remotely.

Further information will be provided to families later this week in relation to this next phase of transition.

As students continue with the transition back on campus, we are reminded of our individual and collective responsibility to maintain our personal health and the health of others by adhering to the expert medical advice provided in relation to schools.

Staff have certainly missed the vibrancy and excitement of having all students back on campus and we look forward to taking the next steps together along the path towards the ‘new normal’ at Frayne.

With regards and best wishes.

Geoff Mills

Principal


Update: Tuesday 28 April 2020

Welcome to Term Two. As you are aware, the last six weeks have been an incredibly challenging time for everyone with the COVID-19 virus impacting on almost every aspect of our daily lives.  Education has been no exception and I thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to Ursula Frayne Catholic College as the situation continues to evolve. 

We are looking forward to school recommencing on Wednesday 29 April.  We are especially excited about welcoming back our Year 11 and 12 students for direct face to face learning on campus and interacting with students from Kindergarten to Year 10 through the provision of remote learning, online and/or via work packs.

I would like to remind you that Ursula Frayne Catholic College is open for your child to attend if you so choose, and we welcome their attendance.  If your child (Kindergarten – Year 10) will be attending school, please confirm your intention (if you have not already done so) via the following link Kindy – Yr10 Survey. This information will assist us with classroom and teaching planning.  The recent advice from the WA Chief Health Officer, Dr Andrew Robertson, confirms that the risk of transmission of the virus in the school setting is low (refer to attachment).  Of course, you need to make an informed decision about whether you wish to send your child to school at this time.

Additionally, 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.

To ensure that we respect whatever decision you make about your child’s attendance, and to enable equity for all students, our teachers will be delivering the curriculum by “one mode” of instruction.  This means that whether your child is physically attending school or working from home they will be provided with the same teaching and learning opportunities.

Additionally, please 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 the appropriate Head of School.

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 Ursula Frayne Catholic College is guaranteed regardless of a parent’s financial situation. I have already provided you with information regarding fee relief and information regarding the Health Care Card discount scheme. I encourage you to contact the College if you have any concerns regarding school fees. Any such arrangements are, of course, confidential.
  2. Our school has already refunded/credited you the cost of any events or activities that you have been charged for and which are now not occurring.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

We are currently planning for this arrangement to be in place for the first four weeks of the term with reviews taking place until mid-May.  However, as you know this situation is fluid and we will continue to respond to health and government advice.

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 learning and teaching and opportunities possible, whether they are at school or home.

With my regards and prayerful wishes.

Yours sincerely

Geoff Mills

Principal


Update: Wednesday 22 April 2020

TERM TWO ARRANGEMENTS FOR STUDENTS

I trust that you have enjoyed a wonderful Easter break with your families and that self-isolation and social distancing have brought you closer together!  Your understanding and cooperation last term as we prepared to deliver learning and teaching remotely to students were greatly appreciated.

Despite being surprised at Premier Mark McGowan’s announcement last Friday that schools would return in Term Two, it is a positive sign that the transmission of COVID-19 has slowed to such an extent that we are now in a position to begin relaxing some restrictions.

I am sure that students are eager to return to school and be with their friends once the current situation resolves itself.  However, while we are all hoping for Frayne to revert to (the new) normal as quickly as possible, we need to patiently balance keeping students and staff safe while maintaining quality learning, especially for students in the upper school years.

Following advice from the Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) and discernment from our Executive Leadership Team, the arrangements for Term Two at the College will be as follows.

Guiding Principles

  1. The health and safety of our students and staff remain our first priority.
  2. Medically compromised staff and students should continue to remain at home until they receive medical clearance to attend school. If any staff or student is unwell, they should not attend school and should seek medical advice.
  3. We will continue to provide equitable access to education for all students, with full consideration given to the safety and health of students and staff.
  4. All students will continue to be provided with a quality Catholic education.
  5. Decisions regarding school education will continue to be informed by national and state-based health and education advice and align with the National Principles for School Education.
  6. A staged return of students to school will allow for the situation to be closely monitored with a review of arrangements on 18 May 2020 (Week 4).

Tuesday 28 April 2020 will be a staff professional development day, i.e. a Pupil Free Day.  This will allow staff to continue their preparation and upskilling in readiness for Term Two.

For the first four weeks at least, the College will have different arrangements for Kindergarten to Year 10 and Years 11 and 12.

YEARS K – 10 STUDENTS (from Wednesday 29 April 2020)

  • The College will provide only remote learning for all students from Kindergarten to Year 10. At this stage, it is anticipated that this arrangement will remain in place for the first four weeks of Term Two, with a review on 18 May.
  • From the start of Term Two, parents and caregivers with children in Years K to 10 may choose to keep their children at home to engage in flexible, remote learning, either online and/or via work packs. As has been the case since our school transitioned to flexible and remote 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 or make alternative arrangements.
  • Should parents and caregivers choose to send their children in Years K to 10 to school, these students will engage in the same mode of learning being provided to students learning from home. The College will provide appropriate supervision but not face-to-face teaching for students attending school in person.
  • Parents and caregivers need to advise the school if their child will be attending school from Wednesday 29 April. 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.

Please complete a brief survey if you intend to send your Kindergarten to Year 10 student/s to school from Wednesday 29 April via the link here.

The survey will remain open until Friday 24 April at 12.00pm.

Further details have been, or will be provided, by the appropriate Heads of School.

