Principal's Report
Vermont Secondary College
Dear School Community,
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to hit the school very hard in terms of attempting to run a normal daily school program. Staff and student absences are high, and coverage of classes has been difficult from day one. Added to this complexity is the advent of the flu season.
I will continue to provide updates on positive cases as they arise so can parents and guardians, please ensure they continue to notify the Department of Health and the school if their child returns a positive RAT result.
As of Monday 23 May 2022, please note the changes to the provision of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) in our school for the remainder of Term 2.
RATs will continue to be distributed to the students as they have been this school year for the remainder of this term.
Staff and students are no longer recommended to undertake twice weekly Rat’s on a Monday and Wednesday morning.
From this date it was recommended RATs are used by students and staff when symptomatic. If you display symptoms, then testing is required. RATs are also required to be used if a student or staff member is a close/household contact of a confirmed case and they are attending or working at a school. In both cases, 5 negative tests over a 7-day period is required.
The ongoing supply of RATs to families in our school will ensure that parents and carers will have them should they need them if their child is a household contact or has symptoms.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
If your child is not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, they can continue to attend school, but you should monitor for symptoms.
It is recommended RATs are used by students and staff when symptomatic. If you display symptoms, then testing is required. RATs are also required to be used if a student or staff member is a close/household contact of a confirmed case and they are attending or working at a school. In both cases, 5 negative tests over a 7-day period is required.
For information on symptoms visit: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/symptoms-and-risks.
For more information on how to get tested visit: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/taking-test-covid-19.
If your child returns a positive result, your child has COVID-19. You must:
- quarantine your child for seven days
- advise the school about the positive result
- Your child must stay home until their symptoms have resolved and they are well
Reporting your child’s positive test
If your child was at school when they were infectious you need to report the positive case through the Student COVID-19 Test Portal or you can notify the school in writing or by phone.
You must also report your child’s positive test to the Department of Health via the COVID-19 Positive Rapid Antigen Test Self-Reporting Form or call centre on 1800 675 398.
Further information for languages other than English
- For school information in languages other than English, call TIS National on 131 450.
- For translated written information about COVID-19, please visit: Translated information about COVID-19 | Coronavirus Victoria.
- Please ask them to call the DET COVID-19 hotline on 1800 338 663 and they will help interpret.
- For health advice in languages other than English, visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/translated-information-about-coronavirus-covid-19
Financial support available to people affected by COVID-19:
For more information, visit:
Financial and other support for COVID-19 | Coronavirus Victoria
General advice and support
For general advice and support please call the Department of Education and Training COVID-19 hotline on 1800 338 663.
You can also contact the school:
Phone: 8872 6300
Email: vermontsc@education.vic.gov.au
Advice and further resources about what to do if you test positive to COVID-19, or you have been told you are a contact, are at: Your COVID Checklist | Coronavirus Victoria, or call the 24/7 Coronavirus hotline on: 1800 675 398
UPCOMING EVENT & KEY DATES
HARRY RUFF'S FAREWELL
Celebrating 27 years of Harry Ruff at VSC.
Fri 15th July 20224pm - 6pm
Come join us in the VSC Music Centre at 4pm sharp for speeches and afternoon tea to celebrate Harry's achievements at Vermont SC.
Please RSVP by Thursday 23rd June
Click here to RSVP: RSVP Harry Ruff's Farewell
VSC MID-YEAR REPORT WRITING DAY – FRIDAY 10 JUNE 2022
Parents/guardians are also reminded that Friday 10th June is a pupil free day. Vermont Secondary College will be using the day as an Assessment and Report Writing
Day and students in Years 7 – 12 are not required at school.
VCE SENIOR SOCIAL - FRIDAY 10 JUNE 2022
The college will again hold its annual VCE Senior Social that commences at 7:00pm and concludes at 11:30pm at L'Unica on Parkville, 476 Brunswick Road Parkville. Parents who are collecting students from the event are requested to arrive well in time for a prompt departure at the conclusion of the evening, mindful of the distance of the venue.
Your consideration and punctuality would be greatly appreciated. Parents must arrange for the collection of students at 11:30pm.
Students who are not picked up by 12 midnight may be sent home in a taxi at their own expense.
Students are strongly advised to have a warm coat to wear to and from the social.
It is to be remembered that many senior students are under the age of 18 and therefore activities such as ‘after parties’ are not endorsed by the college.
The wellbeing and safety of your child is of paramount importance and my recommendation would be that all students return to the family home following the social to a fully supervised adult environment.
Students are reminded that all normal school rules apply to this event.
QUEENS BIRTHDAY MONDAY 13 JUNE 2022
A reminder that the Queen’s birthday long weekend is on Monday 13th of June.
SEMESTER TWO START
Parents/guardians and students are reminded that Year 11 will begin Semester Two on Thursday 9th of June while the rest of the school will move to Semester Two on Tuesday the 14th of June.
2:30PM FINISH - FRIDAY 24 JUNE 2022
A reminder to the school community that on the last day of Term 2, Friday 24th June, we have a 2:30pm finish.
Term 3 begins on Monday the 11th of July, ending Friday 16th of September.
TAX DEDUCTIBLE BUILDING AND LIBRARY FUNDS
As tax time is approaching, parents/guardians are reminded that donations to the Vermont Secondary College’s Library Fund and Building Fund are Tax Deductible and the College welcomes donations of any size. These funds are very much required for the college to maintain our many buildings and provide much needed resources for the classroom and library to benefit our students. Thank you to the families that have chosen to contribute.
Direct deposits to: BSB 313-140; Account No: 12050892, Account Name: Vermont Secondary College.
Please use your child’s student code as the identifier. All money raised is used to enhance facilities for your student/s. Receipts will be forwarded to you for tax purposes.