Update (02/09/2021):

Extended restrictions for Victoria

Dear Members of the School Community,

Due to the ongoing level of community transmission of COVID-19, the Victorian Government has announced the current restrictions in place across Victoria will be extended. This means remote and flexible learning will continue at the David Scott School until the end of Term 3 (17/09). Any update or change to this will be communicated through the school’s Compass portal.
There are no changes to the current operational settings in schools or the categories of students who can attend on-site.
Supported On-Site Remote Learning

Current arrangements for supervised remote learning onsite will continue for students experiencing vulnerability. Covid safe rules as previously outlined will continue to apply.

Vaccination blitz

To help support the safe conduct of end-of-year exams, the Victorian Government today announced a vaccination blitz for final year school students. The blitz will begin on 7 September and continue until 17 September. During the blitz, final year students will have access to priority timeslots to attend their vaccination appointment at a vaccination centre.
Final year students will also be able to book their first and second doses via a dedicated appointment booking hotline. These additional pathways will help support a faster booking process and minimise absence for students during their schooling hours. The Department of Health will release details of the dedicated phone number and session information on Friday, September 3.

COVID-19 and Vaccination – Your questions answered webinar
The Victorian Department of Health is hosting a live webinar for final year students, their families and educators to provide information on COVID-19 vaccination. You can join the free webinar on Friday 3 September, 4.00-5.00pm via this link (no need to register).

Topics covered include:
• Vaccines, development and safety
• Accessing and consenting to a vaccination
• How to book an appointment
• Q+A with the panel.

This event will be held via Microsoft Teams Live. For access information, visit Attend a live event in Teams.
I trust our school community will do the right thing at this time, by complying with the restrictions in place and making careful and supportive decisions that limit movement through the community.
Thank you again, for supporting your student’s learning during this time.
Please contact the school on (03) 8781 5907 with any questions.

Catherine Arnold
Principal
David Scott School

In order to ensure clear communication between the school at this stage:

The school will reach out to all parents via:
–   Compass – please use your login previously sent this term.

If you wish to communicate or discuss any concerns with the school:

Email: info@davidscottschool.vic.edu.au
Phone: (03) 8781 5911
School operations/hours: 8.30am – 4.30pm Mon-Fri.

Specific queries and contacts could also be provided and directed accordingly:

If you have a subject, assignment or resource  enquiry contact Daniel O’Hara: daniel.ohara@bsl.org.au

If you have a technology-related problem. issue or enquiry contact Aaron Quarrell: aaron.quarrell@bsl.org.au

If you have a personal, academic issue contact Stacey Bushell: stacey.bushell@bsl.org.au  

If you have a  social-emotional issue contact Jaime Rees: jaime.rees@bsl.org.au  

If you have a finance, supplier payment or school administration query contact Craig Colgan: craig.colgan@bsl.org.au

Important links to encourage parents to stay informed via official information and avoid social media misinformation:

• https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert

• https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/australian-health-sector-emergency-response-plan-for-novel-coronavirus-covid-19

• https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

• https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/coronavirus-covid-19

The David Scott School’s response to managing the virus continues to be informed by the regularly updated advice provided by the Australian Government Department of Health www.health.gov.au and the Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services. www.dhhs.vic.gov.au

Please be advised that due to the current pandemic, a number of changes to school operation are in effect until further notice.

Hours of operation – the school will operate on a reduced schedule 8:30 AM until 3:30 PM daily. Please note that phones will be staffed until 4:30 however, the school will be closed at 3:30 PM sharp.

Visitors – the number of visitors to the High Street Centre are currently being limited. No visitors will be permitted to the school without a prior appointment and only for urgent school business.

Masks: following newly introduced restrictions masks will now be compulsory for all individuals at the High Street Centre.