Epping Secondary College Newsletter

Principal's Report

I would like to start by once again thanking all members of the Epping community for their outstanding support as we have commenced Term 4 with a blend of onsite and remote learning across the school.  In many ways this has become our “new normal”, however I think I speak for everyone in how delighted we will be to return to full onsite learning later this term.

 

Year 12 Class of 2021

These past two weeks we have welcomed our Year 12 students and staff back onsite and despite hiding under masks we have seen many happy faces around the school.  We must congratulate our Year 12 students on their return onsite, it has been an effortless experience with students quickly returning to the routines that have served them so well over the past 5 years, albeit COVID Safe. 

 

Students have had the opportunity to work with their teachers as they start the valuable process of preparing for VCE exams or completing those essential work tasks of our VCAL programs.  Equally important, our students have had the chance to reconnect face to face with their friends and peers and those invaluable support networks that they have established.  After two weeks of face to face work our Year 12 students will be accessing individual support, study halls and practice exams over the week ahead before heading into their formal VCAA exams or putting those finishing touches on their VCAL work requirements. 

 

On behalf of the entire school and wider school community, I would like to wish our students all the very best for the coming weeks of study, completing outcomes and undertaking exams. We look forward to celebrating the completion of your Year 12 studies with you at our 2021 Valedictory Event on Friday, 19th November. Further information about this event will be provided to students and families shortly.

 

To our Year 12 teachers of 2021, whilst your work is not yet done, you have certainly survived the face to face and remote elements of 2021. Whilst you have survived, you have enabled our students to thrive and remain focused through what has been another disrupted year. Your perseverance, resilience and commitment to our students has ensured that as many students as possible have the opportunity to successfully complete Year 12. We know this is a huge task at the best of times and it has been extra complicated this year. Our students and their parents are thankful for the steps you have taken this year to ensure that students can leave Epping Secondary College with pathway options to an apprenticeship, TAFE, work or university.  Your work makes a difference. We thank you for this. A special thank you is extended to our leaders in the Senior School space who have guided and supported our students this year and for many before it, thank you Antoinette Hooper, Melissa Foresio, Ray Stevens, Michael Rogneda, Jessica Spiteri, Christine Anile and Antoinette Rehak.

 

Year 7-11 staggered Return to School

Term 4 is important for every Victorian student and our teachers will strive to deliver high-quality learning for everyone. Whether we’re teaching remotely or face-to-face, our focus for Term 4 is on making sure that every student is supported in their wellbeing, learning and transition needs.

 

The Victorian Government has outlined the staged return to on-site schooling as part of its gradual roadmap towards reopening.  The purpose of the plan is to get students back in the classroom as soon and as safely as possible without putting at risk all that has been achieved through the period of restrictions to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

 

Our students will have onsite learning over the coming weeks as displayed below:

 

At all other times, Year 7-11 students will continue with remote learning as they have been over the first two weeks of term.

 

Vaccinations

Over the last few weeks, I have provided the community with information about the rollout of vaccinations – firstly for our Senior School cohort and more recently for all students over the age of 12. This information is just that – information. I need to make it clear that the choice to vaccinate remains with the parent or guardian only. As a school, we have no role in making that decision.

 

You, your parent/guardian or carer can book or change a vaccination appointment at a state vaccination centre through the Victorian Government’s COVID-19 vaccine online booking system. To find a state vaccination centre and opening times, visit Book your vaccine appointment.

 

You, your parent/guardian or carer can also book a vaccine appointment at a participating GP, pharmacy or community health service through the Vaccine Clinic Finder. You can book your appointment online or by calling the vaccine provider nearest to you.  

 

For information on what to bring to a vaccine appointment, visit Checklist: before your COVID-19 vaccination.

 

The Victorian Government’s coronavirus website has information about COVID-19 vaccines in 63 community languages at Translated information about COVID-19 vaccines.

 

COVID Safe

As our students and staff return to school over the coming weeks, we will continue to adopt a range of practices that support our school community to remain COVID safe.  We ask for the support of all school community members in adopting these practices that include:

  • Mandatory mask wearing for all students, staff and others onsite.  This is both inside and outside, unless a lawful exemption applies.
  • Utilising hand hygiene stations in all rooms on entry.
  • Keeping windows and doors open in classrooms and office spaces.  Students and staff who feel the cold are encouraged to wear/bring extra layers on cooler days.
  • Conducting classes outside if suitable.
  • Encouraging and supporting physical distancing both in the classroom and in the school yard.

With the high rates of transmission of COVID within our local area we are also:

  • Requesting students and staff to stay at home if unwell
  • Requesting students and staff to notify us if they test positive to COVID, are at a Tier 1 or Tier 2 exposure site and asked to isolate or quarantine, are a close contact and asked to isolate, or are unwell and getting tested.  Please ensure you notify us of your results and when clearances have been given for you to return to school/work.
  • We encourage all community members not to hesitate in seeking a COVID test if they have any concerns or mild symptoms.  For more information please visit: Where to get tested for COVID-19 | Coronavirus Victoria

Thank you for your ongoing support of our school, students and staff and the ongoing efforts you are all taking to keep our school community safe and healthy.

 

Stay safe, stay healthy and we look forward to welcoming our students back onsite over the coming weeks.

 

Brad Moyle

Principal