A RIVERLAND parent was “left on edge” last week after experiencing a lack of communication when the school their children attended was impacted by COVID-19.
The sites at Renmark North Primary School and Renmark North Preschool shut last Wednesday and Thursday after the Department of Education was informed by the Communicable Disease Control Branch of SA Health that a staff member contracted COVID-19.
The parent, who spoke to the Murray Pioneer on the condition of anonymity, said they were “disappointed” with how the situation was handled.
“At the time of this happening, there were only about 25 children attending school – all belonging to essential working parents,” they said.
“The school community received three messages from the school – two from the department and one from the school – and that was about it.
“Parents received no other information and were left on edge.
“I am a working parent and I didn’t know when or if the school was going to re-open, whether myself or my children had to isolate or if we even had it.
“With only 25 children left attending school, the department could’ve contacted the parents individually.”
The parent said the information was slow coming from the school.
“I understand protocols have to be in place but parents need to know,” they said.
“Renmark North is a small community and they’ve put fear in us parents.
“I tried contacting the department for more information and they failed to answer my questions – it wasn’t fair.
“Without my questions being answered, it put lots of uncertainty and worry in me.”
The department enacted its COVID-19 protocol at the school and preschool last week and Riverland Education Director Con Karvouniaris described the process as “extensive”.
“We were informed Tuesday evening about the teacher’s condition and the first thing we did was notify the school community,” he said.
“Public health officials then carried out contact tracing.
“As soon as the sites were vacated, relevant areas consistent with the recommendations for environmental management for prevention of transmission of coronavirus were thoroughly cleaned using extensive COVID-19 protocols.
“The site did not re-open until Friday, once the public health officials indicated it was safe.”
Mr Karvouniaris said although the news sparked concern across the community, families and staff members were supportive throughout the process.
“What the school community felt were the same levels of anxiety and concern the rest of the world is unfortunately feeling,” he said.
“It had definitely hit close to home but it was nice to see the community come together and support each other.”
Mr Karvouniaris said the department sourced and distributed supplies of sanitising gels, soap and other hygiene products to the school.
“The school can provide its staff and students with many products but at the end of the day it also comes down to the individual,” he said.
“We need to practice our social distancing to maintain really thorough hygiene practices and the teachers in all our schools will reiterate and reinforce those on a daily basis with our children.”
Mr Karvouniaris described the school as a “safe place” and was told the staff member was recovering well.
“The staff member is doing well at the moment and as far as I’m aware no harm has been caused at this point,” he said.
“My current advice is that schools are safe and parents are being asked to make a choice whether they need and want to send them to school or preschool or if they wish to keep them home.
“In the meantime, if any member of the community has any symptoms, they must seek medical advice.”