Executive Director’s Update to Principals #50 - 12 October 2022
Extensive Rain and Possible Flooding Forecast
In line with the weather forecasts of significant rain again for Wednesday and Thursday, it is reasonable to anticipate that heavy seasonal rainfall may again cause localised flooding.
Schools are advised to monitor the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts and Vic emergency app. https://emergency.vic.gov.au over the coming days.
In the event of significant rainfall, schools should liaise with the local DET bus coordinator regarding disruption to services that may be caused by flooding.
As advised at the end of last week, schools should revise risk assessments considering increased risk on roads for any camps, excursions or staff PD planned for the immediate future.
Schools with outdoor education or camping activities planned over the next week need to conduct onsite risk assessments to ensure student safety.
Tutor Funding 2023
CECV have communicated that the Andrews’ Labor Government is extending its Tutor Learning Initiative in 2023, making sure Victorian students continue to get the individual support they need to thrive and succeed throughout their schooling.
Jim Miles said the Tutor Learning Initiative extension was anticipated to deliver around $25 million in 2023 to eligible Catholic schools to assist identified students, primarily through small group tutoring opportunities.
The actual funding amount to individual schools is not available at this time and will be communicated as it becomes known.
Changes to Pandemic Orders
The Victorian Government has announced the end of the pandemic declaration and associated pandemic orders. New settings will apply from 11.59 pm on Wednesday 12 October 2022.
Requirements for close contacts, like continually testing negative on a rapid antigen test (RAT), will become strong recommendations – joining the strong recommendation to wear a mask indoors, which will remain in place.
We are anticipating the updated Ops Guide late next week which we will share as soon as possible.
For now, we note the following changes:
Changes to COVID-19 isolation requirements.
It is strongly recommended that students:
- Who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home and isolate for five days.
- Should not attend school after five days if still symptomatic.
- Who are symptomatic but have not tested positive should not attend school.
Where students become symptomatic at school, they should:
- Be collected by their parents/carers.
- Undergo testing for COVID-19.
It is strongly recommended that staff:
- Who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home and isolate for five days.
- Should not attend school after five days if still symptomatic.
- Who are symptomatic but have not tested positive should not attend school.
Leave entitlements to support staff with COVID-19 to isolate.
Staff who test positive for COVID-19 will be able to access five days paid infectious diseases leave when COVID-19 has been contracted at school, without a medical certificate (though evidence, such as an RAT, may be required), in addition to personal leave.
Staff who are unfit to return to work and who have accessed five days paid infectious diseases leave can access personal leave for the duration of the time they are unfit for work, with a medical certificate.
COVID-19 reporting requirements.
The Department of Health recommends that a person who tests positive for COVID-19 should inform those with whom they have recently been in contact, including their workplace, school and household.
Schools are therefore asked to continue reporting positive COVID-19 cases to DOBCEL each Friday via the covid@dobcel.catholic.edu.au email until further notice.
Schools no longer have to alert their school community of positive cases.
Face masks.
Staff and students who wish to wear a face mask should be supported to do so, and schools should continue to make face masks available for staff, students and visitors.
The Department of Health recommends that masks should be worn by a person who is a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 when leaving home.
Additionally, the department recommends that masks should be worn by a person who has COVID-19 for 10 days after a positive test when they need to leave home.
COVIDSafe Plans.
Schools must keep their COVIDSafe Plan in place, which should be regularly reviewed and updated as required.
Other Pandemic related funding.
We have received inquiries as to whether the Positive Start Program that has supported numerous school camps will continue in 2023. We will share that information as it becomes available.
Thank you for your ongoing leadership of our school communities.