The latest COVID-19 Update from the Principal to Parents and Carers

19 March 2020

Dear Parents and Carers

Today there are well in excess of 300 students who are absent across both campuses and there are a growing number of staff who are also absent. As these numbers continue to rise the College is considering a range of contingencies to accommodate the needs of the students who are still attending, and for those who have chosen to isolate themselves. As we progress there will be more information being circulated to support learning opportunities online at home.

At present the College is following the advice of the authorities and remaining open until further notice. As you are aware from previous communication, considerable actions have been taken to maintain compliance with new restrictions and the College will continue to review our program each day in accord with the recommendations.

Further time and resources have been dedicated to maintaining sterile environments. It is important that families support the College in relation to the recommendations for hygiene and personal space. At times in the adrenalin of the school environment students can forget that school life is no different to any other space.  Please see the Department of Health – social distancing guide for more information.

Good hygiene

• Covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue;
• disposing of tissues properly;
• washing your hands often with soap and water, including before and after eating and after going to the toilet;
• using alcohol-based hand sanitisers;
• cleaning and disinfecting surfaces;
• if you are sick, avoiding contact with others and staying more than 1.5 metres away from people;
• cleaning and sanitising frequently used objects such as mobiles, keys and wallets.

Read more on the Word Health Organization website about protective measures against coronavirus.

If you have a confirmed case, you need to self-isolate to prevent it spreading to other people.

Surgical masks

Surgical masks in the community are only helpful in preventing people who have coronavirus disease from spreading it to others. If you are well, you do not need to wear a surgical mask. There is little evidence that widespread use of surgical masks in healthy people prevents transmission in public. Find out more at Department of Health – information on the use of surgical masks.

It is clear that students are anxious about the events that are emerging. It is fine to talk and explain that we don’t know or understand everything that is happening and that this is unique to our generations. Please keep talking with your children and try to maintain a routine at home. As there is no competition sport for an extended period please try and keep your children active, but isolated to small groups. Exercise is really important in these times.

All Masses Suspended

Bishop of Sandhurst, Shane Mackinlay, has written to all Priests in the Diocese to inform them that all public liturgies are to be suspended, commencing immediately and will last until further notice.

The Bishop wrote: “ … Attached you will find a letter from the bishops of Victoria, announcing the suspension of public liturgies, effective immediately.  This is very distressing news to share with you and will be a dramatic change in the faith life of our communities.  We should expect that it will continue for some time into the future.  Tomorrow we will distribute further pastoral guidelines, as well as information about arrangements for live-streaming Sunday Mass in the diocese …”

Once again thank you to the constant flow of communication that is taking place between home and the College. It is really important that we know of your situation and how we can support.

Yours sincerely

Mr Brian Turner, Principal

Note: To download this letter, to read all Principal’s COVID-19 Updates, communication from Mercy Education Ltd and for Calendar Event Cancellation information, please visit our website Latest News via the link below.