As we are all aware we are living in a very challenging health environment – ultimately though we are supporting each other to ensure we are all safe and well.  As a school, our responsibility is to support the Victorian community, all our students, our many staff, help families and ultimately to focus on our key responsibility, student learning outcomes.

Schooling became a key health and political consideration over the weekend, with both the Prime Minister and the Victorian Premier announcing additional steps to combat the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

One of these announcements was particular to schools. The Premier has decided to bring forward the school holidays for students in Victoria to commence from this Tuesday 24th March 2020. St. Joseph’s governing authority (Parish Priest, Fr. John Fitzgerald) strongly endorses this state government requirement and advice.

Therefore, in practical terms for St. Joseph’s this means:

Schooling Update

• Today, Monday schools are open.
• Tomorrow, Tuesday 24th March 2020 the term holiday break starts for all students.
• From Tuesday staff will be working onsite for the remainder of the week.
• While working at St. Joseph’s staff will be subject to strict social distancing guidelines, hygiene requirements and travel restrictions.
• School key tasks over this week will be preparing for home schooling, potentially from the start of next term.
• Term 2, at this stage, will start on Wednesday 15th April 2020 for all students. Any changes families will be advised.

General Learning Continuity

• Please be confident this holiday period is our Term 1 break. Students need to rest, contribute to family life and enjoy the time away from school. I would be conscious that big groups of friends in our homes would be unwise given the current health guidelines.
• In preparation for learning next Term, each student at school today prepared a “Home Learning Journal”. They also took home their pencil case. This is in preparation for Term 2, only in the event of a continued school closure.
• If your child wasn't at school today (Monday 23rd March), you can pick up your child's journal and pencil case from school up until 2:30pm on Friday 27th March.
• The work next term will have a combination of online, pen and paper and student creative approaches to home learning. This will be made available to all when finalised.

Care and supervision program

A modified school “Care and Supervision” program for students who are children of essential services workers or students who are vulnerable (no care available in the short term) is available at St. Joseph’s.

If you think your child fits this category, please email Cathy Duynhoven at cduyn@sjwarrnambool.catholic.edu.au by 6pm tonight (Monday 23rd March, 2020). We will then confirm with individuals. (Examples of essential services may include health, police and emergency services workers.)

Key Reminders

1. Student holidays begin tomorrow Tuesday 24th March.
2. Staff working to Friday 27th March preparing Term 2 program.
3. The term break is about resting, recovery and supporting each other.
4. School Opening advice for Term 2 will be provided when confirmed, at this stage we are preparing for both scenarios; open or closed.

I appreciate the significant impact of these requirements for students, staff and families. In these times our staff team will continue to support all aspects of the development of the whole child both academically and pastorally, I appreciate this commitment to our community.

I also highly value parent cooperation and support for St. Joseph’s. As I said last week our students are the heroes; they have been calm, supportive and careful. Finally, our administration team is available all this week if you have particular questions.