School to shut after absences

A HOBART primary school is closing its doors to students amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Bellerive’s Cottage School will close from Thursday next week until further notice.

In a letter to parents, school leader Julie Leitch said about a third of students were absent from school on Thursday.

“Many of these parents are then understandably wanting teachers to support their child’s learning even though they are not attending school in person,” she said.

“We want to help but we cannot continue in-class teaching and provide out-ofclass support as well – as this seriously increases the workload.”

The school committee decided on Thursday to close the school’s campus from Thursday next week.

“Between now and then, teachers will be preparing students for ways they can continue their learning from home,” Ms Leitch said.

This would include learning packages and resources for students to take home, and software being loaded onto laptops and iPads to enable students to use technology and stay connected with their teachers and classmates.

“We know that many parents will be relieved we have made this decision and will be grateful to have some certainty, while for others it will be extremely challenging to make alternative arrangements for the care of their child or children,” she said.

Parents and guardians employed within health or essential services, or who have extenuating circumstances and no alternative arrangements for their children, are urged to contact the school to discuss.

“In case anyone is concerned, I would like to reassure you that we have no known cases of COVID-19 in the school, nor any close contact that we are aware of,” she said.

“Remember that our children will be watching us and learning about how to respond to difficult circumstances, stress and uncertainty.

“So let’s help them build resilience by modelling a calm and thoughtful response and by being mindful of what we say and what they hear.”