Executive Director’s Update to Principals #66: COVID Update - 2 Sep 2021
God whose breath hovered over creation,
God whose breath brought wet clay to life:
Be in each grounding breath that we take, The rise of our belly,
The fall of our chest. Be in the kind word we extend,
the offer of help, the note of concern.
Be in the prayer that we whisper, and the laugh that we share,
so that even in a time of chaos, we might breathe into life a new creation.
Amen.
~ Corrymeela Community
COVID Update
Today’s Victorian Press Conference
Today’s Victorian press conference included addresses from Dr Neil Coventry, Victoria's Chief Psychiatrist, and Dr Ric Haslam, Royal Children’s Hospital Mental Health Services Director. Dr Coventry and Dr Haslam both spoke in detail about the wellbeing of young people and provided insights into supporting them through the pandemic, particularly given the surge of COVID cases in this age group. Their presentations can be viewed here and a full transcript of Dr Coventry’s presentation is available here.
Return to On-Site Learning
In yesterday’s Victorian press conference, Premier Daniel Andrews stated that there would be no return to on-site learning in Term 3, and that a plan for Term 4 would be announced in the coming days. He also announced that lockdown may be lifted for regional Victoria next week (with some restrictions still in place). Later in the conference during question time, he eluded that an easing of restrictions in regional Victoria may impact the timing of the return to on-site learning for regional schools.
We will continue to monitor government advice and communicate this to schools as it is forthcoming, as we navigate this complex and rapidly changing landscape.
Authorised Worker Permits
As published in Executive Director’s COVID Update #64 (Tuesday 31 August), principals may confirm the details provided on an Authorised Worker Permit form if there is a case of genuine concern, and in the interests of ensuring that the school continues to maintain appropriate student numbers in order to remain COVIDSafe.
Should there be a geniune concern about a parent’s Authorised Worker Permit, principals are encouraged to:
- Have a conversation with the parent about the concerns
- Communicate the on-site supervision categories to the parent – refer to COVID Update #56 (Saturday 21 August)
- Explain that to comply with public health orders, the school must ensure that it continues to maintain appropriate student numbers in order to remain COVIDSafe
- Carefully consider maintaining the relationship with the family and understanding their individual circumstances
Victoria-NSW Border Bubble Reduced
As of 11:59pm on Thursday 2 September, the Victoria-NSW border bubble has been reduced. Six Victorian local government areas are no longer included as cross border communities, including Yarriambiack Shire and Buloke Shire, in which some of our schools are located.
Residents in these LGAs will no longer be eligible for a Cross-Border Extreme Risk Zone permit to enter Victoria or return from NSW.
Visit the Coronavirus Victoria website for further information on the Victoria-NSW border bubble.
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.