Letter – Face Coverings July

31 July 2020

Dear Parents and Carers

Re: Face Coverings

As you would now be aware, the Victorian Government has introduced a law requiring all Victorians over the age
of 12 to wear face masks, or appropriate face coverings, when they leave their homes. At MEC, this will mean the
following rules will apply from Monday 3 August.

The mandated use of face coverings for Victorian residents is a public health measure and will be treated as such
by our school community. We seek cooperation with all students and families as we introduce this new measure.
We understand that some members of our community will find it more challenging than others and we will support
them to see the wider community safety benefits when everyone wears an appropriate face covering.

Students

•  Students in Prep-6 and the specialist setting will not be required to wear a face covering, but they can do
  so if they wish. Students who are aged 12 or over in Year 6 or the specialist setting will not be required to
  wear face coverings when at school.
•  All students in Years 7-12 will need to wear a face covering, including when travelling to and from school,
  unless they are travelling alone in a vehicle or with members of their household.
•  Students are required to wear a face covering in class and in the yard on breaks.
• Students in Years 7-12 and staff who are engaged in organised strenuous physical activity as part of their
  physical education program will be permitted to remove their masks for the duration of the activity.
• Students in Years 7-12 who choose not to wear face coverings will be required to work from home.
• Students who choose to misuse face coverings will be required to work from home.

Parents

• Parents/carers and other visitors to the school will be required to wear face coverings whenever they leave
  the house, including for school drop off and pick up. If they are travelling in a car alone, or only with
  members of their household, they do not need to wear a mask.

Staff

• All school-based staff must wear face coverings at school, and when travelling to and from school.
• Teachers and education support staff will not be required to wear face coverings while teaching, but those
  who wish to do so, can. Teachers should wear face coverings in other areas of the school when not teaching
  (for example, in the staffroom, on yard duty and when providing first aid or taking temperatures), and when
  travelling to and from school.

Exemptions

• Some students and staff are exempt from these requirements. This includes students or staff who have a
  medical condition – including problems with their breathing, a serious skin condition on the face, a disability
  or a mental health condition. A medical certificate will be required before the principal will provide an
  exemption.

Appropriate Face Coverings
A face covering is either a face mask or face shield. A face covering needs to be worn covering both your nose and mouth.

• A face mask is recommended, and includes any paper or textile covering designed or made to be worn over
  the nose and mouth to protect the wearer. It does not have to be medical grade and you can make your
  own. There are instructions on how to make your own mask on the Department of Health and Human
  Services website
• If a face mask is not available other forms of face covering may be used such as a scarf or bandana.
• A face shield means any film made from plastic or other transparent material designed or made to be worn
  like a visor, covering from the wearer’s forehead to below the chin area and wrapping around the sides of
  the wearer’s face, to provide the wearer protection.
• All face coverings need to be appropriate for school.

If you feel your child will have particular issues with wearing face coverings at school, or in the wider community,
please contact the appropriate assistant principal or year level coordinator to discuss how we can support your
child.

Please visit the website found here for more information: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/face-masks-and-coveringscovid-19

Yours sincerely

David Sutton
Principal