COVID Update

With the recent increase in covid numbers, we have had to put in place certain measures for the start of the school year to try and keep our students, staff and families healthy and at school.

The changes in health advice since last December mean that some of these are very different to how we have operated during 2020 and 2021, in particuar the rules that apply if a covid-positive student or staff member attends the school while infectious.

We have installed air purifiers into each learning space. Windows and doors are wide open for maximum ventilation. Face masks are supplied to all classes and hand santiser is readily available. 

We thank families for supporting us with our socially distanced drop-offs and pick-ups and look forward to a time soon when we can come together again!

Rapid antigen test packs have now all been collected from school or sent home in school bags earlier this week. We request and appreciate you supporting your child to complete these tests twice each week at home to help detect any cases in the school community and reduce further spread by isolating. A second pack of five tests will be sent home towards the end of next week.

A part of the new guidelines that we are operating under is that Principals must notify the school community through an email when a student or staff member has returned a positive COVID-19 test result and had attended the school. This afternoon we sent our first of such notifications, letting you know that a child in 1/2M returned a positive test this morning.

If your child is not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, they can continue to attend school (even if they are in the same year level or class), but you should monitor for symptoms.

Students who show symptoms of COVID-19 cannot attend school and should get tested immediately and isolate until they receive a negative result.

Students should continue with twice-a-week rapid antigen testing on school days.

Class teachers will get in touch with any families whoo need to isolate and will provide details of our isolation learning program for studnets to complete at home.

If your child returns a positive result, your child has COVID-19.

• You must quarantine your child for seven days
• You must advise the school about the positive result
• Your child must stay home until their symptoms have resolved and they are well
• Everyone in your household is a close contact and must isolate for 7 days.

Reporting your child’s positive test

If your child was at school when they were infectious you need to report the positive case through the Student COVID-19 Test Portal or you can notify the school in writing or by phone.

You must also report your child’s positive test to the Department of Health via the COVID-19 Positive Rapid Antigen Test Self-Reporting Form or call centre on 1800 675 398.

Advice and further resources about what to do if you test positive to COVID-19, or you have been told you are a contact, are at: Your COVID Checklist | Coronavirus Victoria, or call the 24/7 Coronavirus hotline on: 1800 675 398

Please contact the school if you have any questions.

Vaccinations for 5-11 year olds

It’s been really fantastic to see such excitement around the return to school and we want to keep it that way. A crucial part of that is getting as many students vaccinated as possible.

Alongside ventilation and other vital COVIDSafe steps such as regular rapid antigen testing, supporting as many students as possible to be vaccinated will help make our school as safe as possible.

Bookings for children aged 5 to 11 to receive the paediatric Pfizer vaccine are open and we encourage parents and carers to get your child vaccinated, if you haven’t already done so. The Pfizer vaccine is safe and recommended for children. The vaccine will help protect your child from getting sick from COVID-19, help to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and help ensure kids can have more time at school and playing with their friends.

Vaccinations for children aged 5-11 years old are delivered at 2 appointments, 8 weeks apart. Children with specific medical vulnerabilities can access their second dose 3 weeks after their first dose.

If you’d like more information about this, you can read a recent statement from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI): https://www.health.gov.au/news/atagi-update-following-weekly-covid-19-meeting-19-january-2022 

To book an appointment You can book at your local GP or pharmacy: https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking 

You can also book at a family-friendly vaccination centre by calling the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.

You can also make vaccination centre bookings for your children online, though you will need to use an email address that has not been used in the system before: https://portal.cvms.vic.gov.au/

Helping children to get their vaccination

Vaccination centres understand that children may feel anxious about vaccination or have other support needs. A range of options are available to help children get vaccinated. Please discuss your child’s needs with the vaccination centre when you book an appointment.

Appointments are also available at Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisations. 👉 Find out more about vaccination for kids: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-