Cairns schools tool up for isolated learning
SCHOOLS across Cairns are gearing up for online learning as more students are pulled from classes and members of the community enter self isolation.
St Andrew’s Catholic College has confirmed that one of its school family has tested positive to COVID-19.
The confirmed case was one of the three new patients to have been detected in the Far North.
In an email sent to parents yesterday, principal Dr Sean Mangan advised that the parent had tested positive to the virus.
“I can reassure you that this parent and their child have not attended school since returning from overseas travel, therefore, this particular case does
AThey don’t absolutely stop you from getting it. It depends on the type of mask. The most recommended mask, the N95 type masks, have particular not pose any risk to anyone in our school community,” the email states. “The parent and family have gone above and beyond to ensure this.”
The announcement comes a day after two students at Freshwater State School were placed in isolation.
The two children attended school after boarding a cruise ship where a case of COVID-19 had been confirmed.
“There are obviously people who are concerned in the community in terms of what is going on at the moment and we are trying to reassure people we are doing everything we can to maintain a hygienic environment for everyone and teaching the kids good habits and providing as much routine as possible,” Dr Mangan said,
Woree State School has informed parents that a member of its Outside School Hours Care Service was in home isolation after being in close contact with a suspected case.
“Parents and caregivers of students at the school and the OSHC have been informed by a letter sent home yesterday.
“This letter contains advice for parents that there is no need for other students or staff to be quarantined at this time given they have not had close contact with the confirmed case,” a Department of Education spokesman said.
Meanwhile, Cairns schools are forging ahead with online learning programs as more parents choose to isolate their children.
St Andrew’s has launched a platform the school has nicknamed “Andy” and will be training staff in video conferencing on the Zoom app.
“When parents were voluntarily withdrawing their children we were asking if they could access the online resources,” Dr Mangan said.
“We feel we are well set up as more and more parents are choosing this option and we are making sure our resources are as up to date as possible.”
Despite schools across the region working overtime to accommodate isolated students, those in senior years remain concerned about their tertiary entrance scores and final results.
A Cairns State High School spokesman told parents on social media “the school and the Department of Education continue to seek clarification from the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority around any potential changes … to the current program … noone knows exactly how to navigate through this very complicated time.” The school has already launched an online learning portal including Certificate courses and lessons.