YEAR 11 AND 12 STUDENTS 

  • From Wednesday 29 April, students in Years 11 and 12 are strongly encouraged to attend school to resume their classes and engage in face-to-face learning with their teachers.
  • Parents and caregivers need to advise the school if your child will not be attending school from Wednesday 29 April. Please complete a survey if your child will not be attending school from Wednesday 29 April via the link here.

The survey will remain open until Friday 24 April at 12.00pm.

Further details have been, or will be provided, by the Head of Senior School.

STUDENTS ATTENDING SCHOOL  

  • Medically compromised students are asked to remain at home until they receive a medical clearance to attend school. Online learning and/or work packs will be provided to these students.
  • Parents and caregivers are not permitted on school property to drop off or pick up their children. Further details in relation to the drop-off and pick up of students on the Balmoral campus will be communicated by the Heads of School.
  • While our usual traffic management arrangements still apply, you are also advised to check availability of public transport.
  • Canteen services will not be available on either campus for at least the first two weeks of the Term.
  • 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.
  • The College 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.
  • Parents and caregivers are encouraged to frequently remind students about the importance of personal hygiene (regular and proper hand washing) and physical/social distancing. It is important that students look after each other by interacting in ways that reflect the current norm within the broader community by maintaining appropriate personal spacing and avoiding physical contact such as shaking hands or hugging.
  • Further details about uniform requirements for Terms Two and Three can be found here.

Support for Families

At this difficult time, I wish to again 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 one of the following options, which are immediately available to all families with children in Catholic schools:

  • The Centrelink Health Care Card Discount Scheme provides an automatic fee concession to the holders of eligible means-tested family concession cards. This discount applies to all year levels from Kindergarten to Year 12. Additional financial considerations are also available depending on each family’s circumstance.
  • For parents and caregivers who do not qualify for the Health Care Card discount, but who are experiencing financial difficulties, arrangements can be made to provide immediate support to assist you with tuition costs.

Support for Students

I wish to reiterate that the College will continue our efforts to support our students’ whether learning from home or at school. We appreciate that some students and their families may be anxious about returning to school and we will continue to offer help and encouragement. As such, we acknowledge the importance of maintaining regular contact between all members of the Frayne family and we embrace the opportunity to play our part in beating this health threat and look forward to eventually celebrating our eventual return to the ‘new normal’ sooner rather than later.

With regards and prayerful best wishes.

Yours faithfully

Geoff Mills

Principal


Update: Thursday 9 April 2020

I trust that as we move towards the Easter holidays, you are finding ways to look after your own well-being whilst giving support to the members of your family, friends, work colleagues and the wider community.  We are reminded that we owe it to ourselves and our families to remain ‘fit and strong’ during these challenging times.

Today, I write to share four important updates:

  1. Term Two Arrangements
  2. Parents as Partners
  3. Support for Families
  4. Easter Blessing

1. Term Two Arrangements 

As school staff this week finalise teaching and learning plans for Term Two – albeit under very unusual circumstances – we have been pleased to receive advice from Catholic Education Western Australia that Term Two will commence as scheduled for schools in Western Australia – Tuesday 28 April 2020.

For all Catholic schools, Ursula Frayne Catholic College included, learning will continue to be delivered remotely and all parents and caregivers are encouraged to keep their children home.

As has been the case since we transitioned to remote learning in Term One, parents and caregivers who are engaged in essential services or are required to maintain employment may choose to send their children to school if they are unable to care for them at home and because there is no other viable option available to them.

Our staff will continue to work through Term Two to ensure we can best support our students’ learning from home, as well as those students who may be at school with some staff working from home, or from the school, as appropriate.

There will be some adjustments made as a result of our experiences last week and these will be communicated in due course and updated on the Frayne Cloud – https://ufcc.wa.edu.au/fraynecloud/.

These plans have been well considered, and while we are initially planning for online, remote delivery of learning for the first four weeks of Term Two, we are also considering the potential for this to be extended as required.

2. Parents as Partners

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 anxiety or worry they may be feeling.  I would like to stress that parents are by no means expected to take the place of teachers, and we will be doing our very best to support you and your child, delivering the curriculum and providing pastoral care in the most engaging way possible remotely.

As we continue to partner to support your child’s ongoing learning, we acknowledge that it will be important to maintain regular contact between the school and parents and caregivers.

3. Support for Families 

We remain committed to the care and wellbeing of our school and broader community, especially those most vulnerable who must remain our first priority.  One aspect of this is considering the social and financial impact of this situation on many families.

Wellbeing

The introduction of the Frayne Cloud, in our College colours, has been a valuable addition to our website.  Over the next few weeks you will notice a new colour appearing. A bright yellow sun has been chosen to highlight the Wellbeing section of the Cloud.

Wellbeing is important at Frayne and is part of our comprehensive Pastoral Care, but we also recognise that at times families may need additional, specialised support.  In this new section, you will find the links and numbers of services and agencies that the Wellbeing Team know have the skills and capabilities to support families.  These have been grouped under the following headings:

  • Wellbeing and Mental Health
  • Online Learning and Working from Home Resources
  • Financial Support
  • Support Services

We will continue to use the established Pastoral Care processes in the College and hope this section provides an additional layer of support for families.

Financial

As communicated through previous messages, I wish to reassure every parent and caregiver that the ongoing enrolment of every child in our school is guaranteed, regardless of a parent’s financial circumstances.

