ANZAC

On Thursday 28, the students and staff paid tribute to those who fought for our country so that we could all experience our freedom in this great nation. Thank you to the Year 6 students and staff for coordinating the service.

COVID-19 Update

On Tuesday 26 April, the WA Health Minister announced that the remaining public health protocols for schools and early childhood will be removed with new baseline measures. Some preventative measures will be retained in schools, including extra cleaning. We are reverting back to mostly Phase 5 restrictions.

As of 12.01am 29 April, masks will no longer be mandatory, except for adults and those aged 12 years and older (Year 7 students and above) in high-risk settings including hospitals, residential aged care, disability service and correctional facilities, airports and public transport (including when travelling on excursions). Masks are encouraged where physical distancing isn’t possible, hence the wearing of makes is not required at OLA, however I encourage students to continue to wear masks.

People in our community will have different responses to the news that the mandate is lifted. For some, wearing masks would have provided comfort or a sense of safety, and for others it has been an inconvenience. From today, wearing a mask will largely be a personal choice, and it is important we respect the importance of others, adults and students alike.

I believe the next few weeks will be a transition period of sorts as we become more comfortable with not always wearing a mask. It is perfectly acceptable for all persons, students and staff, to continue to wear masks if that is their wish, just as it is fine for people to choose not to wear a mask.

Moving forward, I will most likely continue to wear a mask, especially in crowded places and that’s the choice I will have. The same will apply to you and your children, a decision you will make in your children’s best interests. Being respectful of the choice of others is very important as we transition away from wearing a face mask. As you can appreciate, it will not be acceptable to make comments to others, including parents, students and staff. Having stated the above, whilst wearing a mask will not be mandated from tomorrow, keeping a mask or two at school is wise.

Please take note of other restrictions lifted or have remain the same. Please be aware that all adults must continue to comply with health and hygiene conditions outlined by the WA Chief Officer (WA Health) i.e. social distancing, hand sanitising, etc.

• Segregating cohorts of students is no longer required. Mixed year level activities for indoor and outdoor activities may resume.
• All members of the community, no longer have to wear masks at OLA.
• Parents are now permitted to support in the classrooms.
• All parents may now attend school events, including assemblies, Mothers’ Day, etc, without restrictions.
• Parent/teacher meetings may now proceed in the classrooms.
• Spectators are now permitted to attend all sporting events.
• OLSAC and P&F meetings may now proceed on site (Social distancing will still apply).
• The OLA calendar was updated and is attached.
• Excursions and incursions will proceed as scheduled.
• The school community will no longer be receiving correspondence/updates in reference to students who are covid positive in classrooms and are isolating. There are no more ‘close contacts’ within the classrooms.
• Results still need to be uploaded to the School website as well as WA Health, regardless of whether the results are positive or negative.
• If you’re feeling unwell, please do not enter the school grounds.
• If physical distancing is not possible, please wear a mask.

Please take note the above eased restrictions may change at any given time, by WA Health. If restrictions are reinstated, you will be advised accordingly.

Veritas Library

The Veritas Library is currently under constructions with the refurbishments. Thank you to our wonderful OLA P&F and OLASAC committees for providing the necessary funds to refurbish the library. The students had a sneak preview last week and liked what they saw. An official opening will take place over the next few weeks. Thank you to Mrs Dale and Mrs Durkin for coordinating the whole process, from the removal of the old furniture to selecting and coordinating the installation of the new furniture. Watch this space.

Term 2 Calendar

The Term 2 OLA Calendar has now been updated and is attached. The OLA website calendar will be updated during the holidays.

Download the Latest Term 2 Calendar

OLA Playgroup

With restrictions now lifted, the OLA play group will resume next week (every Friday), commencing Friday 6 May, 9.00-10.30am in the Kindy M classroom.

Mothers’ Day Celebration

Due to restrictions being lifted, the Mothers’ Day event will now proceed next Wednesday 4 May, commencing at 7.30am. Looking forward to seeing all the mothers at the event in the Sr Goretti Hall. 

2023 Pre Kindergarten / Kindergarten Enrolments

A reminder to our current families to submit enrolment applications for siblings as soon as possible to secure a place for your child. We now have waiting lists for both year levels and we certainly wouldn’t want our own siblings missing out. Please contact Jane Sloss on 94713000 or email Jane at enrolments@ola.wa.edu.au

Dianella Library Carpark

We continue to be contacted by both the Library staff and City of Stirling requesting that our parents do not park allocated for the Dianella Library staff as this area (even when spots are vacant) is allocated purely for library employees. It’s only a matter of time before the Ranger is called and infringement notices are issued.

Thank you.
Greg Martin and Michael Morris
The OLA Leadership Team