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A High Performing Specialist Academy for Technology & Applied Learning

1 December 2021

You will be aware of the recent announcement by the Prime Minister regarding the new Omicron variant.  This announcement confirms our communication to you on Friday that all College students are now required to wear face coverings in all indoor communal areas.  Face coverings will not be required in classrooms, but students may wear them if they wish.

The same system as last academic year is being used for those students that have a reason not to wear a face covering (parent/carer to contact their Year Manager who will issue the student with a wrist band to signify exemption; students will not be challenged).  These measures will remain in place until at least the end of the Autumn term.  All other protective measures currently in place remain unchanged.

Can I thank parents and students for their very strong support on this matter - on the evidence of yesterday and today, it would appear that we have had near 100% compliance.

COVID Home Testing (LFD) Kits and On-site Testing in January

It remains our intention to issue an additional supply of home test kits to students this week.  However, a delivery from the DfE has been delayed and until we receive further supplies of test kits, we will not be able to distribute them.  In the meantime, a limited supply of test kits are available from receptions and parents/carers can order test kits online: Order coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow tests - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)  or collect them from pharmacies.

Students are advised to continue to test at home twice a week for the remainder of the Autumn term and over the Christmas holiday period.  Recent guidance issued by the government has asked secondary schools to prepare to arrange a round of on-site testing at the start of term in January.  It is likely that arrangements for on-site testing will follow a similar format to the testing in March and at the start of term in September, but further information will be issued in due course.

A Message for Car Drivers

Can I please ask all car drivers to use extreme care and caution whilst driving around the local roads at coach drop off/pick up times.  As you are aware, we have a number of coaches picking up students from outside the Barossa and Kingston buildings between approximately 3.05pm to 3.35pm and the area can get quite congested and busy.  The safety of our students is our absolute priority and therefore we would be very grateful if car drivers could be particularly vigilant at these times and around these areas.

Kingston Road Closure

As many of you will be aware, emergency road works are taking place on Kingston Road.  The full extent of the work taking place is not yet known, but it is likely that the road closure will be in place for some time.  While this is the case, if you are commuting by car, please follow the signposted diversion route to access the College.

Mr Tanner - Principal

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