If parents or caregivers have concerns in this regard, I encourage you to contact the College directly to confidentially discuss financial support arrangements.  The following options are immediately available to all families with children in Catholic schools:

  • The Centrelink Health Care Card Discount Scheme provides an automatic fee concession to the holders of eligible means-tested family concession cards. This discount applies to all year levels from Kindergarten to Year 12. Additional financial considerations are also available depending on each family’s circumstance.
  • For parents who do not qualify for the Health Care Card discount, but who are experiencing financial difficulties, arrangements can be made to provide immediate support to assist you with tuition costs.

4. Easter Blessing 

Our school staff are grateful for the support and appreciation that so many parents and caregivers have shared as we journey together through this challenging time.

The Easter Mystery is the foundation of Christian faith. Without the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, says St. Paul, “our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain.” (I Corinthians 15.14).  Easter is a time to celebrate God’s love for us, a love that He definitively proves in the death and resurrection of His Son.  We are called by God to mediate that love to each other in our family and to reflect it to the world.

May the joy of the Risen Lord infuse you and your family with blessings this Easter Season.

With regards and best wishes.

Yours sincerely

Geoff Mills

Principal


Update: Friday 3 April 2020

As the week draws to a close and students prepare to embark on an extended holiday break, I write to highlight four updates:

  1. Online Remote Learning Update
  2. Education Arrangements for Years 11 and 12
  3. Travel Restrictions
  4. Enrolment Processes

1.  Online Remote Learning Update 

Together, we have managed to navigate our way through our first week of online remote learning in support of our students from Kindergarten to Year 12.  While the messages and gifts of appreciation and encouragement from families have been appreciated, we are also grateful for the constructive feedback that we have received.

Given the College’s commitment to continuous improvement, early next week parents will be invited to provide structured feedback about their initial experiences in supporting their children’s learning during this first week. This feedback will be invaluable and help to inform our decisions as we continue to calibrate and enhance the learning and teaching experience for our students.

I extend my appreciation to staff, students and parents/carers for the positive manner in which we have embarked on this journey into unchartered waters while remaining centred in Christ.  It is testament to the ‘can do’ spirit that is part of the fabric of the Frayne family.

2. Education Arrangements for Years 11 & 12

In a briefing provided by the Department of Education, the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) has provided assurance that Year 12 students will not be disadvantaged as a result of the events that are unfolding. The advice is as follows:

  • The Authority will work with schools to ensure that valid and reliable assessments are used to calculate schools’ grades
  • It is too early to call if there will be any changes to the ATAR and ATAR course examinations
  • The Authority has processes in place to ensure that students are not disadvantaged as a result of events that are beyond their control

Potential impact on VET programs:

SCSA has confirmed that no WACE-eligible student completing their WACE in 2020 will be disadvantaged due to the decision by an organisation to cancel the work placement required for their VET qualification as a result of COVID-19.

SCSA has an established process to ensure that students working toward their WACE are not disadvantaged by circumstances arising from RTO certification and resulting processes.

Any student’s work experience can be cancelled with no adverse effect to the WACE.

The Head of Senior School will provide additional information directly to families with students in Years 11 and 12 in relation to this important matter.

3. Travel Restrictions 

The restrictions on travel between regions in Western Australia came into effect this week and mean that all Western Australians are only allowed to travel within the region of Western Australia that they live in.  These restrictions are being enacted under the Emergency Management Act, Part 6, Division 1, Section 67, which states:

The Direction will:

  • Prohibit the movement of any person or vehicle into, out of, or around any part of an emergency area;
  • Evacuate and remove any person from an emergency area and close any road, access route or area of water in or leading to an emergency area;
  • The regions are:
    • Perth and Peel
    • South West
    • Great Southern
    • Goldfields-Esperance
    • Mid-West
    • Wheatbelt
    • Gascoyne
    • Pilbara
    • Kimberley

For a detailed map showing the WA regional boundaries, please visit the following website: https://dpird.wa.gov.au/covid19-response

These newly imposed travel restrictions, added to the already extensive state-wide response to the COVID-19 pandemic, are certain to create some unease particularly as we commence the holiday period.

These restrictions, while confronting for some of us, are vital to our State’s efforts to prevent community transmission of COVID-19 and protect regional and remote communities, including those that are most vulnerable.

4. Enrolment Processes 

Next week, the College will continue the enrolment process for places in Kindergarten 2021 and it is anticipated that the process for Year 7 2022 will commence during the holidays.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an initial interview will be conducted by phone.  This will be followed by an opportunity to visit the College and meet with a member of the College Executive Leadership Team once the current situation resolves itself.

As a learning and faith sharing community, centred in Christ let us continue to keep in our thoughts and prayers those who are affected by COVID-19, those governing our nation at this time, the doctors, nurses and medical researchers and the vulnerable and fearful.

With regards and best wishes.

Geoff Mills

Principal


Update: Tuesday 31 March 2020

Now that Ursula Frayne Catholic College has launched our Online Remote Learning platform, I write to share four updates with our community.

  1. Expression of Appreciation
  2. Reminder to Duncan Street Students
  3. Cessation of Instrumental Music Tuition
  4. Child Safety Resources

1. Expression of Appreciation 

I write to express my appreciation for the manner in which students, supported by parents and staff, have adapted so quickly to on-line remote learning at Frayne.  Despite the magnitude of the rollout, a few technical issues and glitches, the change went very smoothly.

Thank you for the many acknowledgements and expressions of appreciation to the College staff for their individual and collective efforts in developing and rolling out an online, remote mode of education in such a condensed timeframe so as to maintain a level of continuity in learning and teaching for our students

Further information in relation to the College’s COVID-19 Learning Continuity Strategy can be obtained from the FRAYNE CLOUD which can be accessed via:  https://ufcc.wa.edu.au/fraynecloud/

2. Reminder to Duncan Street Students 

Students on the Duncan Street campus are reminded that they need to connect with their Form Teacher via TEAMS at 8.30am and 1.10pmWhile most are to be commended on their attention to this requirement, there have been some who have not made contact during both sessions.

