Executive Director's Update to Principals #10: COVID Update - 1 Mar 2021
Merciful God, hear our prayers for a world that continues to grapple with a relentless virus, and our gratitude for the light beginning to emerge at the end of a long and deadly tunnel.
As vaccines are at last becoming available for COVID-19 and as people begin to be inoculated around the globe, we give thanks for all whose tireless labours have brought us to this day: technicians, scientists, medical personnel, biotech companies and government agencies that have worked together to find a cure that will restore our communities to wholeness and health.
We pray that the reach of new vaccines will encompass the world, especially those places where medical resources have far too often been inadequate to the need
Grant wisdom to all entrusted with civic leadership as they discern and negotiate just ways in which to aid those most afflicted. Move our hearts to put partisanship aside for the common good, so that safeguards against the coronavirus will not be ignored and that our communities may be restored and revitalized.
Let us live in the Spirit of Christ for one another and for our world.
Amen.
Updated School Operations Guide
The Term 1 School Operations Guide has been updated following the easing of COVID restrictions in Victoria on Friday. Highlights are detailed below.
Face Masks
As directed by the Victorian Chief Health Officer, from 11.59 Friday 26 February, face masks are no longer mandatory in all indoor spaces in the broader community. Masks are still required in limited indoor settings, such as public transport, commercial passenger vehicles and some large retail settings.
At schools, this means that face masks are no longer mandatory in all indoor spaces for school staff and secondary school students aged 12 or older.
Requirements for the use of masks are outlined below. Visitors and parents must also observe this guidance.
- Face masks are recommended, but not mandatory, for use by staff, students and visitors when physical distancing of 1.5 metres cannot be maintained.
- People aged 12 years and over must always carry a face mask – unless they have a lawful exemption.
- People aged 12 years and over must wear a face mask when on public transport, school buses and when in taxis or ride share vehicles – unless they have a lawful exemption.
- It is strongly recommended that face masks be worn when singing indoors or outdoors if physical distancing cannot be maintained.
- There are a number of lawful excuses for not wearing a face mask, including for staff and students who are unable to wear a face mask due to the nature of their disability. This includes students or staff who have a medical condition, such as a breathing problem, a serious skin condition on the face, or a mental health condition.
School Open Days
A school open day (or evening) meets the definition of a public event as per the Public Events Framework.
Open day events with fewer than 1000 attendees (inclusive of staff and students), meet the criteria of a Tier 3 event:
- Schools must complete and submit a COVIDSafe Event Checklist via the online registration form to the Victorian Government to register the event.
- Tier 3 events must submit the COVIDSafe Event Checklist at least one week before the start of the event
Open day events with more than 1000 attendees (inclusive of staff and students) should visit the Public Events Framework for further information regarding Tier 2 event requirements. Please note that Tier 2 events must submit a COVIDSafe Event Plan to the Victorian Government 4 to 6 weeks prior to the start of the event for public health approval.
Update on Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) and Work Experience during COVID-19
Advice for all schools on SWL and Work Experience has been updated. Please refer to updated advice on the Department of Education and Training website.
COVIDSafe Provisions for Churches and Chapels
Bishop Paul Bird has issued new COVIDSafe Provisions for Churches and Chapels.
Next COVID-19 Update
We will continue to send out COVID-19 updates on an as needs basis. Please liaise with your Education Consultant with any questions or concerns.
Stay safe and continue to look after each other…
Ever blessings.