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Latest COVID Updates

News - 22 January 2022

Latest COVID Updates

Camp Australia has clear protocols in place to manage the risk associated with COVID within services for the safety of the children attending our services and their families, the local community, those visiting our services (e.g. providers), and our dedicated team members. We follow state government health advice, and as communicated with families, our services will remain open for Rocketeers school holiday programs and before and after school care.

Important: If your child is unwell or showing symptoms of COVID, please ensure to keep them at home to minimise the risk of spread within our services.

Update: Friday, 21 January 2022

SA Services Only – Staged Return for start of Term 1

Note: if you attend the following schools, you have received a different email - Pembroke School, Immanuel Primary School and Calvary Lutheran Primary School (Rocketeers running 31 January) / Bethany Christian School (Rocketeers running until 4 February).

We have communicated to families via email following the announcement that there will be a staged return to term 1 for South Australian schools. We understand that this news may be upsetting, and we sincerely thank all South Australians for their resilience through these challenging times.

As stated in the announcement, schools will remain open for children where it is not possible to access education at home. Similarly, Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) services can continue to operate before and after school care for any children that require it.

Following the guidelines from the Department of Education, please see the following schedule for the staged return:

  • Monday 31 January and Tuesday 1 February are preparation days. Schools will offer supervision to those children requiring care. Your OSHC will be open for before and after school care for any child requiring care.
  • Wednesday 2 February, reception and Year 1 are back to face-to-face learning and Years 2 to 6 are back to remote learning. Your OSHC will be open for before and after school care.

To ensure all eligible families who meet the above eligibility are able to book the care that they need, we have cancelled all previously made bookings from Monday 31 January – Friday 11 February (inclusive). Should you meet the above eligibility criteria and require Outside School Hours Care, please visit the Parent Portal to book your care as you need it.

We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause to you but want to ensure we meet government guidelines and all children eligible and needing care are catered for. Furthermore, we want to reassure you that we are taking a careful and considered approach to our service delivery to ensure the safety of your children and our staff.

We look forward to welcoming all our families back onsite on Monday, 14th February and your Your OSHC team has been busy preparing an exciting and engaging Term 1 program for your children. All activities will be COVID Safe, adhere to all health guidelines and follow COVID-19 cleaning practices. Visit the Parent Portal to get your bookings in early and avoid disappointment.

Update: Friday, 14 January 2022

QLD Services Only – Delay for start of Term 1

We have communicated to families via email, following Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s announcement on Sunday, 9 January 2022 that the start of Term 1 for Queensland schools has been delayed. The first day of term is now Monday, 7 February 2022. We understand that this news may be upsetting, and we sincerely thank all Queenslanders for their resilience through these challenging times.

We will be open for Your OSHC in Queensland for children of essential workers and vulnerable children.

To ensure all eligible families who meet the above eligibility are able to book the care that they need, we have cancelled all previously made bookings from Monday 24 January – Friday 4 February (inclusive). Should you meet the above eligibility criteria and require Outside School Hours Care, please visit the Parent Portal to book your care as you need it.

We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause but want to ensure we meet government guidelines and all children eligible and needing care are catered for. Furthermore, we want to reassure you that we are taking a careful and considered approach to our service delivery to ensure the safety of your children and our staff.

We look forward to welcoming all our Queensland families back on Monday 7 February and our Your OSHC team has been busy preparing an exciting and engaging Term 1 program for children. All activities will be COVID Safe, adhere to all health guidelines, and follow COVID-19 cleaning practices. Visit the Parent Portal to get your bookings in early and avoid disappointment.

Update: Monday, 10 January 2022

The new year has brought us all new challenges already with the surge of the COVID Omicron variant within our communities. We have spent many hours preparing for the return of Rocketeers, not least of all to ensure we have very clear protocols in place to manage the increased risk of the presentation of Omicron in our services. Given the high levels of community transmission associated with Omicron around the country, the increased incidence of COVID-19 is inevitable.

Staffing and Programming

With the increase in COVID-19 cases, we ask you to be patient and understanding as there may also be increased disruptions to our Rocketeers programs due to staff shortages based on COVID-19 exposure and isolation requirements.

We understand the importance of quality and fun care for children, and while we are working hard to ensure we can support all our families, we will provide as much notice as possible should staff shortages force us to change the program, reduce the capacity of our services or, at worst, close a service. We will also work to provide you with alternative options.

The health and safety of children and our educators are of paramount importance to us. Rest assured we are taking all precautions to ensure our programs are as safe as possible, including more sun safe outdoor activities, reducing extended periods indoors, being mindful of opportunities to social distance, increased cleaning, and as much ventilation as possible.

Checking In/Checking Out

When dropping off and picking up children, we ask that State government department guidelines are adhered to, by wearing a mask, using the QR codes for check-in purposes at our services, and social distancing at all times when interacting with our educators. If a child is unwell or displaying any COVID-19 symptoms, please do not attend our service and follow State government health advice.

Booking Changes

Due to the current uncertain environment, and to effectively plan staffing and programming, we request that if your care requirements change due to COVID, any bookings are cancelled as soon as you are aware. Bookings can be updated via the Parent Portal.

Changes to Cancellation Notice Periods for January Rocketeers

During the January 2022 Rocketeers period, we will be waiving the cancellation notice periods in recognition of the current circumstances.

We realise these are uncertain times and we want to assure that we will navigate them with families, together, as we continue to find the best pathway forward for all children, families, and the community. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact your local service team.

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