By Mitchell Clarke
A Pakenham Secondary College teacher has tested positive for Covid-19, however the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will not close the school for a deep clean.
A DHHS investigation has found that because the staff member is understood to have not attended the campus while infectious, the school will not be subjected to a shutdown.
The Gazette understands the investigation also determined that the cleaning of the school site was deemed “not necessary”.
In a statement released to the school community on Monday 20 July, principal Ray Squires said staff and students weren’t required to take any further precautionary action.
“I would like to reassure you that we took immediate action as soon as we became aware of the situation and sought advice from DHHS and the Department of Education and Training (DET),” Mr Squires said.
“I can reassure you that we are doing everything we can to ensure the health and safety of our whole school community, and we have followed the advice from DHHS and DET on this matter.
“I ask you to please respect the privacy of the staff member and encourage the community to support each other during this time.”
On site learning will continue at the school for all Year 11 and 12 students, Year 10 students in VCE or VCAL classes and students who are unable to learn from home.
One senior school parent, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she was “absolutely disgusted” by an apparent “lack of transparency”.
The parent said informing the school community through an “obscure link” from the weekly newsletter was hardly providing transparency or trust in the school.
“No information was disclosed as to the staff member, where, how or when they contracted the virus, however it was noted that the school would not close for cleaning and that apparently the staff member did not attend whilst infectious – little to assuage any concerns,” the parent said.
“The fact that our children must attend physically due to undertaking VCE and not being offered any kind of support to work remotely under these circumstances is also abhorrent.
“I do hope that the school administration, Education Department and DHHS take a seriously hard look at themselves and what is actually in the best interests of the students and greater community.”
Pakenham Secondary College referred all inquiries to the Education Department, who said the school was operating in line with current advice, when asked if the school had provided enough clarity.
“Pakenham Secondary College has not been directed to close by DHHS,” a Department spokesperson said.
DHHS did not respond to the Gazette’s request for comment.
