Bushfire

Dear Parents,

We have begun to field enquiries about whether the school will close tomorrow because of the catastrophic bushfire conditions predicted across NSW tomorrow.

Please note that at this stage the school will NOT close tomorrow and that we will be open for business as usual. Our school is listed on the NSW Department of Education’s School Safety Bush Fire Register as NOT being in “… an increased risk or bushfire prone area.”

Despite this being the case, we are aware of the fact the school could still be impacted by bush fires, for example, if smoke and embers from a bush fire travel through the air, or if local traffic conditions are affected by bush fires. Our Workplace Health and Safety Officer and Team have developed an Emergency Management Plan for the school that sets out all planning measures that the school has undertaken and will undertake in the event of bushfires, including preparation (including maintenance of facilities and vegetation) response and recovery measures, should they be needed.

In the meantime please rest assured that our staff will be supporting students by maintaining normal school routines and schedules where practicable. (We will take steps to minimise exposure to bushfire smoke should this become an issue by offering indoor activities at break times). Teachers will reassure students of their safety at school while at the same time answering any questions they have and guiding conversations with messages of safety, self-care and the importance of seeking help if it’s needed.

We will continue to watch the situation carefully and if anything changes or if any more information comes to light over the course of the school day or this evening, further notifications will be sent out on the school app and on the official Facebook page.

On behalf of everyone at WWPS we extend our best wishes to those families across the state who have and will be affected by bushfires this week.

Regards,

Mr Dan Betts

Relieving Principal