Executive Director’s Update to Principals #65: COVID Update - 1 Sep 2021
Prayer to begin The Season of Creation
“the earth our home...” (21)
Creator God,
Creative Word,
Creating Spirit, instil in us the humility of creatures and the wisdom of co-creators.
May we act and speak and breathe as if within your dance of divine love.
You may like to use this as a mantra in your own prayer or reflect upon it. Acknowledgement to Kerry Stone at The Sandhurst Caritas/Justice Office.
COVID Update
Announcements from today’s Victorian Premier’s Press Conference
In his press conference this afternoon, Premier Daniel Andrews has made several significant announcements. Details can be found in the Premier’s press release, the Premier’s press conference video recording and the updated Table of Restrictions.
Below is a summary of announcements impacting school communities:
- There will be no face-to-face learning for the remainder of Term 3. A detailed plan for Term 4 will be provided next week.
- Year 12 vaccinations:
- A priority vaccination program will be in place from Tuesday 7 - Friday 17 September to allow all Year 12 students to receive one vaccination dose as soon as possible.
- Year 12 students, teachers and examiners will be given priority booking access at state-run clinics, with bookings opening next Monday 6 September. Note that appointments will be required as walk-ups will not be available.
- Vaccinations will take place by localised arrangements in state-run vaccination hubs, pharmacies etc. Additional vaccination supplies will be arriving soon.
- The Department of Health and Catholic Education Ballarat will provide details about the program directly to schools. Schools will be required to communicate the details on to families.
- Note - CEB is awaiting further information from CECV on this and will circulate it to schools when it becomes available.
- The Year 12 General Achievement Test (GAT) will take place on Tuesday 5 October.
- Outdoor playgrounds will reopen at 11.59pm tomorrow, Thursday 2 September, for children under 12 years with one parent/carer. The parent/carer cannot take their mask off to eat or drink while supervising their children playing. QR code check in is required.
- In-home care, like babysitters, will be expanded to school aged children at 11.59pm tomorrow, Thursday 2 September, but only if both parents are authorised workers.
- Lockdown in regional Victoria (except for the Shepparton area) may be eased next week, subject to public health advice. If this eventuates, substantial restrictions will remain in place, including only authorised travel between Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Next COVID Update
We will continue to monitor the situation and advise principals of any updates. Please liaise with the COVID Support team (see left hand column) or your Education Consultant with any questions or concerns.
Stay safe and continue to look after each other…
Every blessing.
Andrew Watson
Deputy Director of Catholic Education (Interim)