COVID-19 Updates at Aquinas College

Following the announcement by the Victorian Government that the current lockdown will most likely continue for at least another 7 days, the College will be open for students to collect materials.

The College will be accessible tomorrow, Wednesday 21st of July, from 8.30am to 9.30am, only for students that need to collect materials and/or resources. 

Families will need to follow these guidelines:

• Enter the College from the Great Ryrie Street gate.
• Unless otherwise necessary, parents should remain in their cars. 
• Wear a mask at all times.
• Sign in at the Middle School Reception.
• Follow all instructions given to you by staff.
• Exit the College via the Middle School Reception.

Please note that the College will not be opened for the collection of materials at any other time.

For any other questions, please contact the respective Year Level Leaders.

As you are aware, there has been an announcement made by the Premier today around a snap lockdown effective midnight tonight (Thursday) through to and including Tuesday next week.

The speed with which this latest outbreak has developed has caught many of us by surprise. But, please reassure your children that their teachers are well prepared to continue to provide high quality learning and that it is really important to remain engaged and to attend every class as required.

Students will move into online learning tomorrow and they will receive communication from Dr Rodezno this evening outlining our expectations. Tomorrow, they should be prepared to check in for each of their normal Friday lessons to receive direction from their teacher. 

For authorised workers who require onsite supervision of their children or those with children considered vulnerable, please email registrar@aquinas.vic.edu.au to seek permission to be onsite. No student will be permitted on site without prior authorisation from the Principal so that we can ensure that there are adequate staffing levels in place.

Thank you for your support and please contact the College should you have concerns.

Darren Atkinson
Principal

As we welcome back staff and students for Semester 2, we ask that all members of our community familiarise themselves with the COVID-19 restrictions that were updated for Metropolitan Melbourne over the school holidays.  

Face masks - Staff and students: 

• must carry a face mask at all times, unless a lawful exception applies. If an exception is required, please inform your child's YLL/TL. Clearance will need to be provided by a health professional.    
• are not required to wear face masks at the College providing they are interacting exclusively with staff and students from Aquinas. 
• must wear a mask indoors when interacting with external visitors (including parents/guardians).
• must wear a mask on public transport and when in taxis or ride-share vehicles that include people outside your household. We ask that you support your child in this important request by outlining their responsibilities. 

QR Codes 

• QR code check-ins must be used by all visitors to the College, including parents or guardians that enter school buildings. 
• Staff, students and parents picking-up or dropping off are not required to use QR code check-ins, providing they do not enter school buildings. 
• If a student is travelling to or from school on public transport, they should check-in via a QR code service where practical.   

Visitors to the College 

• All visitors and parents must observe face mask and QR check-in requirements, as well as density limits where indicated. 

Interstate travel during the holidays  

Some students may be returning from a designated orange or red zone, and in this case are required to undertake home-based quarantine. If this applies to you, please let the College know about your circumstances and our staff will provide your child with material to learn while in quarantine. 

Stay Home When Unwell 

Please ensure you stay at home and notify the College if you or anyone in your home has the following symptoms or circumstances;  

• Fever or flu-like symptoms, such as coughing, sore throat and fatigue. 
• Shortness of breath. 
• Been in close contact with someone who has returned from overseas in the last 14 days. 
• Been in close contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19.   

If your child suffers from allergies or other conditions which present similar symptoms to those listed above, we ask that you contact your child's YLL/TL or the Health Centre to discuss the situation. Medical clearance is required so that the community remains safe.   

We look forward to seeing our students back in person on Tuesday 13th July and a successful beginning to the Term. If you have questions about our COVID-safe provisions please do not hesitate to contact the respective pastoral leaders.      

Thank you for your continued support.

The last week of Term 2 has a range of co-curricular activities at each year level and the relevant Heads of School will be advising of the program outlines and specific requirements at each year level.

Masks

• Staff and secondary school students aged 12 or older across Victoria must wear face masks indoors at school and on public transport.
• Masks are recommended outdoors at school where physical distancing of 1.5 metres cannot be maintained.

