Background:
VISP closed it’s doors to students and teaching staff on 16th March 2020, immediately after the announcement of a case of COVID-19 in Seychelles. This was done as precautionary measure and was done prior to the government schools on Praslin making that decision. Cleaning staff remained on site and disinfected the school site from 16th March until 27th March. All classrooms, bathrooms and outdoor surfaces were deep cleaned and disinfected as well as commonly used items like toys and teacher tools. This was done in accordance with WHO guidelines for cleaning which were available at that time.
VISP had been prepared for this shutdown for some weeks prior to this. Staff meetings had been held and the school had a plan to offer continuity of teaching online should a shutdown happen. This meant that from March 16th we offered a comprehensive programme of online lessons which has been adopted by many of our students. In addition, the school board had met on 13th March for a special meeting to discuss all aspects of the possible impact of COVID-19.
VISP closed for our annual long holiday on 17th July and will reopen again on 7th September to staff, with students returning one day later. During this time, the site was once again deep cleaned and disinfected, including all office, teaching aids and toys.
Prior to opening on 11th May:
Prior to 7th September:
On 8th September:
Ongoing school policy changes:
Ongoing measures to ensuring a safe environment:
Contingency for future closure:
In the event of further closure due to COVID-19, the school will resume it’s online teaching service. This was well subscribed to during this shutdown and enabled students to continue making progress through the curriculum. Staff will continue to plan for delivery via this medium if required.
In addition, in the event of a further shutdown, all students will be issued with a paper pack of work, designed to cover 2 weeks of learning. This will help facilitate students without internet access. This will also allow a few days for staff to set up the online platform and upload work.
Policy for dealing with a staff member or student who becomes sick with COVID-19 symptoms (approved by Public Health Commissioner):
Any staff or students who are sick are encouraged not to attend school. All rewards and incentives for good attendance will be removed and all will be urged to take a cautious approach. If in doubt, stay at home. Parents should inform the school of any absence and a record taken in order for us to begin to observe any pattern.
Parents will also be notified and regularly reminded of the need to inform us if anyone in their household is suspected of COVID-19. If this happens we will seek advice from local health authorities.
If a student or staff member becomes ill during the day with either a high temperature or continuous cough the following steps will be observed: