Executive Director’s Update to Principals #87: COVID Update - 28 Sep 2021

Loving God, author of all gifts;

We praise and thank you for all the gifts you have entrusted to us.

Pour out your Spirit upon us so that, true to our baptismal promises, we may form faith communities that recognise and promote the gifts in all people so that we may all share in the mission of Jesus.

Inspire us to be a Church that is welcoming and accepting, and which sees everyone as an expression of Christ.

May our faith communities nurture and commission all members to live our particular gifts as a reflection and imitation of Jesus' life.

Give us the courage to be the light of welcome in the darkness of exclusion, a voice of gentleness in the wilderness of the unheard and an outstretched hand of love to those longing for community.

Amen.

COVID Update

Mandatory COVID - 19 Vaccinations

The following information is an update in relation to mandatory COVID – 19 vaccines.

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, The Hon. James Merlino, made a significant number of announcements on 22 September 2021 in relation to ventilation, vaccination and vital COVIDSafe steps for all Victorian schools. 

The Victorian Chief Health Officer (CHO) will require all teachers and school staff to have:

• their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by 18 October 2021 or a booking within one week of that date
• full vaccination required by 29 November 2021, unless a medical exemption applies.
• This includes principals, teacehers, administration and education support staff, including casual relief teacher (CRTs) and pre-service teachers.

The CHO is yet to issue the formal Mandatory Vaccination Direction for the education sector as has occurred for residential aged care facilities and construction sites. This will provide further information about who must be vaccinated, details of any exemptions, information that is required to be sited, record keeping and other obligations.

The public health order mandating vaccination does not extend to parents/caregivers (except for school volunteers) or students.

The details relating to how this will be managed are yet to be finalised and can only occur when the CHO issues Directions for the education sector.

We are engaged in a number of meetings with CECV, the other Victorian dioceses and CRVM to ensure a consistent approach. Including, the process for record keeping, and refusal by staff to be vaccinated or to share their vaccination status.  We will continue to keep you appraised of the situation.

To assist in providing further information and provide an opportunity to address any questions or concerns a meeting (via ZOOM) will be scheduled for 11.00am for an hour on Monday 4^th October. For those who cannot attend, the meeting will be recorded.

Addressing Concerns and Questions

We are aware that you are no doubt receiving questions and concerns from members of your school community. Provided below are some speaking points for your consideration in addressing these concerns:

To parents and carers, and students

• Thank you for raising your concerns with me.
• I am providing you with this information at the request of Catholic Education Commission of Victoria which is working closely with Department of Education and Training and the Department of Health.
• First and foremost, I’d urge you talk to your GP about any health concerns you may have regarding COVID-19 vaccines/testing.
• I am not able to provide you with health advice. The messages we have provided to our school community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic – including regarding vaccines/testing – are the messages authorised by DOBCEL and the Department of Education and Training that are in turn based on the very best expert health advice.
• I also encourage you to consider the information at coronavirus.vic.gov.au, regarding COVID-19 vaccines/testing.
• In line with the Victorian Government’s plan to reopen Victoria, the department and our school is strongly encouraging all eligible students to be vaccinated for their own safety and to support the safety of the community.
• Vaccinations for our students are voluntary, however, the more students who are vaccinated, the more protected our community and our school will be.
• The Victorian Chief Health Officer has determined that vaccination will be mandatory for staff who work in schools. This includes principals, teachers, administration and education support staff, including casual relief teachers (CRTs) and pre-service teachers.
• All staff are required to be fully vaccinated by 29 November 2021 unless a medical exemption applies and will be required to show evidence of their vaccination status.
• Thank you again for raising your concerns with me.

Next COVID Update