Jackson School Staff Bulletin

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 

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

We still have some 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 

 

Book in for Your Booster & Winter Flu Shots

 

The 2023 COVID-19 booster dose is available for everyone aged 18 and above.

Getting your booster dose remains the best way to prevent severe illness or hospitalisation, especially in people over 65 and those at higher risk of severe illness. The new bivalent vaccines are preferred for booster doses.

 

You can have your booster dose 6 months after your last dose or COVID infection. Children aged between 5 and 17 years who are at risk of severe illness can also receive a 2023 booster dose.

 

Get your next dose at your local pharmacy or GP. Find one near you using the Vaccine Clinic Finder

 

Jackson School will purchase vouchers for Chemist Warehouse for staff to received a free Influenza vaccine in preparation for this winter. If you are interested in receiving a free flu shot please let Matt know. 

Staff Wellbeing & Greater Space

 

Following staff feedback at the end of last year, 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! We will also continue to have Week 5 as our Staff Wellbeing Week for the term where staff can finish early on the Wednesday of this week.

 

In Term 1 we invested in Greater Space to provide additional mental health and wellbeing support for staff. 

 

Greater Space is an innovative mental & professional health care solution specifically designed for educators. Educators meet with their preferred practitioner and discuss whatever they need to in order to be at their best for their students, colleagues or clients. Their mental health practitioners have worked in the classroom, and are also mental health practitioners - so we can help with a broad range of issues either related to your work, or beyond. They offer:

  • 1:1 Virtual Counselling
  • Clinical Supervision
  • Critical Incident Preparatino & Debriefing
  • Professional Development & Group Consulting

So far up to 10 Jackson staff have used Greater Space. This is a free service paid for by Jackson School to support your mental health and wellbeing. It is completely anoymous and confidential. We only get a invoice for the number of sessions used. 

 

To book in click on the link below or using the tile on the portal. Select your preferred specialist and time. Include JACKSON in the redeem coupon section so you don't have to pay. 

 

Book Now with Greater Space

Employee Assistance Program

 

In Term 2 we will have a short information briefing for staff on the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 

 

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