Executive Director’s Update to Principals #118: COVID Update - 11 Nov 2021

God of hopeful signs and careful plans: as our initial panic subsides
and the itch to get back to normal replaces a fear of spiking fevers,
keep us wary and alert.
May we carry a parcel of humility to remind us we are human.
We are still not immune to the dangers of overconfidence and impatience.
We are just as susceptible now to
the invisible sway of hubris,
and the make-believe of thinking that we’ve done all we can do. May your enduring presence provide the stamina we lack so our confidence can increase with grounded joy.
Amen.

~ The Corrymeela Community

COVID Update

COVID vaccinations for students aged 12+

The Victorian Government is encouraging everyone aged 12 and above to get vaccinated as soon as possible, with the aim of providing an opportunity for all children aged 12 years and older to receive at least one vaccine dose by the end of the school year.

Vaccination is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect school communities from further outbreaks and the spread of COVID-19

To help schools understand and share important information about COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and safety, the Department of Education and Training has put together this communications toolkit. The kit provides a range of materials for students aged 12 and above, as well as final year students, and includes social media content, a poster, web banners, newsletter copy and FAQs and other informational resources to help students and parents make informed decisions about their vaccination. It also provides links to various Commonwealth and State Government information resources about the vaccination program. 

Vaccinations for students with a disability 

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 protects the health of students, staff and the broader community. COVID-19 vaccination is strongly encouraged for everyone aged 12 and over. Some students with disabilities may have additional challenges in accessing COVID-19 vaccinations.

The Victorian Government has announced additional supports for people with disabilities to access COVID-19 vaccinations, including students.

• nine new vaccination centres with enhanced accessibility.
• information for young people with disabilities is available at Vaccine information for people with a disability or special requirements.

Full details of all vaccination centres, including drive-through and pop-up vaccination centres, can be found at Vaccination centres. Students and families can also receive a vaccine at a Victorian Government vaccination centre, or through a GP clinic, pharmacy or community health service.

Please share this information with students with disabilities and their parents and carers to ensure they understand the supports available to help their child get vaccinated using the template letter (Word document).

Many Victorian families have received support from Disability Liaison Officers (DLO). DLOs can help support people with disability to access vaccinations.  

The Department of Health’s Disability Liaison Officers (DLOs) can help you or your child to:

• book a COVID-19 vaccination
• get a vaccination if you’re not able to attend a vaccination centre

You can contact a DLO by:

• phoning Department of Health on 1800 675 398
• completing an online  Request for Disability Liaison Officer support
• emailing DLOcoordinator@dhhs.vic.gov.au

You can access translated information about the COVID-19 vaccine. Please encourage students and their families/carers to discuss any concerns with their GP.

Change of COVID Response Co-ordinator

Commencing this Friday, I will be on leave for a week and then the following week working with Catholic Education Diocese of Wagga Wagga with transition and handover meetings. During this period of time Ange Jones, Assistant Director: People and Development, will be the COVID Response Co-ordinator. Her contact details will be adjusted on the updates. To then ensure consistency in terms of our response Ange will continue in the position in to 2022. When I return from leave, I will assist Ange until the end of the year.

I take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your outstanding leadership of your school communities during the COVID pandemic. I wish you all the very best for hopefully a more normal 2022.

Next COVID Update