VSC Updates and Information

Keep the date – VSCCA ‘Comedy for a Cause’ – Sat 13 November

Please mark this date in your calendar and keep it free for our major fundraiser for the year. More details early next term.

Holidays!

The holiday break provides a good chance for students to have a rest, celebrate the progress made and their learning growth, and reflect on assessment feedback. ‘Recharging batteries’ through exercise, pursuing a hobby, enjoying fun activities with families and friends, and just resting and relaxing (with a good book!) are all critical to good physical and mental health. 

In te second week of the break, students could consider some preparation for next term: research shows that there is a dip in learning and knowledge retention with every break from school. Senior Students, especially those undertaking Unit 3 & 4 studies, should use some time in the break to organise and review notes etc. in preparation for Week 1 next term, commencing Monday 12th July.

Mental health support for students during school holidays

Mental health support, resources and advice are available for students and families to access over the holidays.

The Department has developed two fact sheets for students and families to support the mental health and wellbeing of students over the school holidays.

The fact sheets highlight resources and guidance which:

• support positive mental health and wellbeing of students
• help students and families identify the signs that students may need mental health support
• help students and families access support.

We have attached these two fact sheets for you.

The facts sheets are also available in 19 different languages, to support all families and students to access support. Please contact the college on xxx to request one.

Additional support

Over the holidays, students can also access a range of support. This includes headspace counselling for secondary students, available through face-to-face or telephone sessions. 

VSC COVIDSafe plan update

As with every step out of lockdown, it was very pleasing to hear the Victorian Government has announced further easing of restrictions under COVIDSafe Settings, effective from 11.59pm Thursday 24 June 2021.

Importantly, over the school holiday period, schools should note there has been no change to the face mask advice, which will continue to apply to all school settings, including any Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) holiday programs.

• School staff and secondary school students aged 12 or older must carry a face mask at all times and wear a face mask indoors when at school, including when attending an OSHC program, unless a lawful exception applies. Face masks are recommended to be worn outdoors where physical distancing of 1.5m cannot be maintained.
• Children under 12 years of age and students at primary school are not required to wear face masks when at school, or when attending an OSHC program.
• Face masks are mandatory for all school staff and school students aged 12 or older on public transport and when in taxis or ride share vehicles. This includes travelling to and from school on public transport or in a vehicle with others not from your household.
• For the purpose of communication, teachers and education support staff are not required to wear face masks while teaching, but those who wish to do so, can.
• Visitors and parents must also observe face mask requirements.

A reminder that visitors can enter school grounds, however they must adhere to density limits and check in using the QR codes.