Dear parents and members of the MLMC community
It is indeed a strange world in which we live.
Last weekend, the College became aware of our first positive COVID-19 case that had been on campus within 48 hours of testing positive. Over the weekend, all teachers and the class of the positive case who had been exposed were contacted and a period of isolation began. A rapid cleaning regime was undertaken to ensure that other classes could resume on Monday.
What is interesting is how quickly the process changed.
On Friday 12 November, we were aware of a primary close contact so secondary close contacts were contacted and testing was suggested. Over the weekend as the positive case emerged, the College was required to undertake the contact tracing process with staff and students who were fully vaccinated required to isolate for seven days and obtain a negative result on Day 6. Those who were not fully vaccinated were told to isolate for 14 days.
Knowing this, teachers were asked to work from home and a class returned to remote learning for the best part of this week. This also necessitated the College seeking information from families about the vaccination status of each PCC.
Over Monday and Tuesday, it was announced that those who were not fully vaccinated could return after seven days as long as they tested negative after a Day 6 PCR test and then undertook the Rapid Antigen Testing regime on a daily basis and reported the results. The College then tried to ascertain the process by which this could be implemented.
The College then planned for all students to again return to campus today, Friday 19 November.
Yesterday, the Premier announced that with Victoria about to reach 90% double dose vaccination that most of the remaining restrictions would be removed.
Until further clarification is provided we understand this to mean:
- Students who come into contact with a confirmed positive case at school will no longer be required to self-quarantine
- They will be required to get a standard PCR test and isolate until they get a negative test
- Rapid Antigen Testing is recommended thereafter
- If someone is exposed to a positive case for four hours or more in their home or a public setting, then as PCCs they must complete the seven days of isolation if fully vaccinated or 14 days if not
- People who test positive to COVID-19 will now only be required to isolate for 14 days.
As well, we also understand that COVID-safe practices in schools must continue, as well as our thorough COVID-safe plan.
While it is also clear that masks will still be required in primary schools for staff, students and visitors, it is unclear in secondary schools. We are currently seeking clarification and we will continue to wear masks indoors until we are advised otherwise.
I know the rules keep changing and we do our best to keep information provided to you as clear and concise as possible. I fully appreciate the support of the community and individual families over these past weeks as we have navigated the processes around PCCs and positive tests.
On other matters, tonight the Year 12 2021 class will celebrate their Graduation, albeit online. This is the class that will always be remembered as the group who studied their senior years amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and who studied more than half of their senior certificate through remote learning. They have every reason to proud of themselves and we have every reason to be proud of them as a senior class. I continue to pray that they live a life of fulfillment and service to others.
Surprisingly, yesterday I obtained the Demolition Permit Consent form so that on Monday 13 December, the company appointed (Gravity), can start the demolition of the Heath and Ford buildings. This demolition is expected to be completed by mid-February so that Stage 3 construction of our Masterplan can proceed. I include an artist image (below) of how we expect the new Heath building to look, with the intention of providing more information in the coming months.
Members of our community continue to grieve with the passing of loved ones.
Alicia Kay, sister to Deputy Principal Mrs Anita Kay-Taylor, recently passed away in South Africa.
Frank Salvatore Tarulli, father to Mr Steve Tarulli, passed away quietly surrounded by his family.
Angelo Rudan, grandfather to Alannah (Year 9), passed away last Friday.
Richard Brown, father to Archie Brown (Year 7, passed away last Sunday.
Especially in this month of November, let us pray for the repose of the souls of Alicia, Frank and Angelo. May they along with all the faithfully departed rest in peace and May they join with angels at the table of our Father in heaven.
God bless
Philip A Morison
Principal
