Welcome back to the start of a new term. The children enjoyed the sunshine outside yesterday, catching up with their friends. 

As we settle back into the routine of school please be mindful that all the roads around the school are 40km/h zones and that we have school crossings in Breed Street and Kay Street. The safety of our school community is important. 

To support this we will be talking to the children at our next assembly about using the school crossings safely. We have experienced crossing supervisors in Breed Street and Kay Street supporting the children when crossing the roads. They have asked that we remind the children of the stop - look - listen approach to crossing all roads and when using the crossing to wait for the crossing supervisor to stop the traffic and move to the middle of the road before the children enter the crossing. If you could also remind the children that would be appreciated.

Changes to COVID-19 Vaccination Mandates

The Victorian Minister for Health, The Hon. Martin Foley, announced changes to COVID-19 pandemic orders that came into effect from 11.59 pm on Friday 24 June 2022.

The changes to the COVID-19 Pandemic (Workplace) Order 2022 mean that staff, contractors and volunteers who work in schools managed and operated by the Dioceses of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL) and staff of the DOSCEL Secretariat will no longer be required to meet COVID-19 vaccination requirements to attend the workplace. This includes principals, deputy principals, business managers, teachers, education support staff, school services officers, casual employees (such as emergency teachers), pre-service teachers, parent helpers and Outside School Hours Care staff.

DOSCEL as the employer, must set the terms and conditions of employment for employees. Therefore, principals are not able to determine their own requirements relating to staff vaccination.

Schools will continue to be required to have strong measures in place to reduce the risk of COVID - 19 transmission, including additional cleaning and enhanced ventilation such as the use of air purifiers, ongoing use of rapid antigen testing for close contacts and ensuring those who are unwell stay home and get tested. This will continue to help keep our schools as safe as possible.

COVID-19 vaccination remains strongly recommended for all staff, contractors, volunteers and visitors working at DOSCEL schools.

Rapid Antigen Tests

The Victorian Government has announced that it is providing up to three further deliveries of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to schools in Term 3 and again in Term 4. It is expected that all schools will receive the first delivery of RAT kits for Term 3 by the end of week three.

We will distribute the RAT kits when they arrive for students to use when they are symptomatic or for use as household contacts.

Household Contacts or Household-Like Contacts

All staff and students aged eight (8) years or older who are household or household-like close contacts attending a school will be required to wear a face mask indoors while at the school and while travelling to and from the school, unless an exemption applies.

Transport of children to school by positive COVID-19 cases

The Victorian Minister for Health also announced a further change to the Pandemic Orders being that, parents, guardians or carers who are COVID-19 positive can now leave self-isolation to transport children to or from school via a private vehicle.

The parent, guardian or carer must travel directly to and from the school only. They must remain in the vehicle at all times, unless it is reasonably necessary to leave the vehicle to walk the child to and from the entrance of the school safely. They must wear a face mask at all times.

Kind regards

Jodie