3. Cessation of Instrumental Music Tuition 

Unfortunately, I advise that the College will be unable to provide Instrumental Music Tuition until the COVID-19 situation resolves itself and schools reopen. In the interim, students are encouraged to maintain their personal practice routine at home to refine and enhance their current skill level.

4. Child Safety Resources 

I again remind parents of the importance of continuing to upskill ourselves and our students on practices that foster safety in a digital environment.  The following websites have been designed to support young people, parents and teachers.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/blog/covid-19-keeping-schools-and-learning-safe-online

https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/blog/covid-19-online-safety-kit-parents-and-carers

As a learning and faith sharing community, centred in Christ let us continue to keep in our thoughts and prayers those who are affected by COVID-19, those governing our nation at this time, the doctors, nurses and medical researchers and the vulnerable and fearful.

With regards and best wishes.

Geoff Mills

Principal


Update: Sunday 29 March 2020

As Ursula Frayne Catholic College prepares to launch Online Remote Learning on Monday 30 March 2020, I write to share five updates with our community.

1. Looking Outwards

2. Online Remote Learning – An Introduction

3. Online Remote Learning – An Overview

4. Child Safety

5. Child Safety Resources

 

1. Looking Outwards 

In difficult times there is a tendency to look inwards, which is a natural protective instinct.  The alternative is to establish and maintain a sense of connection and community spirit by focusing on generosity and togetherness.  Help children and young people see past their own needs and look for ways to assist others whether it’s shopping for an elderly neighbour, helping a younger sibling occupy themselves, or planning a movie night for the family.

The current COVID-19 pandemic presents many practical challenges to parents and other significant adults in the lives of our children.  Staying calm, keeping informed, and adjusting our own habits are just some of the challenges we face. However, a significant challenge is one of personal leadership.  That is, during these difficult times we need to be civil to each other, empathetic to differing circumstances, look after each other and be mindful of the common good in everything we do.  In this, we can all take a significant lead.

2. Online Remote Learning – An Introduction

Two weeks ago, the predominate mode of education delivery in the College was the ‘traditional mode’ of learning and teaching in classrooms enabled through face-to-face interactions between teachers, students and peers.

In the space of two weeks, due to the mighty efforts of the staff, the College has been able to develop an online, remote mode of education to support our students in response to Government policy to prioritise the health and wellbeing of the wider community.  From tomorrow this new ‘predominate mode’ will be rolled out for our 1400+ students.  Please reiterate with your child/ren that while the College campuses are essentially closed for students, the College remains open and school continues this week.

To have been able to plan and implement such a massive change in such a short space of time is testament to the professional skill and agility of our staff and their commitment to providing the best possible learning and faith sharing environment for students, given the availability of time and other resources.

Tomorrow, we embark on this new mode at scale.  As such, I ask for your patience and understanding in the event that we encounter some teething problems, have to resolve unforeseen difficulties or are impacted by situations beyond our control (e.g. loss of connectivity).

This week, our teachers will be working tirelessly to provide for the pastoral care for our students and maintain a focus on learning and teaching via this new mode.  As such, parents and students are requested to minimise one off communication with teachers at this point.  Staff may initiate contact through existing College platforms if necessary.

3. Online Remote Learning – An Overview

a. The College is operational and daily attendance of students will still be recorded as they commence their school day.

Balmoral Campus

Preparatory School:                     Between 8.40am – 9.00am via SeeSaw

Junior School (Year 3):                 At 8.30am via SeeSaw

Junior School (Years 4-6):            At 8.30am via their Year level TEAMS

Duncan Campus                      

Connect with their Form Teacher via TEAMS at 8.30am and 1.10pm

b. Adult members of our community are encouraged to join with their children and start the day with an age appropriate form of prayer.

c. The College will operate Online Remote Learning from tomorrow (Monday 30 March) with this mode remaining in place until further notice.  For this mode to be truly effective it requires a collaborative approach between staff, students and parents/carers.

  • Teachers maintain responsibility for the learning of students using their professional insight and experience to help students with their learning and to check their understanding.
  • Parents/carers are responsible for the supervision and day-to-day welfare of their child/ren.
  • Infographics detailing the Online Remote Learning Expectations for Students will be available on the College website via the COVID-19 tile.

d. The technical requirements for remote learning are relatively simple – a good internet connection and a device to connect to.  The provision of a dedicated workspace that has good seating, desk space, lighting, and ventilation is also recommended.

e. The College will continue to provide pastoral care for students.

f. The College’s online, remote learning and teaching programs will adhere to the requirements of the Western Australian School Curriculum and Standards Authority.  This means that while the College may be using different activities or resources, the programs are reflecting, as far as is practicable, the syllabus content and outcomes.  For example, subjects with a very high practical component (e.g. physical education, music) may provide students with opportunities to go deeper, apply and/or enrich prior learning.

g. Socialisation is not just a helpful ‘break’ from real learning.  It is real learning.  Being able to learn how to connect and communicate with people is vital.  As social beings we also need to engage with others in order to maintain a mentally strong wellbeing.  Whilst we are physically disconnected, socially we can remain connected.

