Uncertainty over return of students from lockdown zones
GEELONG schools are facing growing uncertainty as to whether they will welcome back students and staff from Melbourne’s lockdown areas next week.
Premier Daniel Andrews on Tuesday said work and study, if unable to be completed from home, was one of the three reasons people can cross the border of locked down Melbourne municipalities.
A number of students travel between the now shutdown neighbouring area of Wyndham, which includes suburbs Werribee, Point Cook and Little River, to the Geelong region for schooling.
Geelong Grammar principal Rebecca Cody said it was seeking government advice on how the restrictions will impact its Corio campus staff and students who live in lockdown areas but intend to leave their residences to travel for work and study.
“This is not the situation we hoped to be in for the commencement of Term 3,” Ms Cody said.
“The surge of COVID-19 cases in greater metropolitan Melbourne has been alarming and unsettling for many.
“Whilst we acknowledge that some may find these measures challenging, our decision-making will continue to prioritise the safety, health and wellbeing of our students, staff and their families.”
Ms Cody said the school was also planning to provide bus transport from New South Wales and South Australian borders to facilitate the return of interstate students.
While the school break will be extended for one week for students in locked down areas, schools in Geelong will resume on-site learning as planned from Monday.
Ms Cody said all students would be required to undertake a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of arrival at the Corio campus, with boarders undertaking a period of “internal group isolation” until receiving a negative test result. She said students must wear masks in classrooms, common areas and shared spaces, as well as on trains and buses.
Geelong College said the impact of greater restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne on its co-curricular program also remained unclear.
Principal Dr Michael Miller said student bus services were set to resume.