Push to aid overseas boarders

GEELONG Grammar is seeking government exemption for its overseas students to return to Australia.

The nation’s largest coeducational boarding school said it was calling on federal and state governments to enable international students to resume on-campus learning and living.

Principal Rebecca Cody said boarders were finding it difficult to return to school, following the State Government announcement to resume onsite learning from May 26.

“We are mindful that for a variety of reasons beyond our control, some boarding students will be unable to return to campus in term two,” she said.

“We absolutely understand the difficulty and disappointment that this represents.”

Ms Cody said the school was hopeful that before the start of term three, travel restrictions and requirements would be eased to enable students to return.

“In the interim, we reiterate our commitment to continue remote learning at Geelong Grammar School to support these students,” she said.

The school has outlined a series of conditions of return to on-campus learning and living, including a 14-day “internal group isolation” on campus within each house.

The school has also urged boarding students to get the flu vaccine prior to returning.

Students’ temperatures will be taken each morning, while students will need to complete a daily “COVID-19 health questionnaire” before breakfast each day.

Boarders will be unable to leave the campus grounds until the end of term two, and parents will be restricted from entering the campus during the term.

The Geelong College principal Peter Miller said the school would be staggering the return of its boarders in line with the state’s plan to resume on-site learning.