4. Child Safety 

Given that our students will be engaging in a digital learning environment (learning from home), it is timely that we remind ourselves and our students of the Key Practices of the Child Safe Framework – extended guardianship, healthy and respectful relationships and situational prevention which are supported by the Key Practices.

Adult members of our College community need to establish and constantly reinforce:

  • clear and safe practices for times when students are in their homes and interacting online in order to engage in learning and if socialising online.
  • online communication protocols
  • strategies to ensure natural surveillance and unpredictable interruptions to the online environment.

The following aspects need to be clearly understood by all members of our learning and faith sharing community, centred in Christ:

  • Communication must (i) be on school agreed platforms, (ii) take place at appropriate times and (iii) be limited to interactions related to student learning.
  • Online conferencing should be for groups not individuals.
  • If conferencing online use blurring to mask backgrounds for staff and students or use screen capture to illustrate learning.  Alternatively use audio rather than video conferencing.
  • Individual messaging must be on appropriate and agreed school monitored tools (e.g. SEQTA direct messagesTEAMS) to address learning related questions.

5. Child Safety Resources

It is important to continue to upskill ourselves and our students on practices which will foster safety in a digital environment.  The following websites have been designed to support young people, parents and teachers.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/blog/covid-19-keeping-schools-and-learning-safe-online

https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/blog/covid-19-online-safety-kit-parents-and-carers

I look forward to hearing about the progress and achievements our students are making.

With regards and prayerful best wishes.

Geoff Mills

Principal


Update: Friday 27 March 2020

I write to share five important updates with our community.

  1. School Closure Advice
  2. Students Attending School
  3. School Term Changes
  4. Student Attendance & Associated Procedures
  5. Collection of Textbooks

1. School Closure Advice

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.

2. 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.

If you work in health or an essential service and require supervision for your child/ren on campus next week from Tuesday to Friday, please complete the form by following the link and submitting it by close of business – FRIDAY 27 MARCH 2020.

Form to complete for attendance required next week

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

3. School Term Changes 

The Premier has further announced that Term 1 for students will now conclude on Friday 3 April 2020.

4. Student Attendance & Associated Procedures 

As we prepare to move into a digital remote mode of education delivery, I need to strongly emphasise College expectations in relation to student attendance whether on campus or working remotely.

All students are expected to participate in schooling online, utilising work set by teachers via platforms (e.g. SEQTA, SeeSaw, TEAMS).  While the modes of learning and instruction maybe different, it is definitely ‘business as usual at Frayne’ and students are required to participate fully.

As such, I need to clarify the following expectations:

  1. From Monday 30 March, parents should keep their children at home if at all possible.
  2. In the event that your child is unwell or circumstances beyond your control preclude them from either (i) attending the campus to be supervised (parents are involved in essential services only) or (ii) participating in the online program, the College must be notified as per the usual attendance procedure.
  • Parents/guardians must notify the College by either a telephone call or email if their son/daughter is unable to attend (participate in) school on any day.
  • The preferred option is via email utilising the link on the College website marked ‘Absentees’.
  • Phone calls regarding absentees are to be directed to Student Services at the Duncan Street Campus on 9470 0921 or Administration on the Balmoral Street Campus on 9470 0401.

From Monday 30 March 2020, the following processes will be in place to verify attendance processes of students attending school remotely via our digital platforms.

BALMORAL CAMPUS

Preparatory School:

After viewing the class teacher’s morning greeting which will be posted on SeeSaw by 8.30am, the student or their parent is required to respond by pressing the ‘like’ button between 8.40am – 9.00am. This will be the digital tool we will use to ascertain your child’s attendance.

Junior School: (Year 3)

Students must go online through SeeSaw at 8.30am as they will be asked to post that they are present and ready to start the day for attendance purposes.  They will then be provided with their first activity to start the day.

Junior School: (Years 4-6)

Students must go online at 8.30am through their year level TEAM and attendance will be taken prior to instructions for the first lesson of the day being given.

DUNCAN CAMPUS

Students will be required to connect with their Form teacher via Teams from 8.30am.

All students will be expected to undertake their prescribed learning (SEQTA) as per their daily timetable and interact with their teachers (Teams) whether attending the campus or working remotely.

5. Collection of Textbooks

To enable students who have been absent to collect textbooks from their lockers, you are requested to contact Duncan Street Reception (9470 0900) as soon as possible to arrange collection during one of the specified times:

  • Friday 27 March:               10.00 – 11.00am or 2.00 – 3.00pm
  • Monday 30 March:             10.00 – 11.00am or 2.00 – 3.00pm

Despite the current COVID-19 situation, at Frayne we continue to aspire that all children get the best Catholic education possible which is why full participation in the remote learning program every day is so important.  We also need to ensure, in partnership with parents, that our students are safe and feel connected with their Frayne family.

I will be providing further updates as we prepare to move to a fully digital, remote model of learning and teaching.

At this time, we are still encouraged to keep those who are affected by COVID-19, those governing our nation at this time, for the doctors, nurses and medical researchers and the vulnerable and fearful in our thoughts and prayers.

With regards and best wishes.

Geoff Mills

Principal


Update: Wednesday 25 March 2020

As directed by the Commonwealth and State governments, the College campuses will remain open at least until the end of Term One.  The Government has advised that parents may choose to keep their children at home and, as such, I write to share six important updates.

