Dear Parents and Friends of St Mary’s,

Welcome back to Term Three, and what a busy and exciting term we have ahead of us.

I hope you all could get some well-deserved rest time over the holidays and were not having to deal with lurgies and colds that wreaked havoc over the last term.

The students are busily preparing for the Eisteddfod, and from what I have seen and heard over the past few days, the students are well underway with their recitations, vocal groups and play. The newsletter and Class Dojo will make all Eisteddfod details available in the coming weeks.

As we face another wave of COVID, below is the latest information regarding the use of face masks. 

The Victorian Government has supplied schools with a stock of N95 masks suitable for staff and older children. Child-size surgical masks are available for younger students, therefore all staff and students have access to a range of appropriate face mask options.

Wearing a face mask can help protect you and those around you. Face masks stop droplets from spreading when you talk, cough, sneeze and laugh, which lowers your chance of spreading or catching COVID-19.

Schools should communicate the following face mask advice to staff, students and families:

• It is strongly recommended that face masks are worn indoors (noting that exceptions to the recommendation apply to teaching circumstances when clear enunciation or visibility of the mouth is essential).
• Any students or staff members who wish to wear a face mask may do so, including those who are medically at-risk.
• Everyone aged eight (8) years or over must wear a face mask when travelling on public transport, taxis or ride-share vehicles unless a lawful exemption applies. This includes when travelling to and from school, school activities, school camps and excursions on school buses or via public transport.

We continue to follow all COVID safe measures for our school to prevent the risk of spreading infection.

Take care,

Maria.