COVID Update

This term, like many schools across the state, we have experienced some staffing challenges due to absences related to COVID and a particularly nasty and contagious flu. At Casey Grammar, we have managed well with a large pool of Casual Relief Teachers (CRTs). However, as the year has progressed, our CRT numbers have reduced. With COVID and flu cases continuing to rise amongst staff, we have considered strategies to ensure that the daily operations of the school continue with as little disruption as possible.

Some of these strategies may include:

• Year levels being asked to work asynchronously from home.  On Monday, all Year 11 students worked asynchronously from home. Depending on the staff shortages, other year levels may also be asked to work at home. We will endeavour to give families at least 24 hours’ notice if students are required to work from home.
• Year levels and/or classes may be combined.  As student numbers fluctuate due to illness, this is a good option for keeping students in class.
• Some excursions or special school activities may be cancelled or postponed at very short notice.  I apologise for this, however it is impossible to anticipate when staffing challenges may occur as we are working on a day-by-day situation.

Please note that when staffing the school, we will prioritise our timetabled classes. Maintaining student learning with few, or no, disruptions is our highest priority.

I’d also like to remind parents that RATs will continue to be distributed for the remainder of this term, as they have been throughout this school year. However, from this week, students and staff are no longer required to undertake twice-weekly RATs.

Students and staff are only required to take a RAT if they have COVID symptoms OR if they are a household contact. Household contacts should take a RAT each morning before school and must have five negative tests over a seven day period to come to school.

Families must continue to notify the Department of Health and the school if their child returns a positive result. Additionally, please inform us if any of your children are household contacts.

A Busy Week of School Events

Last week was a very full week with a range of activities for all year levels. Senior School students enjoyed National Careers Week and particularly the careers dress-up day last Friday. Careers Week culminates tonight with the Senior School Subject Selections Fair which starts at 6pm.

Year 9 students had a wonderful week exploring the city of Melbourne. I extend my thanks to Fern Schreuder and Peter Shepard for the work involved to make this experience a reality for the students. It’s wonderful being able to travel freely around our beautiful city again.

Year 12 students had a lovely evening at the 2022 Senior School Formal. Our students and staff looked lovely in their formal finery and a great evening was had by all.

Car Park Patience

Over recent weeks, some of our students have been frightened when their parents have exchanged angry words in the car park. Our children learn from our behavior. I implore you to always show respect and patience in the car park.

Marnebek School Capital Works

Our neighbor, Marnebek School, is about to commence a significant building program. Over the coming months I will keep you as informed as possible about potential disruptions to our school operations due to their building works. Please be aware that there will be more traffic coming in and out of New Holland Drive, including work vehicles, delivery trucks and heavy machinery.

Thank you

Stay safe, stay well.

Fiona Williams

Principal