Camps, excursions and work placements

• Structured workplace learning (SWL) and work experience placements can recommence on site throughout Victoria. Employers must have COVID-safe plans in accordance with Victorian Government requirements.
• Camps and overnight stays can take place within Victoria, with no travel restrictions. Multiple schools can attend camps, provided school groups remain separate and do not share common facilities at the same time. Campsites will implement COVID-safe plans.
• Excursions and incursions are permitted throughout Victoria. In giving permission for students to attend excursions, parents/guardians will need to agree that student contact details are provided to the venue to expedite contact tracing.

School sport

• Indoor and outdoor interschool sport can proceed throughout Victoria, and outdoor and indoor contact and non-contact physical activity is permitted.

Visitors to the College

• Parents/guardians and other visitors are able to attend the College but are required to sign in with a QR code upon entering any building. QR code sign in is not required for drop off or pick up outside of buildings.

Stay Home When Unwell

The most important action school communities can take to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 is to ensure that any unwell staff and students remain at home and get tested, even with the mildest of symptoms.

Students with underlying conditions (such as hay fever or asthma)

If a student has persistent symptoms due to an underlying condition such as hay fever or asthma, the student should still be tested for COVID-19 if they develop symptoms that are different to or worse than their usual symptoms. Students whose symptoms are clearly typical for their underlying condition can continue to attend school.

We look forward to the week ahead and the opportunity to finish the term on a strong note after a couple of challenging weeks compounded by the terrible storm damage that continues to have an impact on so many of our families.

Should you have any questions about either our COVID-safe provisions, or the programs planned for next week please do not hesitate to contact the College and thank you for ongoing support.

Darren Atkinson
Principal

Return to face-to-face classes

Acting Premier Merlino has announced that all students can return to face-to-face classes from tomorrow (Friday, 11th June) and we look forward to welcoming everyone back.

A reminder that restrictions remain in place:

• Face masks must be carried at all times and worn when indoors, outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained and on public transport;
• Good hygiene practices such as routinely washing hands, not sharing food and using non-contact greetings must continue;
• Excursions, inter school activities (such as EISM sport) and large group intra school events are not currently permitted;
• Visitors are restricted to those providing essential services at the College.

The canteen is open at the College and water fountains are also permitted to be used. It is important that students do not come to school if they are unwell and, if the symptoms are COVID-like, they should be tested. Those with underlying conditions, like hayfever and asthma, should attend school unless their symptoms are different or worse than usual.

Each year level has a co-curricular program planned for the last week of this term and we will update you over coming days as to any modifications that are required to these programs. We are expecting that there will be further announcements next week in regards to changes to restrictions levels.

Thank you for your continued support.

Darren Atkinson
Principal

Just a reminder that tomorrow (Wed 9th June) is no long a student free day due to the cancellation of the GAT. Classes for Years 7-10 students will be online as per the normal timetable. Years 11 and 12 will continue on site learning to the normal timetable. 

This advice will be updated once we have received operational guidelines from the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV) and the Department of Education and Training (DET).

Students in Years 11 and 12 studying VCE and VCAL and those studying a Unit 3/4 VCE or VCAL subject will return to face-to-learning today. 

• Any student not in Year 11 or 12 but who is undertaking a VCE Unit 3 / 4 subject is permitted on site for face to face classes for this subject. When this subject is finished, the student can either go home or take their other classes in the ARC.
• Any student not in Year 11 or 12 but who is undertaking a VCE Unit 1 / 2 subject is not permitted on site for face to face classes. These classes remain remote and online and, where possible, the teacher will make a google meet available for those not in Year 11 to join the class remotely.
• The timetable for Friday, 4th June has been altered for all students such that periods 4 & 5 have been swapped with periods 6 & 7. This is reflected in the student timetables on SIMON.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we endeavour to apply the advice that we are receiving from the Victorian Government and their public health team. As we receive further information we will update this advice. Should you have any questions please contact Ms Meredith Greenwood greenwoodmj@aquinas.vic.edu.au.

To assist the safe return for our senior students, please ensure to remind your son/daughter of the following CovidSafe protocols:

• Masks must be worn at all times where physical distancing of 1.5 metres cannot be maintained. This includes outside the classroom and when travelling to and from the College. Please ensure that your child has a mask with them at all times;
• Density quotients do not apply to the classroom and teachers may remove masks to assist in communication;
• When eating, masks may be removed but efforts to socially distance should be maintained;
• Students are required to leave the College premises and head home at the conclusion of their last assigned lesson or assessment for the day;
• The SH@AQ is not available for private study at any time before or after school. The ARC can be used for private study during the school day;
• No parents or visitors are permitted on site unless requested by staff;
• The Canteen will be in operation;
• Students will need to have a water bottle with them. This can be refilled using the water taps.

