COVID-19 requests for 

long weekend

While we look forward to the long weekend, we are mindful that many families will be in shared accommodation with extended family members or friendship groups in the coming days.

The prevalence of COVID-19 cases in our own school community and the broader community gives pause for thought concerning the return to school next Tuesday.

We ask that all staff members and students receive a negative RAT result on Tuesday morning before returning to school.

Additionally, if any student or staff member has any COVID-19 symptoms, they should remain at home, even if they have received a negative RAT result. There have been many incidences reported to the school of students who have had a negative RAT result whilst experiencing mild symptoms, only for the RAT to register a positive result in the 48 hours after symptoms presented. 

To keep our community safe, we are asking, please, for heightened vigilance with testing and monitoring for symptoms.

Additionally, we remind you that children over 16 years of age are eligible for the third dose of vaccine and this remains the most effective way to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Please be aware that students in the Senior School must wear a mask when attending an assembly or House assembly. Depending on health advice and the number of positive COVID-19 cases in our community next week, consideration will be given to requiring masks to be worn in the Senior School in the coming weeks. While masks are not currently mandatory in the Senior School, we do encourage students and staff to wear face masks while at school, in line with the current Government general health advice. 

It is essential that positive COVID-19 cases in staff or students are reported via the icon on the Astra homepage, in addition to the usual requirements for recording school absences:  https://astra.girton.vic.edu.au/survey/intro/3254

Thank you for supporting a COVID-safe Girton school community.