As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to increase across Victoria, Catholic Education Melbourne has made the decision to cancel or postpone all events planned for next week’s Catholic Education Week.
‘The decision to cancel or postpone Catholic Education Week events was not made lightly, but it is in the best interests of student and staff wellbeing’, said Catholic Education Melbourne Acting Executive Director Jim Miles.
‘We are working with the government and independent school sectors, and acting on the latest advice provided by the Australian and Victorian Chief Medical Officers to ensure that our practices are helping to keep our school communities safe from the outbreak.’
‘Although this is disappointing given the exciting events that were planned, the wellbeing of our school communities comes first.’
‘The health and safety of our school communities is our highest priority’.
It is expected that some events, including the Mass, can be accommodated later in the year when the threat of COVID-19 subsides.
The following Catholic Education Week events have been cancelled or postponed:
- 16–21 March – Creative Arts Exhibition
- 17 March – Mass of St Patrick for Schools
- 17 March – Concert in Treasury Gardens
- 17 March – Young Speakers Colloquium
- 18 March – Graduate Teacher Celebration
- 19 March – Creative Arts Exhibition Evening Awards Presentation
- 20 March – St Patrick’s Day Dinner and the Patrick Oration.
Catholic Education Week provides an opportunity for all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne to celebrate their Catholic identity, the pivotal role they play within their local community and the strength of the sector.
Further information: Michael Pountney, Acting Assistant Director Catholic Education Melbourne, 0409 860 884.
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