  1. Additional Student Free Day – Monday 30 March 2020
  2. Remote Learning
  3. Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Support for Students
  4. Assessment
  5. Closure of Canteen Services
  6. Support for Families

1. Additional Student Free Day – Monday 30 March 2020 

As previously advised, the College moves towards a fully remote, digital learning environment for our students.  To assist in the prevention of the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to support staff and students in their preparation and delivery of on-line and off-line learning resources, I have discerned the need to ‘load test’ our systems and procedures to ensure that they are adequate to meet our needs in the event that students may be isolated in their homes for an extended period of time.  As such, teachers on both campuses will load test our remote learning for all students on Monday 30 March 2020.

To enable this process to occur, I again seek the support of our community to supervise students at home on Monday.  The College will remain open for the children of parents engaged with essential services and for those parents who are unable to make arrangements for the care of their children. If you require your child to attend school on Monday 30 March 2020 due to extenuating circumstances, please complete the form by following the link below and submit it by close of business Thursday 26 March 2020.

Form to attend school on Monday 30 March 2020

While further detailed information will be provided to families, the following provides an overview of our plan for Monday (and beyond).

Duncan Street:   Students will be required to connect with the Form teacher via Teams from 8.30am.

All students will be expected to undertake their prescribed learning (SEQTA) as per Monday timetable and interact with their teachers (Teams).

Balmoral Street: Students access a daily video message from their class teacher at 8.30am (SeeSaw).

All students will be expected to undertake their prescribed learning (SeeSaw) and interact with their teachers according to the arrangements and timetable set by the class teacher.

Thank you again for your understanding and ongoing support as we continue to navigate our way through ‘unchartered waters’.

2. Remote Learning 

From Monday 30 March, all students, whether attending the campuses or not, will be provided with the same instructions and learning experiences by their subject/class teachers.  Consequently, remote, supported digital learning will become the primary mode of delivery within our digital learning and faith sharing community, centred in Christ.  More detailed information will be provided to families over the next few days.

3. Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Support for Students 

I appreciate that there is a great deal of fear and uncertainty for our community, with COVID-19.  Consideration has also been given to meeting not only the educational needs of our students but also their social, emotional and spiritual needs.

This is a time when students may benefit from learning and reinforcing essential skills, such as how to cope during adversity and how to protect their wellbeing.  We will continue to create and provide resources and support in response to these circumstances.

4. Assessment 

I wish to reiterate that in-class, graded assessments (e.g. tests) across the College have been suspended.  However, students will be required to complete and submit nominated tasks and activities for correction and feedback as part of the learning and teaching program as directed by their teacher.  Failure to meet this requirement may compromise professional judgements about a student’s performance.

5. Closure of Canteen Services 

Due to a range of factors, the Canteen services on both campuses will be suspended from Friday 27 March 2020. As such, students will not be able to purchase food or beverages on either campus until further notice.

6. Support for Families 

During times of uncertainty strong communities wrap around those who are most vulnerable and most in need of support and assistance.  I thank the families that have contacted the College seeking advice, particularly in relation to school fees and I wish to assure that our Frayne family remains determined that no parent seeking a Catholic education for their child be denied the opportunity due to financial difficulty.

A joint communique from the Executive Director of Catholic Education Western Australia and I has been sent to families in relation to school and sector supports for families experiencing financial distress. A copy of the letter is available here.

During this time let us keep in our thoughts and prayers those who are affected by COVID-19, those governing our nation at this time, for the doctors, nurses and medical researchers and for the vulnerable and fearful.

With regards and best wishes.

Geoff Mills

Principal


Update: Tuesday 24 March 2020

The College continues in its efforts to take all reasonable measures to prevent the spread of the virus by maintaining a healthy school as we prepare to face the next stage of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Please be assured that all decisions made by the College in relation to this evolving situation are derived from a single point of truth; directives and supporting advice from Federal and State authorities.

At this time, I write to share five important updates.

  1. Student Free Day – Friday 27 March 2020
  2. Student Attendance at School
  3. Assessments
  4. Collection of Textbooks
  5. Support for Families

1. Student Free Day (Both Campuses) – Friday 27 March 2020

As a result of recent Government announcements, I write to inform that the Student Free Day for both campuses scheduled for Friday 29 May will be transferred to Friday 27 March 2020.  The purpose of the day is to provide additional time for teachers to continue to collaboratively develop their proficiency in effectively delivering learning and teaching remotely to be able to fully support our students through the current pandemic.

While I apologise for the late notice, please be assured that this decision was not made lightly with the potential long-term benefits for students and the current workload of staff carefully considered against the potential inconvenience for families.

This is an excellent opportunity for students to set up a workspace at home, catch up with unfinished work, study, undertake course work which is already available online and/or enjoy a good book.

Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support as we continue to navigate our way through ‘unchartered waters’.

 2. Student attendance at school

In line with the latest advice from Commonwealth and WA governments, the 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 the Prime Minister’s and the WA Minister for Education’s advice, parents may choose to keep their children at home and supervise their learning program/s during this unprecedented time.

Normal timetables will go ahead for those students who attend during this week.  As we move towards the provision of full online learning delivery, students who are not attending school because their parents have chosen not to send them will, at this time, be supported via the usual practices in relation to the provision of work for students during an approved absence.  These are summarised in the following table.

SUB-SCHOOL ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS
Preparatory & Junior Schools If your child is well enough to undertake some work at home provided by their Class Teacher in accordance with the usual sick leave protocols.

 

Middle & Senior Schools If your young person is well enough to undertake work at home, they can follow their usual timetable, access course outlines and subject details from SEQTA Learn.

