There are a number of changes to the COVID restrictions in place in Primary Schools from the start of this new term. Our school community has done an outstanding job of working together to help keep everyone safe.
While there are still a significant number of COVID cases across Victoria, we would ask that everyone remains mindful of the need to maintain social distancing and stay home if experiencing symptoms. However, there is plenty of good news in the easing of many restrictions.
• Face masks are no longer required to be worn. There is one exception stated below. Masks can be worn by anyone who wishes to do so.
• Household contacts are no longer required to isolate for seven days. However, anyone who is a confirmed household contact who does attend school must wear a face mask and must compete five Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) within seven days. This applies to adults and all children over the age of 8.
• Visitors, including parents, no longer have to show proof of vaccination and do not need to register their attendance on site.
RATs still need to be completed by all students twice each week for the first four weeks. Test kits were sent home at the end of last term for this week and next week. Students who were away and missed collecting their RATs on the last week of term can come to the office to collect them. Further kits will be provided for weeks three and four in due course. We are waiting for further government advice about the continuation of this screening program beyond week four.
School staff and anyone working in school still have to meet mandatory vaccination requirements. We will continue to use the air purifiers provided by the Education Department to help minimise the transmission risks in classrooms and other school buildings.
School Assemblies will restart for students from next Friday afternoon, May 6th. We are hoping to welcome parents back to assembly from week 5, Friday May 27th, subject to further Education Department advice.