The state government will bring forward one-off funding amounts of $1.3 million now and a further $2.5 million from 1 July 2020 to assist Victoria’s nearly 500 Catholic schools to undertake enhanced cleaning measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Catholic Education Commission of Victoria Ltd (CECV) Executive Director, Jim Miles welcomed the announcement by Minister for Education, James Merlino.

‘This funding advance will provide welcome relief to immediate cost pressures for our Catholic school communities as they work to ensure schools are ready for the return of students on Tuesday 26 May.’

‘The assistance clearly demonstrates the Andrews Government’s willingness to work in close partnership with us and support all Victorian children no matter which school they attend. It is greatly appreciated by the Catholic sector’, Mr Miles said.

Catholic schools across Victoria will welcome students in Prep, Years 1, 2, 11 and 12, and specialist schools on Tuesday 26 May, in line with the state government’s plan for a phased return to onsite learning, with other year levels to follow on Tuesday 9 June.

More than 20% of all Victorian students attend Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne, and the dioceses of Ballarat, Sale and Sandhurst.

Media contact: Gerard Delaney on 0413 274 176 or gdelaney@cem.edu.au

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