From the Principal
Dear families of Killester,
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge that many in our community will be concerned for families and loved ones in international settings, specifically parts of India and Vietnam, that are significantly impacted by current Covid 19 outbreaks, we are keeping all impacted by the virus in our prayers.
The Victorian Government have asked that schools provide families with information about access to vaccination for students aged over 16. The following is the information we have been asked to disseminate within our community:
As part of the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out, all Victorian school students aged 16 years and above are now eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
The Victorian Government aims to vaccinate all final year students by the time they sit their end-of-year exams. Final year students are therefore urged to immediately make an appointment to receive a vaccine by following the instructions under the heading ‘How to book an appointment’ below.
State vaccination centres have recently had their capacity increased to support Victoria’s drive to administer 1 million doses of the vaccine by 19 September.
Students completing their final year are particularly asked to book an appointment as soon as possible to support the safe conduct of examinations. As their parent/guardian, you are encouraged to help them to book and if needed, support them to attend their appointment.
Final year students are asked to consider getting their first vaccine before the GAT on 9 September. In addition, it’s recommended not to get the vaccine on the day of an exam, or the day before an exam - to avoid feeling common but mild side effects such as tiredness, headache, muscle pain, fever and chills and/or joint pain during the exam.
Consent Students can book their own appointment and consent to vaccination themselves if the health professional assesses them to be a mature minor.
Booking an appointment To book an appointment, visit the coronavirus.vic.gov.au website or contact the Coronavirus hotline by phoning 1800 675 398.
To find a vaccination centre and opening times, visit the coronavirus.vic.gov.au website. From 30 August, people aged 16-39 can get their COVID-19 vaccine at a doctor’s clinic, pharmacy or community health service.
You can find a participating doctor, pharmacy or community health service through the Australian Government Eligibility Checker. You can book your appointment online or by calling the vaccine provider nearest to you.
More information For more information about eligibility, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au or use the Australian Government’s COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker. For further assistance, contact:
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The above advice is forwarded to families at the request of the Department of Health, Department of Education and the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. We understand families will have important conversations in their own homes in regard to vaccination and the differing needs of individuals. The College wishes to reassure all parents and students that students will not be excluded from attendance at school if they are not vaccinated.
Please feel free to contact the College if you wish to discuss this further,
Yours sincerely,
Sally Buick
Principal