Executive Director’s Update to Principals #24: COVID Update - 16 September 2022
God of believers, God of deniers, God of those who don’t know: faith assumes uncertainty.
The truth is hardly ever simple; the path ahead rarely clear.
We turn to you in part because we know not where to go.
Yet faith assumes assurance.
Faith remains, with hope and love, when all else fades away.
As we step forth with you today,
grant us faith to trust ourselves,
and let us believe in the good you provide
that is well beyond our knowing.
Amen.
Updated School Operations Guide
The School Operations Guide has been updated to reflect the reduction in the required period of isolation following a confirmed case of COVID-19 from seven to five days.
With the end of winter, face mask guidance has also changed. Face masks are now recommended in indoor settings, or outside where physical distancing is not possible.
As additional risk mitigation, it is strongly recommended by the Department of Health that anyone leaving isolation on day six or seven, wears a face mask indoors away from home, and outdoors where they cannot physically distance.
Changes to the Operations Guide are highlighted in yellow.
Rapid Antigen Test Deliveries in Term 4
The Victorian Government will provide up to 3 deliveries of RATs to schools in Term 4, 2022.
Schools that have sufficient stock of RATs can opt-out of receiving deliveries in Term 4. To opt-out of receiving the 3 deliveries of RATs in Term 4, you must complete the RAT opt-out request by 16 September 2022, if you’ve not already done so.
Schools that do not complete the opt-out request will continue to receive RAT deliveries in Term 4. These deliveries will be made fortnightly starting the first week of term.
Please continue to distribute RATs for use by staff and students who are symptomatic or who are household contacts.
All RAT stock needs to be utilised by the end of Term 4, 2022 or sent home with students. This is because RATs need to be stored under 30 degrees, and stock left in unairconditioned buildings over the summer holidays may not be viable for Term 1, 2023.
If you need to stop RAT deliveries during Term 4 or to request additional stock, contact the Department of Education and Training’s Schools Procurement Branch.
Services Australia support for Year 12 Students
Services Australia has shared information for Year 12 Students on the support they offer once they have finished school. Please share the text below with your Year 12 Students.
Students can get support from Services Australia after secondary school. Youth Allowance for students and apprentices and ABSTUDY are the main payments students may get. There are other payments for students who need to move away from a regional or remote area. Find out more about financial support at servicesaustralia.gov.au/leavingschool.
Students can get free financial information to help them become financially independent. Get tips from a money expert on insurance, pay day lending, debt and more. The Money options for students webinar is on Tuesday 27 September. Book your spot or watch the recording now!
Schools can help school leavers prepare for 2023 with the updated School Leavers resource eKit. It contains many different resources that explain Centrelink payments and how to get started with myGov. Download the eKit at servicesaustralia.gov.au/schoolleaversekit.
Next COVID Update
We would like to acknowledge the outstanding effort you have made as leaders within your schools to ensure that our schools have remained open for face-to-face learning and teaching. Many thanks for all you are doing to keep our schools safe.
We will continue to monitor the situation and advise Principals of any updates. Please liaise with the COVID-19 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.
Ange Jones
Assistant Director: People and Development