The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is the calamity of our times.
The outbreak was first reported in Wuhan, China, on 31 December 2019. Since then, more than 110,000 people have died from the disease worldwide (as at 14 April 2020).
Melbourne Grammar School’s response to the health emergency has been considered, careful and taken into account the need for our students to continue with their learning program, in a safe way.
…the health, safety and wellbeing of students, staff and other members of our School community remain our highest priority, together with ensuring that our decisions and actions contribute positively to the resolution of the crisis across the broader community.
Philip Grutzner, Parent Update (by email), 27 March 2020
One aspect of our approach to the situation is to ask our community to ‘Be creative, caring and connected’ by showing compassion and kindness towards those nearby as well as others in our society, while also caring for their own health. We want community members to be creative in how they approach the challenges before them, recognising that, for the moment, some change is inevitable. And we ask people to proactively remain connected to others in the community, and to the School recognising that social distancing is only a physical construct.
Key actions taken to date
Transition to off-campus learning
The School commenced a temporary transition to off-campus learning on Wednesday 18 March 2020, with an exodus from the Boarding House commencing on this date.
Face to face classes concluded on Thursday 19 March, and off-campus learning programs began on Monday 23 March. Scheduled School holidays commenced on Friday 27 March.
Parents were advised that off-campus learning for all students would continue into Term II, commencing Friday 17 April 2020.
In his email (2 April 2020) to parents advising them of these arrangements, Mr Grutzner said: “We believe this decision is in the best interests of our students, staff and families, as well as the broader community. Social distancing appears to be our best weapon against COVID-19 and it seems to be working.”
These decisions were formally endorsed by School Council based on recommendations by School Executive.
You can read about our thinking behind off-campus learning here and here. Find out about the experiences of staff and students during the first week of off-campus learning here.
Support for medical personnel, emergency services workers and Children at Risk
The School is providing on-campus supervision for children in Prep to Year 12 at Melbourne Grammar whose parents who are medical professionals operating at the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic or are emergency service personnel during periods of off-campus learning. We recognise that these people must have every opportunity to continue to serve in their crucial role.
Support for Children at Risk will also be in place.
Rebates applied to Term II Tuition Fees
In a historic decision, the School Council determined that there would be adjustments to School Fees for Term II, 2020.
In writing to parents (by email) on 8 April 2020 from Michael Bartlett, Chairman of Council, and Philip Grutzner, Headmaster recognised that the generosity of our many donors and benefactors and current and prior good financial management means the School is well placed to face the challenges ahead.
They explained that, however, cognisant of the temporary shift in the School’s educational model, the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and other factors, the following adjustments would apply:
- A 25% reduction in the tuition fee that would normally be paid after allowing for any existing scholarship, bursary or concession support will apply for Grimwade House students. The reduction is 15% for Wadhurst and Senior School students.
- Boarding fees will not be charged while the Boarding House remains closed.
- Students who currently receive a level of financial support through Scholarships and Bursaries will retain their existing levels of support.
You can read the entire message to parents here.
APS Sport cancelled
On 13 March 2020, APS Heads decided that, with the exception of 1st team sport, all other levels of regular APS sporting competitions (including Year 5 and 6 fixtures) would not proceed for the remainder of Term I 2020. Members of our community involved in 1st sport were asked to adhere to the health and safety precautions recommended the government.
Given the escalating nature of the COVID-19 situation, APS Heads later agreed that 1st team sport should cease for the remainder of Term I and for Term II.
Concerts, camps and other events cancelled or postponed
On 16 March 2020, the Headmaster advised Melbourne Grammar School parents, staff and students that, in wishing to protect the health of our school community, the following changes to the School program would occur:
- There will be no assemblies, House assemblies, chapel services, concerts, large musical groups, VIA program, parent teacher nights or school social functions until further notice.
- Term I camps, including LGR, have been cancelled. It is anticipated that Term II camps will also be cancelled.
- Any interstate or overseas school trips planned for later this year will not proceed.
Community events, such as reunions, have also been cancelled or postponed.
You can view the current status of community events here.
Keeping people informed and connected
Members of the Melbourne Grammar School community have been kept informed about the School’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic through regular (email) correspondence.
A COVID-19 Resource Hub (website) has been launched. This contains all updates provided to parents, materials which provide support for off-campus learning, health and wellbeing, and faith and spirituality as well as strategies for staying connected the School and to each other.
You’ll also find video messages from the Headmaster filmed at various locations around the School on the site, as well as his book readings for younger students, all filmed prior to social distancing measures being in place.
This a public website as we want to share our resources with other schools and the wider community.