Darren Atkinson
Principal

Earlier today, Acting Premier James Merlino announced that the lockdown restrictions currently in place would continue for another seven days from midnight tomorrow. While an extension to the lockdown in metropolitan Melbourne is not what we have hoped for, we all play a part in minimising the risk of this virus spreading further in the Victorian community.

Years 7 to 10 students will continue with their remote learning program during the upcoming extended lockdown period and it has been pleasing to hear many positive reports of students applying themselves to their learning with a great sense of purpose. We hope to see this continue over the next week. Year 7 to 10 students are expected to return to face-to-face learning on Friday 11 June.

Students of authorised workers and those deemed vulnerable will continue to be able to attend school and work on their online continuing learning program under the supervision of staff. Permission to attend must be granted by contacting the College Registrar registrar@aquinas.vic.edu.au.

However, there are changes that have been announced that impact on Senior Years Students. Those changes are as follows:

• Students in Years 11 and 12 studying VCE and VCAL and those studying a Unit 3/4 VCE or VCAL subject will return to face-to-learning on Friday 4 June. 

We have also been informed by the VCAA this afternoon that the GAT, scheduled for Wednesday June 9 has been postponed until a future date yet to be determined. Further information for students will come from the relevant College leaders to address the practical questions that they undoubtedly hold.

To assist the safe return for our senior students, please ensure to remind your son/daughter of the following CovidSafe protocols:

• Masks must be worn at all times where physical distancing of 1.5 metres cannot be maintained. This includes outside the classroom and when travelling to and from the College. Please ensure that your child has a mask with them at all times;
• Density quotients do not apply to the classroom and teachers may remove masks to assist in communication;
• When eating, masks may be removed but efforts to socially distance should be maintained;
• Students are required to leave the College premises and head home at the conclusion of their last assigned lesson or assessment for the day;
• The SH@AQ is not available for private study at any time before or after school. The ARC can be used for private study during the school day;
• No parents or visitors are permitted on site unless requested by staff;
• The Canteen will be in operation;
• Students will need to have a water bottle with them. This can be refilled using the water taps.

Thank you for your continued support of our efforts to keep our school community and the wider community safe. We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Darren Atkinson
Principal

Friday, May 28th, has been declared a student free day by MACS.

From Monday, May 31st, learning will transition to online as outlined in the Aquinas Continuing Learning Plan.

Student attendance on site

Aquinas will provide on-site supervision for students in the following categories:

Children where both parents and/or carers are authorised workers who cannot work from home, work for an essential provider and where no other supervision arrangements can be made:

• where there are two parents/carers, both must be authorised workers, working outside the home in order for their children to be eligible for on-site provision
• for single parents/carers, the authorised worker must be working outside the home in order for their children to be eligible for on-site provision.

Children experiencing vulnerability, including:

• children in out-of-home care
• children deemed vulnerable by a government agency, funded family or family violence service, and is assessed as requiring education and care outside the family home
• children identified by a school as vulnerable, including via referral from a government agency, or funded family or family violence service, homeless or youth justice service or mental health or other health service. (CECV Operations Guide, May 2021)

Please email registrar@aquinas.vic.edu.au to seek permission for your child to be onsite. No student will be permitted on site without prior authorisation from the Principal so that we can ensure that there are adequate staffing levels in place.

Darren Atkinson
Principal

As your child undertakes remote learning, it is important that the following suggestions are considered when assisting their learning:

• All students must read the CLP Student Infographic linked below. Please ensure that they completely understand all of the procedures, instructions and requirements listed.
• Please ensure that your child has access to a suitable learning space, preferably not their bedroom. If this cannot be accommodated, please ensure that they do not attend their lesson on their bed.
• Please ensure that they are properly attired for class, are punctual and attend all lessons, completing all required work.
• Please ensure that your child has enough sleep and has enough break and rest times.
• Please ensure to communicate any concerns with their Homeroom Teacher/Mentor or Year Level Leader/Team Leader. 
• If you feel that your child requires additional support, they may have access to counselling through the Youth and Family Services. Please request the support through their Year Level Leader or Team Leader.

