JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT
02 March 2022
Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association of Australia
Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association of Queensland
Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association of New South Wales
Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association of Northern Territory
Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association of Western Australia
Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association of South Australia
Australian Boarding Schools Association
ICPA calls for a balanced approach to risk management within Boarding
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 Ph: 0749 835 353
Louise Martin, ICPA Queensland President Ph: 0746 549 317
Kate Warby, ICPA New South Wales President Ph: 0488 524 477
Sarah Cook, ICPA Northern Territory President Ph: 08 8956 9705
Sally Brindal, ICPA Western Australia President Ph: 0427 275 014
Jill Greenfield, ICPA South Australia President Ph: 08 8672 8936
Website: www.icpa.com.au
