05-Aug-2020
Dear Families,
Thank you for your patience and understanding for the delay in getting this information to you. We have only just received information from the Department of Education and Training in regards to the new requirements for on-site attendance.
On Sunday, the Victorian Government announced that, on the advice of the Victorian Chief Health Officer, that metropolitan Melbourne would move to Stage 4 restrictions to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
These steps have been identified as critical measures to reduce the movement of students and families across the state.
In light of the number and type of industries that have closed and the tougher restrictions in place, only a very limited number of students will now be able to access supervision on-site by meeting stricter criteria.
We understand and acknowledge that many families who have previously accessed on-site care and supervision will no longer qualify and that this may cause considerable concern and some frustration. It will be difficult for all of us now required to work from home and supervise our children but right now- this is what we have been asked to do.
We will continue to do our best to support our students and families to successfully complete the remote learning at home within the constraints of a ‘State of Disaster’
Changes to our school’s operations and on-site supervision will come into effect from Monday 10th August, and are likely to apply until the end of Term 3.
The criteria for students that can attend on-site has changed as follows:
- Children of parents who are permitted workers required to work outside the home
- Vulnerable children in out-of-home care, children known to child protection and other agencies, and children the school identifies as vulnerable
- Only children with a disability who also fit one of the above two categories.
TIMELINE:
Monday 10th August will be the first day of the new arrangements for schools across Victoria.
To support the reduction in people travelling to their workplace as per the government guidelines, staff members at Edithvale Primary School who are not required for on-site supervision have been directed to work from home.
The link to the google request form will be sent to all families at approximately 4.30 pm today, it will remain live until Thursday 5pm.
To help us to keep providing a safe environment for students and staff on-site and limit site access to those who are in greatest need, we ask that you please also email through a copy of the Permitted Worker Permit for each parent/carer in your household to our school email edithvale.ps@education.vic.gov.au
On Friday you will be contacted regarding the outcome of your request. We apologise for the late process timing, but we want to be sure that families who are eligible are catered for.
Onsite supervision is to support your permitted workplace requirements. Supervision may only be requested for the hours it is necessary for you to be at your workplace. If your workday finishes prior to 3.30 pm please contact the school on 9772 1393, and we will bring your child to the entry/exit gate on French avenue for pick up.
Students learning on-site will be supervised by school staff (including teachers and Education Support) on-site but follow the teaching and learning program provided by their classroom teacher. A ratio of one staff member to 10 students for supervision of students on-site will now apply
Team Kids will continue to operate to support those families who meet the new criteria. Please contact them directly for future bookings.
If your circumstances change and you no longer require onsite support, please email the school so that adjustments can be made to the staffing numbers.
Working together, we will all be focused on supporting each other and the learning of our children. I understand that these are very challenging times and that we have been through many changes already this year.
I thank you on behalf of all the staff for your continued support and your compliance with the State of Disaster, Stage 4 restrictions.
Kind Regards
James Whitla
Principal