Updated COVID Safe Measures 

COVIDSafe measures to be implemented in schools have now been updated across all three school sectors  (Government, Catholic and Independent). The change in these public health measures will help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses, especially influenza, throughout the remainder of the winter season.

Face masks

The wearing of masks has been proven to be effective in reducing the transmission of COVID-19. It remains strongly recommended by the Victorian Department of Health that face masks are worn in indoor settings, and mandatory for those who are household contacts and attending school. 

It is now the department’s expectation that, through to the end of winter, students and staff will wear masks when in class, except where removing a mask is necessary for clear communication or when a particular activity requires the removal of a mask. Masks are not required to be worn outdoors but can be worn when physical distancing is not possible. Students will be able to participate in the full range of school activities, including music, sport and performances.

We ask that families supply their child with a mask to bring to school. There is a limited supply of masks available at the General office for students that did not bring a mask.Parents and carers will play an important role in supporting this expectation. A short letter is attached, signed by each of the 3 school sectors, which explains this will be a consistent expectation across all schools in Victoria this winter.

Exemptions for testing and isolation

The period of time when someone is considered a recently confirmed case with COVID-19 has been reduced from the previous 12 weeks to 4 weeks. We have previously communicated that this exemption period was 12 weeks. 

After the 4-week exemption period, students and staff members who are a household contact of a new COVID-19 case, must follow the rules for household contacts, including reporting this to their school. As part of this they must take 5 rapid antigen tests (RATs) over 7 days and receive negative test results and wear a face mask in indoor spaces. 

We thank our families for their support of this collective effort to keep our communities safe.