Dear Parents

The College is closely monitoring Tropical Cyclone Alfred, with forecasts predicting heavy rainfall and strong winds for the Gold Coast, particularly towards the end of the week. As always, the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priorities.

In preparation, we have activated protocols in line with the College’s Storm Management protocols. These measures include:

• Continuous Monitoring: We are tracking updates from the Bureau of Meteorology and City of Gold Coast to assess potential risks, including cyclone warnings and possible flooding.
• Campus Preparations: Our Maintenance and Facilities team is securing loose objects, inspecting trees and drainage systems, and checking buildings for any potential hazards.
• Staff Preparedness: Both Heads of Junior and Secondary School are overseeing storm response plans. Staff are reviewing emergency procedures, first aid locations, and communication protocols, while also preparing for potential power outages.
• Senior Leadership Team (SLT): The SLT is on alert, ensuring all emergency communication channels are ready and that staff are aware of key procedures.

Important Information for Parents

If a campus closure is required, parents will be notified via email, A.B. Connect, and SMS. If this occurs during the school day, students will remain supervised in designated classrooms and storm shelter areas until they can be safely collected.

Things we need you to know:

• All students will remain under staff supervision on campus.
• Please take extra care when travelling, particularly on flood-prone roads. Brisbane Road and Arundel Drive are known to flood - please consider using Marble Arch Place as an alternative route or Arundel Drive from Napper Road.
• Due to potential flooding and safety risks, students will not be permitted to leave the College via public transport. Parents must arrange direct collection from campus.
• If parents need to collect their children early, we ask you to adhere to these protocols:
  - Junior School children to be collected from classrooms.
  - Secondary School children may leave their classrooms if parents send an SMS to their child to confirm pickup arrangements. The text will be verified by the staff member prior to them leaving classes. Students will then proceed out of classes and are to be picked up from the Main Drive (off Arundel Drive). Student drivers may only leave the premises with a parent SMS verified to confirm permission. Please allow your secondary school children to bring their phones to school from tomorrow until we are clear of this current situation.

Please ensure your contact details are up to date so we can reach you promptly.

Thank you for your cooperation, and we will continue to provide updates as needed.

JOANNE SHEEHY | PRINCIPAL