Advice to Parents

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

 

Online Resources

Queensland Government Department of Education – Frequently Asked Questions

While this information sheet is specific to State Schools, all schools within Queensland including Private schools are expected to follow these guidelines.

Coronavirus Fact Sheet for Parents and Carers

Australian Government Department of Health

World Health Organization

Department of Home Affairs

 

The Southport School continues to monitor the Coronavirus situation closely. We currently have no students impacted by the virus and none are in quarantine either on campus or at home.

Should a TSS boy be confirmed as having contracted the virus, we will immediately contact Queensland Health and be guided by their advice in managing our response. Queensland Health will advise whether or not the School should close temporarily.

As was the case when we had Norovirus two years ago,  Queensland Health will then work with our school to conduct any specialised cleaning of our facilities as required to ensure our school is safe for students and staff to return when clearance is given.

If you are concerned about anything to do with the virus please call the Coronavirus Health Information Line – 1800 020 080

If your child develops flu-like symptoms, please:

• keep your child at home and have him undergo a COVID19 Test (contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for advice regarding testing venues)
• keep him at home until the test result is provided.
• avoid close contact with others such as touching, kissing or hugging, or any mass gatherings, especially those involving other children
• seek medical advice if your child has other underlying medical conditions
• call ahead to the medical centre or doctor’s surgery, advising of your child’s symptoms and, if applicable, any closure of the School.

It is also important to continue to encourage your children to:

• wash their hands regularly with soap and water, particularly before and after eating, and after going to the toilet;
• avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth;
• use alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap is unavailable;
• cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of their elbow; and
• dispose of tissues in the bin immediately.

 

TSS Operations and Contingency Planning

The School has actioned a number of procedures as a precaution against the virus.

• Senior School Assemblies are being held via live-stream in different venues separated by year level
• BLT has been restricted to maintain social distancing.

The School has actioned a number of contingency plans should the School be asked to close.

• Preparatory and Senior teachers have been trained in the use of online delivery of curriculum
• Wellbeing programs will be delivered to reduce anxiety and promote positive mental health
• Boarders families have been contacted and international travel plans established.

 

Health

We currently have no students impacted by the virus.

Should a TSS boy be confirmed as having contracted the virus, we will immediately contact Queensland Health and be guided by their advice in managing our response. Queensland Health will advise whether or not the School should close temporarily.

 

Events and Meetings

Please visit the Marketing and Events Guidelines page for information.

 

Tech Support

To support the online program delivery for our students, they will need a device and internet connection. The IT Help Desk is available via email [email protected] for any technical questions regarding access to online education.

 

Visitors

We currently have no students impacted by the virus.

It is safe for students to come to TSS. We will make any future decisions based on advice from the Australian Government and Queensland Health. If the situation changes, impacted students and parents will be advised immediately.

For the safety of our students and staff on campus, and to limit the number of visitors to the school, we ask that parents contact the School via email or phone rather than visiting the school’s Prep or Senior Reception areas or Student Services.