Dear Students, Parents/Carers,
In addition to our one student who has tested positive to COVID-19 we now have a number of other students isolating and awaiting test results.
While we hope for the best, it is possible that further positive test results may be received.
With this in mind, along with a continued rise in the number of COVID cases in the Bendigo community, I advise you that:
- Our Year 12 Graduation will be delayed. This was scheduled to be filmed next week and streamed out next Thursday evening. Recording will now occur on Friday November 19 after Year 12 exams finish with the event being streamed that evening. Further details will be provided over the coming weeks.
This decision is based on our concern about the nature of the event, which would involve a large number of students in an enclosed space. Even with all the safety measures in place we feel in the current circumstances that it is wise to delay the event given its proximity to exams.
I know this decision will be disappointing to many but it’s been made in the interests of the health and safety of our students. November 19 will come around quickly enough!
- The Year 12 Last Day celebrations planned for next Tuesday, October 19, will proceed as planned. This event is outdoors and students will be able to maintain distance between one another.
- From the time Year 12 classes finish next Tuesday right through the exam period Year 12 teachers will be available during their normal class time in their normal classrooms to support students with revision and exam preparation. This will commence next Wednesday, October 20.
- It is essential that students wear masks appropriately at all times at school. Students who have been complacent should now be aware that the level of risk in the community and at school has risen. Students who may unknowingly be infectious could spread the virus to others, putting at risk their health, their capacity to sit final exams and disrupting the lives of families. Please do the right thing.
- If you experience any COVID-like symptoms please do not attend school and make sure you get tested.
- As a precaution students should continue to take home with them each day the materials they need to continue their studies remotely.
- If a school closure occurs it is now generally just a 24-hour closure to allow cleaning and contact tracing to occur. Students and parents would be advised via our usual means of communication.
Today there has been an announcement that VCE Unit 3/4 students who are primary close contacts of a confirmed COVID case will be able to sit their VCAA exams provided that they themselves have not tested positive, with additional precautions being taken.
Once we have further details we will plan for this possibility and work with any students for whom this becomes relevant.
Yours faithfully
Dale Pearce
Principal