 

Our staff are working tirelessly to provide care for our students and maintain a focus on classroom learning and teaching.  As such, I ask that parents and absent students not to make contact with teachers about learning and teaching matters this week.  This will allow staff ‘space’ to continue to develop additional resources and professional proficiency to effectively deliver learning in a virtual environment.  Given the current unique circumstances, teachers may not be in a position to provide a response.  Some teachers may initiate contact with their students through existing College online platforms if necessary.  Your patience and understanding in relation to this request will be greatly appreciated.

3. Assessments 

In addition to the information provided in my previous communique (19 March) and in response to queries regarding assessments, I reiterate the advice from the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) in relation to Year 11 and 12.

 Procedures to be implemented if assessment is affected by a catastrophic event

If the assessment of individual students or groups of students is affected by a catastrophic event (e.g. if a pandemic causes a number of staff and/or students to be absent from school for an extended period) the procedures described in the school’s assessment policy must be applied.

 Commonly accepted practice

  • Based on the completed assessment tasks, the teacher or the Learning Area Coordinator makes a professional judgement of the performance of the student affected by the event.
  • Where additional assessment tasks are required to enable a professional judgement to be made, the assessment outline is modified for the students affected by the event.
  • The school informs the students affected by the event, and their parents/guardians/carers, of the changes to how their achievement will be determined, including any additional assessment tasks.

 Given the number of students who are absent, the College will suspend the administration of graded assessment tasks from Wednesday 25 March.  However, students will be required to complete and submit nominated tasks and activities for correction and feedback as part of the learning and teaching program as directed by their teacher.  Failure to meet this requirement may compromise professional judgements about a student’s performance.

This position will be constantly reviewed with further updates provided as the situation unfolds.

4. Collection of Textbooks 

Requests have been made for students who are unable to attend school to collect items from their locker or desk.  If a student is unable to attend school for a valid reason, they will not be permitted on campus until they are medically fit to return.  As such, arrangements can only be made to collect student textbooks (not files or notebooks) from the Front Office by contacting your child’s Form or Class teacher. 

5. Support for Families 

In acknowledging the far-reaching impact of COVID-19 for families in our College 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 is addressing potential concerns related to fees and affordability that may arise as a result of COVID-19.  If you believe that you may need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me or the Business Manager directly to discuss your circumstances.

The adaptability, resourcefulness and professionalism already demonstrated by the staff, the resilience of our students and the confidence, support, kindness and respectful manner of our parents gives me confidence that we can continue to deal with the difficult situations being placed before us.

During this time let us keep in our thoughts and prayers those who are affected by COVID-19, those governing our nation at this time, for the doctors, nurses and medical researchers and for the vulnerable and fearful.

With regards and best wishes.

Geoff Mills

Principal


Update: Wednesday 18 March 2020

I am aware that there may be some concern amongst our school community at the moment regarding the COVID-19 virus and the health of students.  As such, I wish to share six important updates.

  1. Maintaining a Healthy School
  2. Who Needs to Isolate?
  3. Attendance at School
  4. Schools’ Current Situation
  5. Educational Delivery in the Event of School Closure or Other Major Disruptions
  6. Advice Regarding Year 11 and 12 Curriculum

 

1. Maintaining a Healthy School

The College is working closely with CEWA support staff and following the advice of the Department of Health in dealing with risks posed by COVID-19.

Please be assured that we are taking all reasonable measures to prevent the spread of the virus and maintain a healthy school by continuing to implement a range of strategies to reduce transmission.  These include the promotion of personal hygiene measures (frequent handwashing, reducing face-to-face contact, cough etiquette), physical distancing, reducing public gatherings (e.g. face-to-face school assemblies), and reducing the mixing of students (e.g. reduced use of common areas and reduced after-school activities and inter-school activities).

Some may be unsure of what is meant by ‘close contact/s’ in relation to self-isolation and student or staff contact with people who have travelled, been ill, or confirmed as testing positive for the COVID-19 virus. While the WA Department of Health does not define this, the NSW Health Department website states:

“A close contact is someone who has been face to face for at least 15 minutes or been in the same closed space for at least 2 hours as someone who has tested positive for the COVID-19 when that person was infectious.”

2. Who needs to isolate?

All people who arrive in Australia from midnight 15 March 2020 or think they may have been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus, are required to self-isolate for 14 days. Further information can be obtained from health.gov.au.

3. Attendance at School

Parents need to be aware that should they choose to keep their child at home without seeking medical advice, it is not a requirement that schools provide curriculum work and activities. However, we understand that there may be extenuating circumstances where consideration could be given to providing support and resources where possible.  The priority for staff is to maintain focus on classroom learning programs.

4. Schools’ Current Situation

The National Cabinet has accepted the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) that there is no need to close schools as a pre-emptive measure and should remain open at this time. Specifically, the National Cabinet has agreed that “pre-emptive closures are not proportionate or effective as a public health intervention to prevent community transmission of COVID-19 at this time.”

National Cabinet also noted AHPPC advice that “More than 70 countries around the world have implemented either nationwide or localised school closures, at different times in the evolution of the local COVID-19 epidemic, however it should be noted the majority of these have not been successful in controlling the outbreak. Some of these countries are now considering their position in relation to reopening schools.”  Of course, this is an evolving situation that may change at some point.

I ask parents/carers to discuss this section with their children and emphasise that, until further notice, it is ‘business as usual’ with regard to learning and teaching in Western Australian schools.

5. Educational Delivery in the Event of School Closure or Other Major Disruptions

The College recognises the importance of being able to operate to the greatest extent possible during this time in which the impact of COVID-19 is being managed.  However, plans have been made to enable the continuation of educational delivery, as much as possible, in the event of groups of staff and/or students being unable to attend the College or a school closure.

