12/05/2020

Good Morning Parents and Carers

I was very happy to hear the words from Daniel Andrews, (Premier) and James Merlino, (Education Minister & Deputy Premier) about Victorian schools transitioning back to Face to Face teaching and learning beginning on Tuesday May 26^th.  Monday May 25^th will be a Pupil Free Day for schools to prepare appropriately.

At this stage the information below are notes that I have taken from the Press Conference earlier this morning, some areas could change when the Department of Education works through logistics with schools across the state.  I was enthusiastic about getting some general information to you so I apologise if things change slightly.  Once again, thank-you for continued support of your children and teachers whilst your child/ren have been learning from home, it has been appreciated.

As a college community we will work together over the next week to put the best possible arrangements in place so that teachers and students return to face to face teaching safely.  It will be important that families with students in Years 3-10 follow the rules of onsite attendance for students to the letter.  The staggered approach will significantly reduce the number of staff we have available for supervision of onsite students.  Please remember that if your child/ren can learn at home or supervision can be arranged if you work, they must.

Daniel Andrews and James Merlino Announcements

• Pupil Free Day – 25 May
• Prep, Year 1, Year 2, Year 11 & Year 12 to return – 26 May (Week 7)
• Year 10 students studying a VCE or VET subject to attend on those days from 26 May
• All Special Schools all year levels to return – 26 May
• Years 3  – 10 to return – 9 June (Week 9)
• If students can’t learn from home because their parents work and no other arrangements can be made supervision will be offered for limited numbers (Year 3 – Year 10 from 26 May – 6 June)
• School will look different to what we are used to
  • Staggered drop offs
  • Minimise visits available to parents
  • Staggered play times
  • Massive increase to cleaning for the rest of Term 2 and Term 3 – disinfectant and high touch areas
  • Additional PPE equipment
  • Additional hand sanitiser
  • Staff will need to social distance – work stations separated
  • Increased testing for school staff – voluntary
  • No camps and excursions
  • Students drink out of water bottles not bubblers

Kind Regards

Damien Keel
College Principal