Covid update

We continue to have daily reports of Covid at EVPS. Please ensure you check Compass each day to determine if your children have been in a class where there has been a confirmed case.

Masks

You will be aware that the Department of Health are strongly recommending the wearing of face masks. Please see below the letter from David Howes- Deputy Secretary, Victorian Department of Education and Training

Dear parents and carers

We are writing to you as parents/carers of a child or children in government, Catholic and independent schools across Victoria.

The Victorian Department of Health strongly recommends that face masks are worn in indoor settings.

As a result, we are asking all students aged 8 and over and all staff in all schools across Victoria to wear masks when in class (except where removing a mask is necessary for clear communication) from now to the end of winter.

Students won’t be required or expected to wear masks when outdoors, and this expectation won’t stop student participation in the full range of school activities, including music, sport and performances.

We are asking for your support in explaining to your child or children the importance of this simple step that will help keep our schools as safe as possible.

We also ask that you make sure your child (or children) takes a mask to school (and wears it if they are travelling on public transport) or collects a mask when they arrive at school.

We all appreciate how important it is for students to be back at school. This action will help make sure as many students and staff as possible are protected from COVID and other winter illness.

Thank for your help with this collective effort to keep our communities safe and healthy.

Dr David Howes

Deputy Secretary

Victorian Department of Education and Training

Rapid Antigen Tests

Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) will continue to be available in our school in Terms 3 and 4.

RATs continue to be required by students who are household contacts to attend school (5 negative tests over a 7 day period) or who have symptoms.

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.

Families must continue to notify the Department of Health (COVID-19 Positive Rapid Antigen Test Self-Reporting Form or call centre on 1800 675 398) and the school if their child returns a positive RAT result. Additionally, you should inform us if any of your children are household contacts.

Thank you also to all families who have had their child vaccinated.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has updated its recommendations around fourth doses of COVID-19 vaccination. From Monday 11 July 2022, people over 30 years will be eligible for a fourth dose. ATAGI recommends that people aged 50 to 64 years should have their fourth dose, while those aged 30 to 49 years may choose to have a fourth dose. For further information see the ATAGI website.

Getting vaccinated is easy and bookings can be done via the coronavirus website. If you have any questions about the vaccines, I encourage you to speak to your GP or a health practitioner.

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