College Updates

Wednesday 17th February 2021

Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers

Thank you for your support during the state wide five-day circuit breaker action.

As you are aware, the Hon. Daniel Andrews, Premier of Victoria announced this morning, that from 11.59 pm tonight Wednesday 17 February 2021 the five-day circuit breaker lockdown will end.

There will no longer be four reasons to leave home and the five-kilometre restriction will no longer apply.

Accordingly, schools, including Lavalla Catholic College, will re-open for face-to-face learning from tomorrow Thursday 18 February 2021.

Face masks

From 11.59 pm on Wednesday 17 February 2021, face masks will be mandatory in public indoor spaces, apart from when eating or drinking.  In addition to public indoor spaces, face masks continue to be mandatory for people over the age of 12 years whilst using public transport (including school buses), rideshare vehicles and taxis, office spaces and in retail settings, such as indoor shopping centres, supermarkets, department stores.

Staff and students

Until further notice, it will be mandatory for face masks to be worn indoors by secondary school students and staff in DOSCEL primary and secondary schools, including Lavalla Catholic College, unless an exemption applies.

Accordingly, parents, guardians and carers are required to supply their child(ren) with an appropriate face covering that covers the nose and mouth. Appropriate face coverings include single-use face masks (commonly called surgical masks), or cloth face coverings made from three layers of a mix of breathable fabrics.

Outdoors

Face masks are strongly recommended to be worn by staff and secondary students whilst outdoors where at least 1.5 metres of physical distance cannot be maintained. Face masks must be carried by staff and secondary students in the event of a changed situation, unless an exemption applies.

Visitors

Visitors including parents, guardians and carers will be required to wear a face mask when on school sites in indoor locations, including reception areas and classrooms, unless an exemption applies. It is also recommended visitors wear face masks whilst outdoors where physical distancing cannot be maintained, for example at a congested school drop off or pick up, unless an exemption applies.

Other School Arrangements

Lavalla Catholic College will continue to implement the following control measures:

  • promoting age-appropriate hygiene practices for all students;
  • reminding all students and staff to wash their hands with soap and water or when this is not possible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser on arrival at school and regularly throughout the day;
  • reinforcing with students the following hygiene practices:
    • cough and/or sneeze into their elbows or a tissue;
    • place used tissues straight into the bin;
    • avoid touching eyes, noses or mouths
    • not to share food or drink;
    • not to drink from water fountains or bubblers directly;  and
  • continuing school cleaning programs during the school day, including regular cleaning of high touch surfaces.

Once again, I thank all our parents, guardians, carers and the wider school community for their continued hard work and support.

If you require clarification in relation to these arrangements regarding the return to classroom learning, or additional support, please contact the College.