Covid Vaccination Information

To parents and carers, and students

Thank you for raising your concerns with me.
I am providing you with this information at the request of the Department of Education and Training, which is working closely with the Department of Health.
First and foremost, I'd urge you talk to your GP about any health concerns you may have regarding COVID-19 vaccines/testing.
I am not able to provide you with health advice. The messages we have provided to our school community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic – including regarding vaccines/testing – are the messages authorised by the Department of Education and Training that are in turn based on the very best expert health advice.
I also encourage you to consider the information at coronavirus.vic.gov.au, regarding COVID-19 vaccines/testing.
In line with the Victorian Government’s plan to reopen Victoria, the department and our school is strongly encouraging all eligible students to be vaccinated for their own safety and to support the safety of the community.
Vaccinations for our students are voluntary, however, the more students who are vaccinated, the more protected our community and our school will be.
The Victorian Chief Health Officer has determined that vaccination will be mandatory for staff who work in schools. This includes principals, teachers, administration and education support staff, including casual relief teachers (CRTs) and pre-service teachers.
All staff are required to be fully vaccinated by 29 November 2021 unless a medical exemption applies and will be required to show evidence of their vaccination status.

Thank you again for raising your concerns with me.

COVID-19 vaccines are available

Free and safe COVID-19 vaccines are currently available for everyone aged 12 years and over.

COVID-19 vaccines are free, safe and voluntary. The more people who get vaccinated, the greater the protection for those vaccinated and the whole community.

The best person to talk to if you have concerns about your health and being vaccinated against COVID-19 is your doctor or regular health professional.

Coronavirus (COVID – 19) Victoria (11 October 2021)

Do students at schools need to wear a face mask?

Students aged 12 and over must continue to wear face masks indoors and outdoors, unless a lawful exception applies.

Face masks are required for students in Year 3 to Year 6, only when indoors on school premises, unless an exception applies.

Exceptions for all year levels include:

Students with a physical or mental disability are not required to wear a face mask where their disability means it would not be suitable.

As further details are provided to schools, we will communicate this with you.

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