Principals COVID Updates

COVID ~ GENERAL INFORMATION 

Hopefully this information will answer many questions that you may have. Things may change after you receive this information, so please keep a look out for emails or messages via SchoolStream.   

In line with latest information from the Government of Victoria, we have had some revised operational advice in regards to returning to school for the 2022 year. 

The Victorian Government’s Back-To-School plan includes the following: 

RAPID ANTIGEN TESTING 

Free rapid antigen tests will be made available for all staff and students in Victorian schools for Term 1, 2022. Rapid antigen testing is highly recommended for all primary and secondary school students and staff. 

Staff and students should test twice weekly on school days. Tests will be provided in packs of five individual tests. 

Students and staff will do the tests at home and must report any positive test results to the school.  

If staff or students receive a positive test result at any time, they must report this through the Department of Health system (Rapid antigen tests | Coronavirus Victoria) or via the coronavirus hotline at 1800 675 398.  

Parents must also report a positive result to their school through the VicEd COVID Portal by phone or written notification. 

The incidence of positive cases will be reported to the school community as they arise. Contact tracing is no longer a requirement for schools. 

HOUSEHOLD CONTACTS 

A household contact is someone who has spent more than 4 hours with someone who has COVID19 inside a house, accommodation, or care facility. If a student is identified as a household contact, they must inform the school and isolate for seven days and not attend school during that period. 

If a student is required to isolate, the school will provide learning materials to support their learning, schools are not required to provide a full remote learning program in these circumstances.  

Information about how to do a RAT test, including a how-to video translated into 33 languages, is available online. 

ENTERING BUILDINGS, QR CODES AND VACCINATION STATUS 

All visiting workers and other visitors entering the school will continue to be required to check in via the QR code and provide evidence of their vaccination status through our office.

Visitors (including parents) should not enter the building unless it is deemed essential that they do so. This means that such events as the opening school mass and other community gatherings cannot take place at this time, when these are able to be held in a safe way, we will do so.

MASKS

Masks are required to be worn inside for staff and students from Years 3-6. Students are asked to bring their own mask to school each day. 

COVID SAFE OPERATION 

St Mel’s has a fully developed COVID safe plan with risk mitigation strategies in line with the Government  recommended focuses on Ventilation, Vaccination and Vital COVIDsafe steps. 

Air Purifiers have been placed in classrooms & high density areas.

We would reiterate the same message we have had throughout the COVID19 episode – if your child is unwell or has signs or symptoms, please stay home and get tested before returning to school.  

If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact the school on office@smshepparton.catholic.edu.au or 03 58213163.