Darling Downs parents alerted to positive Covid cases in schools

Double trouble for Darling Downs schools as Covid-infected facilities reach double digits. SEE THE FULL LIST

There have been Covid-19 outbreaks at least 23 schools across the Darling Downs since students returned to classrooms last week.

Parents and carers were emailed throughout the week, alerting them to the positive cases and instructing the community of next steps.

Wilsonton State High School principal Marcus Jones sent a letter to parents yesterday, February 14, acknowledging “confirmed cases have been detected in our school”.

This is the second time the school has sent an alert out since Term 1 began on February 7, with the first notice delivered just one day later on February 8.

Wilsonton State High School has sent two letters to parents and carers since opening doors in February 7, alerting them to positive Covid cases within the school community.

Rangeville State School parents were also alerted to a case, when Principal Ben Kidd sent a letter on Friday, February 11.

However, in the letter, Mr Kidd said “the confirmed cases are close family contacts or have not been at school since Tuesday”.

Meanwhile, Fairview Heights State School had two confirmed cases last week, with parents alerted via email and text.

A parent of two children at the school has said she was pleased with the quick response by the school.

“An email went around along with a text letting parents know there was a very important email to read,” she said.

“I am not too concerned about the kids getting it as children only seem to be getting a mild dose.

“However, as we run a small business it would be a huge blow to have to quarantine as it would mean no income at all into our household.”

Fairview Heights State School alerted parents to two positive Covid cases at the week ending February 11.

Another concerned mother has said she was comfortable with the children attending school, however there would be repercussions if the household had to enter isolation.

“I personally have no concerns sending the kids to school. They need their education that I personally can’t provide for them, as I’m not a homeschooling kinda person,” she said.

“Both are vaccinated, although there are many out there just like us that would suffer financially if we had to isolate.”

Queensland Department of Education have confirmed Oakey State School, Clifford Park Special School, Highlands Christian College, Harristown State High School, Harristown State School and Toowoomba North State School also had confirmed cases last week.

Rangeville State School sent an email to parents and carers of students, alerting them to positive Covid cases in the first week of Term 1.

The Chronicle understands a widespread selection of schools across the region have also had Covid-19 cases.

These schools include St Ursula’s College, Oakey State High School, Dalby State High School, Glenvale State School, Kingsthorpe State School, Toowoomba State High School, St Saviour’s Primary School, Rockville State School, St Mary’s College, Middle Ridge State School, Centenary Heights State High School, St Joseph’s College and Newtown State School.

A letter was issued to parents and guardians of students from Crows Nest State School, confirming a positive Covid-19 case had been detected at the school recently.

“I am writing to inform you that I was notified today of a positive test result for Covid-19 for a member of our school community,” the letter said.

“This person has attended Crows Nest State School this week.

“Please be assured that our school has been taking all appropriate precautions regarding health and hygiene and we will continue to act in accordance with the advice of Queensland Health.”

Crows Nest State School sent an email to parents and carers of students, alerting them to a positive Covid case within the school community.

A spokesman from the Queensland Department of Education said it was the school’s responsibility to alert parents and carers.

“Covid-19 is circulating in the Queensland community. As the chief health officer has said, we expect ongoing cases in schools throughout the state,” they said.

“As outlined in our comprehensive Back to School plan, schools will provide communication to staff and families that there is Covid-19 present in the school and remind people to monitor their symptoms and stay home if they are feeling unwell.

“State schools will also inform the department.”

According to the spokesman, school would be closed as a last resort.

“All States and Territories reached agreement at national cabinet that schools should only be closed as a last resort,” the spokesman said.

“However, if higher than usual absenteeism due to Covid positive cases is recorded, schools and the department will work closely with the public health unit to see if any additional measures need to be put in place.

“Given the diversity of our schools there is no one size fits all approach, and these situations will be managed on a case-by-case basis.”

Dalby State High School parents and carers were alerted to a positive Covid case within the school on Thursday, February 10.

The Queensland Department of Education spokesman said it was a top priority to protect the school community from further spread of Covid-19.

“If a student becomes symptomatic at school, they will be immediately isolated in a safe

place, and their parents or carers will be contacted to collect their child,” the spokesman said.

“When the student is collected, the parent or carer will be offered a Rapid Antigen Test to administer at home.

“Alternatively, all students and staff have priority access to testing at Queensland Health

clinics.

“If the test result is negative and the student is well, they can return to school. If the

test is positive, they will need to follow Queensland Health quarantine and isolation

requirements.”

Positive cases in Darling Downs Schools:

• Highlands Christian College
• Rangeville State School
• Wilsonton State High School
• Fairview Heights State School
• Oakey State School
• Oakey State High School
• Clifford Park Special School
• Toowoomba North State School
• Harristown State High School
• Harristown State School
• Dalby State High School
• St Ursula’s College
• Glenvale State School
• Kingsthorpe State School
• Toowoomba State High School
• St Saviour’s Primary School
• Rockville State School
• St Mary’s College
• Middle Ridge State School
• Newtown State School
• Centenary Heights State High School
• St Joseph’s College
• Crows Nest State School

If you know of other schools who have alerted parents to a case, please email [e-mail]