I would like to begin this report with a vote of thanks: thank you to the students who continue to engage with their classmates and teachers via Zoom; thank you to the parents and care givers who are supporting the students by modifying and adapting the home to ensure study can continue; and thank you to the teachers and support staff who are working hard to ensure that the learning continues and the disruptions have minimal impact.
I have endeavoured to keep the St Brigid’s community informed of what I know through emails and social media, whilst being aware that too many notifications can be a burden. My preferred style is to respond, not react, to information we receive: to await official notice rather than act on leaked media reports. More information regarding vaccinations for senior students is included in this newsletter below. At the time of writing, I have not been informed of when regional schools may return to face-to-face learning, so we are planning one week at a time.
With the decision by the State Government to ‘live with the virus’ through vaccination protection rather than elimination, I encourage all those who can to arrange to be vaccinated. The reality is that the virus will come to Horsham in the next few months and most likely to St Brigid’s also. Therefore, we all must do what we can to minimise the spread. When students return, I will expect COVID safe practices to be implemented. We will have windows open to improve ventilation, hand sanitiser readily available and I will be appealing to all students and staff to wear masks diligently. If you have not already, please ensure your son / daughter has a reusable mask or access to disposable ones, as masks will be a part of our lives for a long time to come.
Since joining the St Brigid’s community this year, I have been impressed by the care and support that members of this wonderful school provide one another and I am comforted by the fact that this will continue over the next few months. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the school if you need any additional support – that is who we are.
Year 12 Vaccination Blitz
To help support the safe conduct of end-of-year exams, the Victorian Government has announced a vaccination blitz for final year school students, their teachers and for VCE exam supervisors and assessors.
The blitz will begin on 7 September and continue until 17 September. During the blitz, final year students, their teachers and VCE exam supervisors and assessors will have access to priority timeslots to attend their vaccination appointment at a vaccination centre.
Vaccination BookingsFinal year students, their teachers and VCE exam supervisors and assessors will be able to book their first and second doses via a dedicated appointment booking hotline.
These additional pathways will help support a faster booking process and minimise absence for students during their schooling hours.
Vaccination Webinar – Friday 3 SeptemberThe Victorian Department of Health is hosting a live webinar for final year school students, their families and educators to provide information on COVID-19 vaccination.
People can join the free webinar on Friday 3 September from 4.00-5.00pm via this link (no need to register).
Topics will include:
- Vaccines, development and safety
- Accessing and consenting to a vaccination
- How to book an appointment
- Q+A with the panel
Dates
General Achievement Test (GAT) – 5 October
Kind regards,
Gerard Raven