The College is well equipped in relation to on-line tools for communication and age appropriate educational delivery such as SEQTA, SeeSaw, Microsoft Teams and Education Perfect.  However, the extent to which these tools may be used will be determined by contextual factors including connectivity to the internet at home.

In the event of a temporary school closure, the College will enact our Curriculum Continuity Plan (K-12) which will be posted on the College website.

6. Advice Regarding Year 11 and 12 Curriculum and Assessment

The School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) continues to monitor the impact of COVID-19 and will provide ongoing advice for schools as the situation evolves.  In the face of the current situation, SCSA advises:

  • any COVID-19 related absence fulfils a Sickness and Misadventure for the current situation. Please follow the College procedure and fill out our online form. A doctor’s certificate is not required at this point in time when an assessment is late, or a student is not able to sit an assessment for this situation.
  • invigilated (supervised) assessments should be undertaken at an appropriate time on student/s’ return to school.
  • in relation to Workplace Learning, in the eventuality that a student cannot complete a mandatory work placement requirement, SCSA’s VET WACE Requirements Special Considerations process will apply.
  • in relation to endorsed programs, schools should endeavour for students to complete the requirements as planned.  Should students be unable to complete the requirements, SCSA’s WACE Requirements Special Considerations process will apply.
  • with regard to externally set tasks (ESTs), as outlined in page 47 of the WACE Manual 2020:

If a student is absent but, returns to school within the period when the ESTs are scheduled, they are expected to complete the task under test conditions. However, as for all school-based assessments, the school should apply its senior secondary assessment policy in the event that a student does not sit the EST, and ensure the student is advised of the outcome of this action.

  • At this stage, SCSA continue to work towards the scheduled ESTs, moderation activities and the ATAR course examinations in 2020.  As the situation unfolds, SCSA will continue to review each of these activities and advice provided to schools and continues to work from the premise that no student should be disadvantaged.

In the current unsettled climate, I request that you emphasise to your children that the College is working on the premise that we will remain operational unless we receive advice to the contrary.

Please let me reassure you that the safety and wellbeing of every one of our students is our highest priority as we individually and collectively continue in our endeavours to maintain a healthy school environment.

With regards and best wishes,

Geoff Mills

Principal


Update: Tuesday 17 March 2020 

If your child/ren are unwell or absent from school you must still complete an Absentee Notice.


Update: Monday 16 March 2020

Further to my previous communications in relation to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), I wish to share five important updates.  The health of our community remains our number one priority.

  1. Unwell Students and Staff
  2. Parents and Volunteers in Classrooms
  3. Year 11/12 Parent Teacher Meetings
  4. Cancellation of Events and Excursions
  5. International Travel

1.Staying at Home when you are unwell

Firstly, our parent community have been exceptional in keeping students’ home who are unwell with coughs and colds and ensuring they are well before returning to school. Thank you for all your support. This is helping our community to stay well.

Students or staff who present flu like symptoms at the College will be sent home.

2.Parents and Volunteers in Classrooms

Parents and volunteers of Frayne are no longer permitted to enter classrooms or assist with school-based activities until further notice. We know that this will impact our Preparatory School significantly, who rely on parent support daily. Therefore this means that parents are no longer able to assist with, for example, morning reading and the Perceptual Motor Programme. Parents of children on the Balmoral Campus will need to wait outside the rooms at morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up from the College.

3.Year 11/12 Parent Teacher Meetings

Year 11 and 12 Parent and Teacher Meetings which are planned for this Thursday 19 March 2020 will proceed, however this will occur via telephone calls made by staff to the parent who has made the booking.  Parents are asked to be ready to accept the call at their scheduled time.

4.Cancellation of Events and Excursions

We are very disappointed at not being able to offer the usual banquet of opportunities our students enjoy but believe it is a necessary precaution. It may be possible to reschedule some of these events later in the year.

  • Junior School Swimming Carnival (Yr 3–6)
  • Careers Day (Yr 10)
  • Duncan Street Campus Open Day
  • Retreats (Yr 7-12)
  • Sculptures by the Sea Excursion (Yr 7–12)
  • Perth Zoo Excursion (Yr 1)
  • Fremantle Cicerello’s Excursion (PP)
  • History of Frayne Tour (Yr 2)
  • Dinner Dance (Yr 11)
  • Leadership Camp (Yr 11)
  • River Cruise (Yr 10–12)
  • All Term 1 ACC and SAS sporting Competitions (Yr 7–12)
  • Choirs
  • College Musical (Yr 3-12)
  • Masses (K-12)
  • Xavier and McAuley Cluster Days (Yr 10-12)
  • Assemblies (K–12)
  • Community Access Programme (Yr 3-12)

5.International Travel

The Prime Minister announced that as of 12.00 am 16 March (AEST) all people returning from international travel must self-isolate for 14 days after the date of return to Australia. Self-isolation does not apply to other members of the household who have not travelled overseas. (WA Health Dept).  All families need to adhere to this restriction.

As the Coronavirus impact unfolds, there may be a need to make further changes and we will keep you informed of these. There is much uncertainty surrounding the Coronavirus so we must continue to remain calm and continue with our typical day to day activities as best as we can.

I ask parents to continue to stress to your children the importance of thorough hand washing as this is a key means of transmission.

In our year of Compassion, we must continue to show kindness and care for all in our own community and offer prayers for all of those impacted in Australia and abroad.

With regards and best wishes.

Geoff Mills

Principal