Principal's Report 

COVID UPDATE 

Dear parents, carers, guardians and students, 

I am writing to let you know that Vermont Secondary College currently has an outbreak of COVID with 7 staff having been diagnosed since last Thursday. Student absences, as a result of COVID, are also up. 

All students were given a Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to bring home on Monday of this week and if your child did not receive one, please send them to Mr Stevens (Assistant Principal) who will be able to supply a test kit. 

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. 

If you display symptoms, then please test. If unwell or showing cold/flu symptoms, please stay at home. 

The staff member, student or visitor who is symptomatic should be recommended to undergo testing for COVID-19. Parents of students who are symptomatic will be asked to collect their child from school and to keep them home until they are no longer symptomatic. 

Students who report a positive result are recommended to isolate for a minimum of 5 days and not attend school until their symptoms have resolved. Students who isolate as a result of a positive COVID-19 test should be supported in the same way as students with an extended absence due to illness or injury, with learning materials provided to support their continued learning. 

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.  

The continued use of air purifiers, distancing where feasible, the wearing of face masks and the opening of windows/doors continues to be an important step in ensuring the safety of our schools.  

Staff and students are strongly recommended to ensure they keep up-to-date with all recommended and available COVID-19 vaccinations as vaccinations are the best way to protect individuals, families and school communities from the severe effects of COVID-19 and reduce the spread of the virus. 

Vaccination is no longer mandatory for staff or visitors in any Victorian school. 

Thank you for your ongoing support for and implementation of these COVIDSafe measures. 

VCE SENIOR SOCIAL - FRIDAY 16 JUNE 2023  

The college will again hold its annual VCE Senior Social that commences at 6.30pm and concludes at 11:30pm at Cathies Lane Receptions, 90 Cathies Lane, Wantirna South. Parents who are collecting students from the event are requested to arrive well in time for a prompt departure at the conclusion of the evening. 

Your consideration and punctuality would be greatly appreciated given the closeness of the venue. Parents must arrange for the collection of students between 11:30 and 11:45pm.  

Students who are not picked up by 12 midnight may be sent home in a taxi/Uber at their own expense. 

Students are strongly advised to have a warm coat to wear to and from the social. 

It is to be remembered that many senior students are under the age of 18 and therefore activities such as ‘after parties’ are not endorsed by the college.  

The wellbeing and safety of your child is of paramount importance and my recommendation would be that all students return to the family home following the social to a fully supervised adult environment.  

Students are reminded that all normal school rules apply to this event.  

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS  

A huge congratulations goes out to Andrea Foong in Year 9 for her fantastic achievements Synchronised swimming (Artistic Swimming) over the last three years. 

Yr 2020 - State Championship 

Silver medal for Age 12 & under Team routine 

Bronze medal for Age 12 & under Duet 

Yr 2021 - State Championship 

Gold medal for Age 13 & 15 Team routine 

Yr 2022 - State Championship 

Gold medal for Mixed Duet routine 

Silver medal for Age 13 & 15 Team routine 

Yr 2023 - States Championship 

Gold medal for Junior Team routine 

Silver medal for Youth Combo Team routine 

Bronze for Duet routine 

Yr 2022 - National Championship 

Gold medal for Mixed Duet routine 

Yr 2023 - National Championship 

Bronze medal for Youth Combo Team routine 

4th place in Junior Team routine 

Yr2022 International Championship (with Commonwealth participating countries) 

Silver for Mixed Duet routine 

With future State Championships and the National Championships in 2024 in Queensland, Andrea has a lot to look forward to and we wish her all the best in these, and other, upcoming events. Well done! 

Also, congratulations to Blake Mitchell in Year 12 who last week represented Vermont Secondary College, playing in the School Sport Victoria baseball team at the School Sport Australia Baseball Championships in Lismore NSW. A fantastic achievement to be selected. 

For more details on Blake’s success at the event go to the Sports page in this newsletter. 

TAX DEDUCTIBLE BUILDING AND LIBRARY FUNDS 

As tax time is approaching, parents/guardians are reminded that donations to Vermont Secondary College’s Library Fund and Building Fund are Tax Deductible and the College welcomes donations of any size. While we have received government funding for the new Senior Science/Maths complex this will go towards the building itself. The college will need to provide the funding for furniture and science resources required within the complex. 

Direct deposits to: BSB 033-135; Account No: 56-6475, Account Name: Vermont Secondary College. Please use your child’s student code as the identifier. All money raised is used toenhance facilities for your student/s. Receipts willbe forwarded to you for tax purposes.