Principals COVID Updates
COVID ~ GENERAL INFORMATION
Hopefully this information will answer many questions that you may have. Things may change after you receive this information, so please keep a look out for emails or messages via SchoolStream.
Covid Safe Update
There are some important changes to COVIDSafe measures for schools that will apply from the start of Term 2.
Face masks
From 11:59 pm Friday 22 April, face masks, while recommended, are not required in any school setting. This means students in grades 3 to 6, staff and visitors in primary schools are no longer required to wear face masks. Any student or staff member who wishes to wear a mask may do so, including those who are medically at-risk.
Rapid antigen test screening requirements
Students who have tested positive for COVID-19, and have completed their 7-day isolation period, now do not need to undertake rapid antigen test (RAT) screening for 12 weeks after their release from isolation. This was previously 8 weeks.
Household contacts
Students who are household contacts of a COVID-19 case are not required to quarantine. They may return to school if they undertake rapid antigen tests (RAT) 5 times during their 7-day period. They are required to notify the school that they are a household contact.
Students aged 8 years and above who are household contacts are required to wear face masks when indoors at school unless they have a valid exemption.
If a student household contact returns a positive RAT result, they must isolate for 7 days.
Vaccination requirements for visitors to schools
Parents, carers, and other adult visitors (not performing work) are no longer required to show evidence of two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
RAT screening program reminder
RATs will continue to be supplied for the first 4 weeks of Term 2 to support the early detection of COVID-19 in our school.
The testing recommendations will remain the same this Term for students and staff with:
- mainstream schools – recommended to test at home twice a week
As we approach winter and flu season, the vaccination of children aged 5 to 11 and booster shots for students 16+ remains the best way to ensure protection for students and staff.
If you have any concerns about getting your child vaccinated, please get in contact with your GP or another health professional who can answer your questions.
Thank you for your ongoing support in keeping our school safe.
COVID SAFE OPERATION
St Mel’s has a fully developed COVID safe plan with risk mitigation strategies in line with the Government recommended focuses on Ventilation, Vaccination and Vital COVIDsafe steps.
Air Purifiers have been placed in classrooms & high density areas.
We would reiterate the same message we have had throughout the COVID19 episode – if your child is unwell or has signs or symptoms, please stay home and get tested before returning to school.
If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact the school on office@smshepparton.catholic.edu.au or 03 58213163.