Dear Parents and Guardians

Our first priority at St John’s Regional College is the health and safety of our school community.

I want to reassure you that the school is well-prepared for the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus).

We are being provided the latest advice from the Australian and Victorian Chief Medical Officers by the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria Ltd (CECV) to ensure that our school practices are helping to keep our school community safe from the outbreak.

Any incidents that arise will be addressed in accordance with our Critical Incident and Emergency Management Plan. We will also have access to resources and support from Catholic Education Melbourne and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

In the event that a member of our School Community is tested positive for COVID-19 by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) we will be advised by DHHS and CECV to close for a specified period of time and all students will be advised to stay home and self­ isolate. This closure will enable the school and health officials to work through a contact and containment strategy.

In the event of a Positive Test for COVID-19 in our community or a school wide shut down initiated by the Government and the CECV we will communicate via SMS and our School Website the details around managing such an event. Please ensure that the College has your current mobile and email address.

Parents will be aware that the Australian Government has advised, effective from Monday 16 March, organised, non-essential gatherings should be limited to 500 people. This has led to the cancellation of a number of school events including school assemblies and the end of term Parent Teacher Interviews. Staff are preparing to use our Online Learning Management System SEQTA to provide Term 1 feedback on student assessment and progress in lieu of the Parent Teacher Interviews on the 26th & 27th of March.

I am aware of concerns about the disruption to teaching, especially among families of students in Year 12. The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, which is responsible for the VCE, is aware of the situation and has advised that it will work with schools to ensure continuity of learning for all students.

As parents, you have a critical role in helping the school manage this situation:

  • Exercise good judgment by keeping children home if they are feeling unwell for any reason.
  • Talk to children about the situation, as they may be feeling anxious or stressed.
  • You have a key role in helping students feel prepared and safe.
  • Encourage children to be proactive and committed to their schoolwork, and to stay connected with the school and their teachers.

The Department of Health and Human Services has a number of resources on its website, which explain the virus, detail risk-reduction practices and behaviours, and answer frequently asked questions. These are available at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.

You can also find information about Catholic education’s response at http://www.cecv.catholic.edu.au/Coronavirus-information-for-parents.

This is an evolving situation, but we will keep you updated as things change.

I ask that you continue to work closely with the school and to contact my office should you have any new concerns.

Thank you for your support as we work to keep our students safe.

Yours sincerely

Principal Tim Hogan Signature

Tim Hogan
Principal