COVID-19, Staff Wellbeing & OHS

COVID-19 Advice

We are now entering the fourth year of us living with COVID-19. There are still lots of cases within our community. Our school will continue to adhere to the Department of Health’s recommendations to ensure that our school remains a safe environment for our staff and students.

The Department of Health strongly recommends that students and school staff stay home if you're unwell and reduce the spread of the virus. Click Here for the Department of Health's checklist on what to do if you test positive to COVID-19 or if you've been told you are a contact: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checklist-cases

Look after your health and check if you're eligible for treatment
Isolate and tell your contacts (for at least 5 days or until you don't have symptoms)
Report your result (online or call 1800 675 398).
Ending isolation and recovering (if not symptomatic)

We still have some free rapid antigen tests are available at the school for those who need them. Staff who wish to wear a mask should continue to do so.

If staff or students receive a positive test result at any time, they must continue to report this through the Department of Health system (Rapid antigen tests | Coronavirus Victoria) or via the coronavirus hotline at 1800 675 398. Staff must also report a positive result to their school using EduPay, on the day they receive a positive test result.

For current Department of Education policy guidance please visit: https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/covid-19-school-operations/advice

Staff Wellbeing

Following staff feedback at the end of last term, Alex Baynes (Social Worker) has been appointed as the Staff Wellbeing Officer. Alex will be supported by Marg Keatley to provide wellbeing support to staff as required. All members of the leadership are also available and happy to provide staff with assistance when required. Just ask! - We'll make the time!

Employee Assistance Program

Remember than the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available as a free, short-term, and strictly confidential counselling service that helps our employees be at their best. These sessions can be used to develop tailored strategies to help enhance wellbeing – both in and outside of work. The EAP is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for up to four sessions for the Department's employees (and school council employees such as casual relief teachers). Immediate family members of Department employees can also now access EAP. These services are provided by LifeWorks by Morneau Shepell which is an independent organisation experienced in delivering similar services in other workplaces. Staff can call LifeWorks directly on telephone number 1300 361 008 and make an appointment at a preferred time and location. For further information please visit:

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/safetyhw/Pages/employeeservices.aspx

LifeWorks Health and Wellbeing Online Platform

The LifeWorks Health and Wellbeing Online Platform is an online library of informative articles and interactive resources to improve employee health and wellbeing. It is available to all Department employees, immediate family members of department employees, and school council employees including Casual Relief Teachers. This new platform replaces the previously used ‘Livewell’ portal.

The platform has support, guidance, information and strategies to manage issues relating to family, health, life, money, and work. You can access this privately and confidentially from home.

User ID: detvic

Password: detvic