The final term of 2020 is rapidly disappearing. Despite this I am impressed by the purposeful and calm tone evident in all Wyvern classrooms.

I am very pleased to announce that two boys have been selected as prize-winners in the 2020 STANSW (Science Teachers Association of New South Wales) Young Scientist Awards. They are Bryant Diep in Year 4 for his project into which brand of hand sanitiser is best at reducing bacteria and viruses in the ‘My Community Scientific Investigation’ category, and Ruben Merani in Year 6, who for the third year has won the ‘Scientific Investigations’ category. This year, his project was investigating if fresh or frozen BBQ snags taste better!  A big well done to Bryant and Ruben and all the boys who entered this year’s competition.

A well-deserved mention goes to Hamish Tweeddale in Year 5 who was recently confirmed as a medal winner for ICAS Mathematics for achieving the top score in NSW. Also congratulations to Thomas Kielniacz in Year 3 for achieving Best in School in the recent 2020 Australian Mathematics Trust Competition and to Ren Clarke in Year 4 who was awarded a gold certificate in the NSW ‘WriteOn’ creative writing competition. 

As you are aware, we are required to follow current NSW COVID-19 guidelines in relation to school attendance if your child is unwell. As part of this, parents must send confirmation of a negative COVID-19 test before your son can return to school. These are the 3 options for parents who do not wish to have their children tested:

1. Students who do not undertake a COVID-19 test result will not be permitted to return to school for a 10 day period. Additionally, they must be symptom-free for at least 3 days prior to returning to school.

2. Students who have seasonal allergic rhinitis or another condition that presents similarly to flu-like symptoms are still required to get tested for COVID-19 and return a negative test result. Where their symptoms continue beyond 10 days, students should provide documentation from their GP confirming their symptoms are typical for their condition. If the student develops new or changed symptoms, they should get tested for COVID-19. Find more information about COVID-19 symptoms.

3. COVID-19 testing for students with complex health or disability may be challenging. In these situations, schools will ask the parent or carer to have their child assessed by their medical practitioner. Where a medical practitioner determines that a COVID-19 test is not required, documentation must be provided to the school to confirm that the student does not have symptoms that warrant a COVID-19 test. The certificate must also indicate that the student is able to return to school.

All details can be found here https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families#School1

As mentioned, please note that these are the current NSW heath guidelines we are required to follow. Thank you for your ongoing support during these times.

Ian Holden
Head of Wyvern House