We have learnt over the last 15 months that the impact of lockdowns can be negative for some students. The negative outcomes can be long lasting. It is important that our students are supported during remote learning in ways that will assist their continued growth and progression. Please assist us in supporting your child by taking care of the points listed above.

Tomorrow (28th May, 2021) will be a Student Free day for all MACS schools. We will transition to remote and flexible learning from Monday 31st May.

Dr Nap Rodezno
Deputy Principal

Continued Learning Plan infographic

As recently stated by the Victorian Health Authorities, new COVID-19 safe measures are required for Melbourne. The new restrictions for Greater Melbourne will be enforced from 6pm Tuesday 25th May. These include:

• Face masks must be worn indoors by all staff, students and visitors to the College, unless an exemption applies.
• A limit of five people at private gatherings
• 30 people maximum for public gatherings

All students must wear a mask while in class and indoors and must have one with them at all times. Please ensure that your child has a mask with them to avoid any breaching of the expectations. If there are special medical reasons that exclude your child from wearing a mask, please make contact with the relevant Year Level Leader.

As a school community, we are required to adhere to the expectations of the Health Authorities and all events have been considered in light of their specific requirements. Further information will be provided by respective event organisers, but please note that any public event exceeding 30 people in total, including students and staff, will not be permitted until further notice is provided by the authorities. 

Upcoming events that have been impacted include:

Year 11 & 12 Drama Ensemble - 25th May: event will continue without external guests/parents.

Maths Pathways Information Evening - 25th/26th/27th May: the event on 25th May (tonight) has been postponed and more information will be provided shortly.

Restaurant Nights - 26th/27th May: will not continue as planned, more information will be sent shortly.

Plain English Speaking Awards - 26th May: this event has been cancelled at this stage.

Student Immersion Information Evening - 27th May: this event will proceed without external guests and an additional online meeting will be held at a later date.

Cafe N9ne is not open to external guests.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Year Level Leader or Team Leader.

We pray that those affected by this situation are on the road to recovery and that the restrictions help us all to stay safe.

MACS have recently released their operations manual around COVID-19 requirements.  They have advised that:

• You must not attend the College if you have any COVID-19 symptoms or are feeling unwell
• You must have with you a mask each day you attend the College
• You must wear a mask when travelling on public transports
• It is recommended to wear a mask when you are unable to socially distance
• You may be required to be tested for the virus under medical advice before returning to the College

We believe that these measures are in place to protect all members of our community and I stress to you the importance of seeking advice from any of us should you have any concerns or questions. 

Nap Rodezno
Deputy Principal

IMPORTANT: If your child is sick, or displaying any of the COVID-19 symptoms, we ask that your child stays home and is checked by a medical practitioner before returning to school.

As our state continues to address the dangers of COVID-19 and each school is required to implement clear statewide restrictions and precautionary measures, we would like to remind you of some very important obligations you have as students of the College.

• You must not attend the College if you have any COVID-19 symptoms
• You must have with you a mask each day you attend the College
• You must wear a mask whenever required when travelling to and from school
• It is recommended to wear a mask when you are unable to socially distance
• You may be required to be tested for the virus under medical advice before returning to the College

We believe that these measures are in place to protect all members of our community and I stress to you the importance of seeking advice from any of us should you have any concerns or questions. 

Nap Rodezno
Deputy Principal

Please note, this is a constantly changing situation in Victoria and we await instruction from the State Government and MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools). Refer to this page for the latest updates. 

IMPORTANT: If your child is sick, or displaying any of the COVID-19 symptoms, we ask that your child stays home and is checked by a medical practitioner before returning to school.

As directed by the Victorian Chief Health Officer, face masks are no longer mandatory in all indoor spaces in the broader community. Masks are still required in limited indoor settings, such as public transport, commercial passenger vehicles and large retail settings.

At Aquinas College, this means that face masks are no longer mandatory in all indoor spaces for staff and students.

Requirements for the use of masks are outlined below. Visitors and parents must also observe this guidance.

• Face masks are recommended, but not mandatory, for use by staff, students and visitors when physical distancing of 1.5 metres cannot be maintained.
• Students must always carry a face mask – unless they have a lawful exemption.
• Students must wear a face mask when on public transport and school buses – unless they have a lawful exemption.

