Principal's Message
The last two weeks have flown by and there has been a lot going on at the school during this time. On Thursday 11 May we held the House Performance which is a whole school event. Like the Athletics and Swimming Carnivals, House points are collected for each House.
A huge amount of planning went into this event, mainly by the senior house captains, to try and make it inclusive and enjoyable for all students. We also hired professional sound technicians once again to ensure the best quality sound production for our performers.
Many thanks to Tim Veevers and Eric Ho who organised and ran the event this year along with Tess Molina and Geoff Perks who supported the dance and drama students. The guest adjudicator was Amethyst Parlanti, an ex-MGSC student who went on to study music and is now a regularly performing singer/songwriter.
The Annual Athletics Carnival was held last week, but unfortunately it was brought to a halt mid-way through the day due to inclement weather. It is very difficult to predict the weather conditions when three different weather forecasts give conflicting information. I wish to acknowledge the work of Hannah Barton who is the Sports and Carnivals coordinator.
Carol Duggan, Assistant Principal, is flying out today to South Korea and Japan with the Department of Education International Education Division to introduce our school to prospective international students and their agents. Many families who have been with MGSC for some time will know that we had a thriving International Student Program prior to the pandemic. However, with the closure of the borders during the Covid-19 pandemic, schools were unable to offer new places to International Students so the numbers of International Students in Victoria and in our school has dwindled. This is an exciting time for schools as the world opens up. One of the benefits of having International Students join our schools is the global connections and cultural understanding that is created between our students and homestay families. I wish Carol all the best on the trip. Carol will be travelling with six other schools for approximately 10 days.
There is an increase in the number of staff and students who have contracted colds, viruses and Covid and so I ask that everyone be aware of the need to remain at home if they are unwell and to report any positive cases of Covid-19. I sent out a newsfeed to all the school on Tuesday with some detailed information but also include it below for your ease of access.
Keep well and rugged up as the weather is unpredictable now.
Best wishes
Linda Brown
Principal
Illness in the school community
Recent Newsfeed from the Principal
Increase in the number of Covid-19 cases since the beginning of Term 2
I write to inform you that there has been an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases at the school amongst staff and students since the beginning of this term. Below is advice from the Department of Education provided to school in January this year which may be useful to you all.
Rapid Antigen Testing
It is recommended that rapid antigen tests (RATs) are used by students and staff: If you have symptoms of COVID-19 infection, no matter how mild.
- If you are a household or close contact of someone who has COVID-19
- If you are a social contact of someone who has COVID-19.
The Department of Health recommends that all Victorians should report their positive RAT result to the Department of Health online, or by calling 1800 675 398. Parents are encouraged to call the school on 9581 5200 if a student test positive for Covid and we will ensure it is recorded on Compass accurately.Whilst schools no longer receive deliveries of RAT kits, we still have some available for students. Students can visit the General Office to collect a RAT kit if they require them. Local Council's also provide these kits for free.
Face masks
Current advice from the Victorian government is available at Face masks. Staff and students who wish to wear a face mask are welcome to do so, however, it is not a requirement. The Department of Health recommends that masks should be worn by a person who is a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 when leaving home. Additionally, the Department of Health recommends that masks should be worn by a person who has COVID-19 for at least 7 days after a positive test when they need to leave home.
Infection prevention and control
All staff, students and visitors to schools should practise good hand hygiene, particularly on arrival to school, before and after eating, after blowing their nose, coughing, sneezing or using the toilet.