Principals Flood Updates
NEW - GV CARES
Thank you to GV Cares for supplying 20 boxes to school for families impacted during the floods
GV Cares and the team at Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project have supported so many in our school community during the floods & the pandemic. They packed an amazing number of over 3,000 boxes that have gone out to families in need all over our community during this flood event. They have supplied many of these boxes to members of our school community and dropped off 20 more on Wednesday.
Please reach out if you need further assistance & support.
GV Cares are still in need of monetary donations ~ so if you are in the position here is the link.
Shout For Good ~ GV Cares
GV Cares is a Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project initiative. GV Cares activates in times of crisis to support our community's most vulnerable people. As an established local organisation, we are well-placed to support those most in need during the flood recovery https://shoutforgood.com/embed/lightbox?client_token=bf1b4c83-00aa-4c64-83c0-56d3d3dcc1b0&fbclid=IwAR0rYNLlQcz9PltZHf5vgaAhTvV11LY8nMH0WH5Pq-e99PS_uPzubScDmbE
FINANCIAL SUPPORT:
It can be hard working out what support is available and where to go. The Flood Recovery Hotline can help, 7.30am-7.30pm every day 1800 560 760.
1. Disaster Recovery Payment. $1,000 per adult and $400 per child. Apply through MyGov. http://ow.ly/IBnI50Lb5ro
2. Disaster Recovery Allowance. If you lose income you may get this allowance for up to 13 weeks. http://ow.ly/B8BC50Lb5rq
3. Victorian Emergency Relief Payment. $580 per adult and $290 per child. Complete this form http://ow.ly/a6yA50Lb5rn
4. Re-establishment Assistance. Up to $43,000 for accommodation, repairs and damaged contents. This is means tested and only available to those without insurance. Call the Recovery Hotline 1800 560 760.
EMERGENCY RELIEF:
For current Emergency Relief Centres visit http://ow.ly/CgcM50Lb5rr
NDIS:
1. Assistive Technology: If you don’t have funding for AT repairs in your child’s plan the NDIS contact centre can authorise it over the phone. Call 1800 800 110, 8am to 8pm weekdays.
2. Cancellations: If you have to cancel an NDIS funded service you can use your child’s plan to pay the cancellation fee
3. Plan Reassessment: If your child’s NDIS plan reassessment is coming up, you can ask to reschedule. Call:
-Ovens Murray: Merri Health - 1300 665 437
-Loddon, Goulburn, Mallee: Intereach - 1300 448 226
EMERGENCY CONTACTS:
• If you need immediate assistance for flooding call VICSES on 132 500
• If you are in life threatening situation please call Triple Zero - 000
• Please follow the VicEmergency advice at all times.
• To access VICSES information in other languages, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.
• If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment, contact National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.
Protect Yourself From Mosquito-borne Disease
(a note from Catholic Education Sandhurst)
The floods in Victoria pose an increase in mosquito breeding. Mosquitoes can carry a number of diseases that could make people very ill and, in severe cases, even cause death. It is anticipated that mosquito populations will increase significantly, and the levels will remain elevated through most of the summer. Mosquitoes do not breed in initial flood waters, they breed in warm stagnant water after flood water recedes. Mosquitoes can transmit a range of viruses.
These viruses include RossRiver Fever, Barmah Forest Fever, Murray Valley Encephalitis; and Japanese Encephalitis Virus.
Simple precautions help protect your community against mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry, including:
The most effective and simplest control is to avoid mosquito bites.
• Mosquitoes are most active around dusk and dawn, but can be active at other times, particularly in shady places.
• When mosquitoes are prevalent, seek shelter in an area protected with insect screens if possible.
• As much as possible try to wear long and loose-fitting clothes, avoid dark colours (they are more attractive to mosquitoes).
• Avoid perfumes and colognes (they attract mosquitoes). Use a repellent if in a mosquito prone area - one containing Picaridin or DEET 15-20% is best.
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.