Principal’s Update – 9 August 2021: Return to School

Thank you to all those families who have been supporting your children over these past few days during lockdown.

The good news is that all Catherine McAuley College students are able to return to school tomorrow, Tuesday 10 August.  Students will return to their normal timetable and program. We want the students back in the routine of school life as quickly as possible.

• The buses will be running as usual;
•  The canteen will be running as usual;
• Students will still be accessing their lockers;
• Their learning program will not change.

All secondary school students aged 12 or older must always wear a face mask indoors and outdoors, unless a lawful exception applies. It is recommended that students also carry a spare mask or store one in their locker. Only students who have an existing exemption or provide a medical approval in accord with the process will be allowed not to wear a mask. If seeking exemption, please refer to your child’s Year Level Learning Leaders. If your child does not wear a mask or refuses to wear a mask, then they cannot attend the College. The safety of others is critical. Students are also reminded that they are mandated to wear a mask on any buses or public transport.

Please understand that the College will be instructed by Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV) and the Chief Medical Officer of Victoria guidelines outlining how the College will maintain a safe work space.

Once again I remind you that more information about the return to school and coronavirus (COVID-19) can be found on the CECV website, which will continue to be updated: .

We are yet to receive advice on the General Assessment Test (GAT) examination – currently scheduled for 12 August. We will update St Mary’s students and families when any announcements are made about this assessment.

We also understand that these ongoing lockdowns can cause mixed reactions and impact. Please contact the College if you have concerns about your children and their return. The more we know the better.

The most important action we can take to reduce the risk of transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19), is to ensure that any unwell student remains at home, even with the mildest of symptoms. It is important that any student who becomes unwell at school be collected by a parent or carer as soon as possible after being contacted.

Thank you for your continued support and patience, we look forward to welcoming students back to the classroom. Any changes to these arrangements will be relayed as promptly as possible.

Yours sincerely

Brian Turner, Principal