Daily updates are provided by Catholic Education regarding the impact the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) on students, staff, and our school in the future. All schools are in the process of developing, with the Catholic Education Office, a School Coronavirus Operational Plan that will be implemented if required.  The plan will support school communities matters related to managing an outbreak of the Coronavirus should it eventuates in our school community.

What St Monica's is currently implementing -

• We have spoken to our cleaners to ensure extra attention is provided in high-traffic areas such as door handles, benchtops etc.
• Children will be reminded of the importance to use soap. Soap dispensers are located in all toilets with hand sanitisers located in all classrooms, the front office and the hall. 
• If any child is displaying flu-like symptoms, we will be calling parents and asking for children to be collected immediately.
• Staff will continue teaching students about thorough hygiene - washing hands at the start of the day, after recess and after lunch etc with posters located around the school.
• Tables in classrooms will be wiped each day. 
• Staff who are displaying flu-like symptoms will also be asked to stay home.

Good hygiene remains the best protective measure against the spread of any virus.

As the impact of the virus on children and healthy adults can be quite mild, there may be a tendency to continue working and attending school and hence increase the risk of infecting others. This is in contrast to SARS and Swine Flu, where most people were quite unwell if infected.

The advice from ACT Health is that schools should be very strong on sending home staff and students who have the slightest sign of illness. This is not a time for soldiering on with coughs and colds. Please do not send your child to school if they are unwell.

importance to us and we will update and notify the school community should anything change in the future.