From the Executive Deputy Principal

Looking After Ourselves and Our Community This Winter

Each year, Terms 2 and 3 mark a noticeable increase in absenteeism across schools due to winter-related illnesses. In 2025, this trend continues in Victoria, with a surge in respiratory viruses – including the common cold, influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 – significantly impacting school communities, workplaces, and early childhood services.

This winter, health authorities are reporting higher-than-average presentations at General Practitioners and hospitals for viral infections. These outbreaks place additional pressure on already busy school environments. While the instinct to “push through” remains strong in our culture – the old adage of “soldiering on” still lingers – it is more important than ever to shift that mindset. When unwell, staying home protects not only your own health but also reduces the spread of illness to classmates, colleagues, and vulnerable members of our communities.

In schools, the risk of transmission is particularly high due to shared spaces, frequent movement between classrooms and communal spaces, and close contact among students and staff. However, for many students and teachers, the decision to stay home is not always simple. Attendance expectations, assessment pressures, and a strong sense of commitment can sometimes make people feel obligated to come in despite feeling unwell.

So, when should we stay home?

If you have a fever, a persistent cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, or are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting or diarrhoea, these are signs to rest and recover at home. These symptoms are not only unpleasant but are also highly transmissible in the early stages of illness – usually within the first 48 to 72 hours. Attending school or work while symptomatic increases the risk of spreading infections to others, including those who may be more vulnerable to serious illness.

If you are unsure about whether to attend school or work, consult a General Practitioner or healthcare professional. Telehealth remains a convenient option. In some cases, a medical certificate may help confirm the need for absence. This can be helpful both for staff and for students navigating attendance requirements.

COVID-19 remains an ongoing concern. If you develop cold or flu-like symptoms, it is still recommended to test for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen test before returning to public settings. A positive result requires you to isolate, rest, and follow the latest health advice.

The College continues to be committed to the wellbeing of all staff and students. If your child is absent due to illness, please let the College know as early as possible. Support is always available, both during the time away and upon their return – whether that be catching up on missed learning, managing workloads, or accessing additional care and support.

Looking after ourselves is not just a personal matter, it is a community responsibility. Make hydration, rest, and good nutrition a priority, and remember the simple comforts like chicken soup and warm lemon/ginger/honey drinks, as they really do help. If symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to seek medical assistance.

As we approach the term break, it is important to treat the holiday period not just as time off, but as a genuine opportunity to rest, recharge and support our physical and mental wellbeing. For students, this means temporarily stepping away from academic pressures and prioritising sleep, fresh air, gentle activity, and recovery, especially if illness has lingered during the term.

For staff, the break is a vital time to pause, reset, and replenish energy reserves. Taking the time to truly rest can reduce the risk of longer-term burnout and help everyone return to Term 3 with renewed focus, resilience, and health. A well-rested community is a stronger, healthier one, and one that benefits us all.

Take care, rest well, and know that our school community supports you.

Miss P Di Maria

Executive Deputy Principal