ST FIDELIS NEWSLETTER

COVID-19

Michael Jennings

Management of school COVID-19 cases

To better support schools to manage COVID-19 cases, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) has been working with the Department of Education and Training (DET) and the Department of Health (DH) to revise and streamline how COVID-19 cases will be managed in schools. 

 

Principals will contact their regional COVID lead as soon as they become aware that a student, parent, contractor or other member of the school community has tested positive for COVID-19 and was on site within 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms consistent with COVID-19. The full revised process can be viewed on the following link: Management of School COVID-19 Cases

Mask Wearing

For all school settings, the Victorian Chief Health Officer:

  • Direct school staff, parents, carers, visitors and secondary school students aged 12 or older must always wear a face mask indoors and outdoors at school, including when attending an Outside School Hours (OHSC) program, unless a lawful exception applies.
  • Directs school staff must wear face masks while teaching wherever practicable, except where removal of a face mask is necessary for effective communication.
  • Directs students in Year 3 to Year 6 to wear facemasks when indoors on school premises, unless an exception applies.
  • Recommends children under 12 years of age and students at primary school wear face masks when at school, attending an OSHC program, or when travelling to and from school on public transport, taxis or rideshare vehicles.

There are a number of lawful reasons for not wearing a face mask, including for staff and students who are unable to wear a face mask due to the nature of their disability, medical or a mental health condition.

 

A face mask must cover the nose and mouth. Face shields, scarves or bandanas do not meet these requirements. Please open the link below to view a letter from our school’s principal, Manuela Watson, regarding face mask requirements within our school setting Principal's Letter: Wearing of face Masks

Ventilation & Air Purifiers

St Fidelis PS will increase fresh air flow into indoor spaces (including shared spaces, staff areas and thoroughfares) whenever possible and maximise the use of outdoor learning areas or environments.

 

Natural ventilation

St Fidelis PS will put in place the following strategies to increase natural airflow:

  • Keep all windows, doors and vents open as much as possible.
  • Keep these openings clear of any obstruction to air flow.
  • Door jambs will be used to keep doors open.
  • Aim to open windows and vents that are higher or towards the ceiling during poor or windy weather.

Mechanical ventilation

  • Use natural and mechanical ventilation together as much as practical and possible.
  • Air conditioners may be used to provide thermal comfort, however, if air conditioners cannot use outside air, then they will be used with other ventilation strategies, as mentioned above.

Using more than one ventilation method creates greater opportunity to create a comfortable learning environment and maximise ventilation.

 

Air Purifiers

As you may be aware, the Victorian Government is delivering air purifier units to most Catholic schools.  Air purifiers are advised to be prioritised for higher risk areas. These areas include where there are high levels of mixing of staff and reduced mask use when eating, higher levels of exertion and increased aerosol projection, and areas of lower ventilation and possible exposure to illness. For example, sick bays, staff rooms, school receptions, gymnasiums and music rooms.

 

St Fidelis PS has been advised that the rollout of air purifiers is now making regular deliveries, although MACS  expects the rollout to take several months to reach all schools.

Vaccination Champion

What is a ‘Vaccination Champion‘? Vaccination Champions have been trained by the Department of Health to enable them to share information, answer questions and discuss concerns around the COVID-19 vaccination program. Michael Jennings is the St Fidelis’ Vaccination Champion. If you would like information regarding the COVID-19 vaccination program you can contact him via email: michaelj@sfmoreland.catholic.edu.au

COVID-19 Safe Plan

St Fidelis’ COVIDSafe Plan has been developed for our school to maintain a COVIDSafe place and prepare for any suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our educational setting. Our COVID-19 Safe Plan complies with public health directions. The St Fidelis COVID-19 Safe Plan can be viewed on the following link: St Fidelis PS COVID-19 Safe Plan