Nap Rodezno Deputy Principal

Please note, this is a constantly changing situation in Victoria and we await instruction from the State Government and MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools). Refer to this page for the latest updates. 

IMPORTANT: If your child is sick, or displaying any of the COVID-19 symptoms, we ask that your child stays home and is checked by a medical practitioner before returning to school.

Welcome back from the Snap Lockdown. The State Government has made recent announcements regarding the return to school for all students and staff and we look forward to welcoming students back to the College on Thursday 18th February.

In order to maintain safety and adhere to the regulations, the following conditions apply:

• Where possible, students should maintain social distance.
• Students must carry a mask with them at all times.
• Masks are compulsory in all classes and when inside classrooms.
• Masks must be worn when unable to socially distance or as instructed by staff, unless there is a lawful reason not to.  
• All visitors must wear masks both indoors and outdoors when unable to socially distance.
• Masks are mandatory to be worn in all public places, including public transport.
• Follow all safety rules as they are communicated by the school

We look forward to seeing the students and hope that we can resume face to face learning in a safe environment.

Nap Rodezno
Deputy Principal

In accordance with the directive from the Victorian Government today, the College will be closed from Monday 15th February to Wednesday 17th February for onsite learning. We expect to resume our normal onsite learning program on Thursday 18th February.

Our Continuing Learning Plan will be effective for online learning from Monday morning and we are expecting all students to check in to each of their timetable classes and meet their teacher to receive instructions. Our teachers are well placed to provide guidance and appropriate learning tasks to be undertaken at home. 

Students will be emailed details of our Continuing Learning Plan and new students will receive assistance in helping them to become familiar with Google Meet if necessary.

I understand that this may mean uncertainty, but it is a relatively brief disruption and we are well placed to maintain continuity in the learning program. As a united community we are doing all we can to mitigate the impact of these changes on our students, and to minimise the impact of this disruption on your child’s learning program.

Thank you for your support in ensuring that students are online and prepared for their first pastoral class on Monday morning. The students have started the year with a great sense of purpose and enthusiasm and we are confident that we can maintain this momentum with our Continuing Learning Plan.

Continuing Learning Plan - Daily Plan for Students

Children of Essential Workers and Vulnerable Students

For those families of essential workers and vulnerable students, supervision will be provided onsite. The request for this supervision must be approved by the College Principal and requests emailed to registrar@aquinas.vic.edu.au. 

Requests will be monitored over the weekend and an email sent to approve the attendance of the student. The normal CovidSafe guidelines apply and students should not attend if showing COVID like symptoms and must wear a mask. Onsite supervision will be strictly from 8.30am - 3.45pm. We ask that these times are adhered to and that no child turn up without prior permission.

Thank you for your continued support.

Darren Atkinson
Principal

Celebrate Excellence @ Aquinas (Mon 15th Feb)

Unfortunately we will need to postpone this event and have put it on our calendar for March 1 with our College Mass and Assembly on March 2.

Please note, this is a constantly changing situation in Victoria and we await instruction from the State Government and MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools). Refer to this page for the latest updates. 

Please note, this is a constantly changing situation in Victoria and we await instruction from the State Government and MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools). Refer to this page for the latest updates. 

Mask requirements:

Due to the events in Victoria announced late on Wednesday evening (3/2/21) in relation to COVID-19, these new guidelines for schools apply immediately in accordance with the Victorian Government:

• All students must wear a fitted face mask when indoors at the College, unless there is a lawful reason not to.
• School staff are not required to wear face masks while teaching or caring, but those who wish to do so, can.  
• Staff must wear face masks in indoor areas of the College when not teaching or caring. 
• All visitors must wear masks when indoors. 

Year 9 Information Night changes:

This information night due to be held today (4th Feb) will no longer be held onsite at the College.

The information night will now be held virtually via Google Meet at 7.30pm.

Parents will receive an email from their child's Homeroom Teacher this afternoon with a link to the Google Meet. Please ensure you have Google available and you have received this link before 7.30pm tonight. If you have not received the link information, please email your child's Homeroom Teacher before 7.30pm.

Senior Years (10-12) Information Night:

This information night is due to be held on Monday 8th February at 7.30pm.

This event will now be held virtually and further details will be sent out via email before Monday.