Covid Updates
The first full week of school has seen, unsurprisingly, an increase in positive cases in the College.
I send information home via Compass on a daily basis regarding the year levels or classes impacted. If your child's group is included here, watch carefully for symptoms.
We are required to report positive cases to the Department of Education, so if your child tests positive for Covid, please let me know via AskLeadership@sthelena.vic.edu.au
I will send you information regarding isolation requirements, and a link to a brief survey to collect the details I need to forward to the Department. We will also arrange work to be sent home if your child is feeling well enough to do it.
Please also alert us if your child is in isolation as a Household contact, and we will ensure they are also sent work.
Many students in isolation have not had learning materials at home - and there is difficulty accessing them once everyone in the household is in isolation. Please remind your children to take essential learning materials home with them each day, just in case.
The best approach to the virus is prevention. Students need to bring sanitiser for use before and after eating and using the bathroom. All students need to wear masks PROPERLY. Students who continually resist following this directive will incur consequences similar to those for being out of uniform repeatedly. It is important that students recognise that wearing a mask is protecting others, therefore not wearing one is a selfish act. Of course, some students will have a genuine exemption. To apply for an exemption, email AskLeadership@sthelena.vic.edu.au When students are issued with their exemption card, they need to carry it on them at all times at school.
Importantly, students MUST NOT come to school if they are feeling unwell with any covid symptoms. These include (but are not limited to):
*headache
*sore throat
*fever
*dizziness
*nausea
*vomiting
*diarrohea
*aches and pains
*fatigue
*cough
*runny nose
We have received the next batch of Rapid Antigen Tests for distribution for the next fortnight. It is important to do the RAT twice a week; at least 2/3 of our current cases have been confirmed (and in some cases detected) by taking a RAT. The RATs will be handed out during STRIVE on Tuesday so students are recommended to test on Tuesday evening, and Thursday morning or evening.
From the Department of Education
COVID-19 third-dose vaccinations are now available to 16-17 year olds who had their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine three or more months ago.
Supporting as many eligible students as we can to be vaccinated will help make our school as safe as possible.
Getting vaccinated is one of the most important steps we can all take to get direct protection against COVID-19.
How to book an appointment
There are many convenient and accessible options to access vaccinations. These include state-wide vaccination clinics, your local GP or pharmacy.
You can book your appointment in a few different ways, including: * online: coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine * by phone: 1800 675 398 (Coronavirus Hotline) * using the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder - COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder | Australian Government Department of Health
* In person: talk to your local pharmacy, doctor, or attend one of the State Vaccination Centres.https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-information-children-and-teenagers