As the COVID pandemic continues to evolve, and states learn to live with COVID spreading within the community, the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association have serious concerns for the wellbeing of boarding children, as restrictions within boarding institutions places them at a disadvantage compared to their day student peers.
Geographically isolated children are a vulnerable cohort who, in many instances have no choice but to attend boarding school in order to receive equitable educational opportunities. Their families continue to be exasperated by conditions imposed and measures implemented to limit the spread of the virus in boarding schools.
Inconsistent, unjustifiable and stifling guidelines, processes and rules have proven to extenuate these vulnerabilities, proving unbearable for the children and indeed heartbreaking for their families. ICPA believes more needs to be done to ensure pragmatic solutions are implemented in boarding houses which do not further disadvantage them.
The message is clear from all ICPA Councils across the country.
“As we navigate the ongoing pandemic conditions, ICPA calls for a balanced approach to risk management within boarding situations, where the COVID risks can be mitigated without disproportionate constraints on our vulnerable young children.”
For further information and comments please contact:
Richard Stokes, Australian Boarding Schools Association Ph: 07 3205 4940
Alana Moller, ICPA Federal President
Wendy Henning, ICPA Queensland Vice President
Kate Warby, ICPA New South Wales President
Sarah Cook, ICPA Northern Territory President
Sally Brindal, ICPA Western Australia President
Jill Greenfield, ICPA South Australia President
