Principal's Newsletter

27th January 2021. Principal. 305 page views.

Principal's Note, Week One Timetable, Face Masks in School, Be SunSmart, College Ground Improvements and Wellbeing Tips.

Dear Parents and Guardians

Welcome to 2021 at Fountain Gate Secondary College. I hope you have all had a great holiday, spent with family, and loved ones and managed to catch some moments and days of peace, enjoyment, and relaxation. I am very excited for the upcoming year and all the wonderful opportunities and events that are planned for this year. While last year may not have been the year we envisioned, we come into this year stronger, wiser, and hopeful. I hope you all enter the school year with enthusiasm and optimism and I look forward to seeing you on campus.

Cheers,

Pete

Timetable for Week One

Face Masks in School

Please see the DHHS website for the latest face mask requirements, as advice may change at short notice.

As per the directions of the Victorian Chief Health Officer, the following actions are mandatory.

• Face masks to be worn by individuals aged 12 years and older when on public transport and school buses – unless you have a lawful exemption.
• Individuals aged 12 years and older must always carry a face mask.
• The same exemptions to the wearing of face masks apply in schools as when people are out in the community. This includes students who are aged 12 years and older and are unable to wear a face mask due to the nature of their disability. This also includes students or staff who have a medical condition, such as problems with their breathing, a serious skin condition on the face, a disability or a mental health condition.

Face masks are recommended for use by staff and students when physical distancing of 1.5m cannot be maintained.

A face mask must cover the nose and mouth. Face shields, scarves or bandanas do not meet these requirements.

Face Masks and Hot Weather

It is important to follow the Victorian Chief Health Officer’s directions on wearing face masks, and there are steps that can be taken to improve comfort during warmer weather:

• Keep hydrated with water.
• Use a single-use mask, or a reusable face mask made from 100 per cent cotton, for increased breathability.
• Wash your reusable mask frequently to maintain effectiveness and bring a spare so you can change your mask if it gets damp or wet.
• Take mask breaks throughout the day, when you’re in settings that do not require them to be worn.

Be SunSmart

A balance of sun exposure is important for health. Excessive exposure to the sun can cause health problems including sunburn, dehydration, damage to skin and eyes, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Too little UV exposure from the sun can lead to low Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is essential for healthy muscles and bones, and overall health.

UV radiation:

 • cannot be seen or felt

• can be reflected off surfaces such as buildings, asphalt, concrete, water, sand and snow

 • can pass through light clouds

• varies in intensity across the year (highest in Victoria from September - April)

• peaks during school hours

Fountain Gate Secondary College has the following measures in place to help reduce the risk of excessive UV sun exposure for staff and students.

Shade

Fountain Gate Secondary College will provide for sufficient options for shelter and trees to provide shade on school grounds, particularly in places such as:

• where students congregate for lunch

• the canteen

• outdoor lesson areas

• assembly areas

• sporting grounds/pools.

Sun protective uniform/clothing

 Fountain Gate Secondary College’s school uniform and dress code includes sun-protective clothing, including:

• loose, cool, closely-woven fabric

 • shirts with a collar and/or high necklines

• tops with elbow length or long sleeves Staff and students are encouraged to wear hat styles that protect the face, neck and ears when outdoors, for example broad-brimmed, legionnaire or bucket.

Sunscreen

Fountain Gate Secondary College encourages all staff and students to apply SPF 30+ (or higher) broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen daily at a minimum from September to the end of April, and whenever UV levels reach 3 and above. Sunscreen should be applied at least 20 minutes before going outdoors, and reapplied every two hours if necessary.

At Fountain Gate Secondary College students are welcome to attend the Front Office, Sub-schools Offices and PE Office to access sunscreen. Staff and students who may suffer from allergic reactions from certain types of sunscreen are encouraged to contact First Aid Officer to implement a management plan to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction at school.

The following additions/rectifications have occurred during the holidays:

• Gymnasium – floor repolished
• Toilet block upgrade

• G1, H3 – new flooring
• H3, H5, P18 and P19 – new furniture
• P11 – new air conditioner
• Centre Basketball court – repaired
• H3, Science Office, P18, P19 – new blinds
• Middle School extension

• New grass areas
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