Dear Mr Andrews,

On behalf of our children, our 2021 year 12 students ask for certainty and a clear plan for the remainder of their last year of school.

We join the government in greatly hoping the current measures lead the daily case rate back to ease lockdown on 2/9/21, but realistically have grave concerns that with the Delta strain, this may not be possible.

We propose immediate access to vaccinations, to aid in providing a Covid safe examination environment and security for our students.

The ensuing uncertainty is very difficult for all, but particularly this cohort. They are desperate to go through the testing process they have prepared for and seen their peers and siblings complete, to be fairly ranked to give them the best opportunity to venture to after school outcomes. It is the formalisation of reward for effort.

In Victoria our 1 million students have missed more days at school than any other country in the world and the toll is becoming an unheard pandemic.

You are aware of the data. There has been a 184% increase on Kids Help Line of children with suicidal idolisation and there are 148 students a week presenting at Victorian hospitals with self harm or worse. 

We need to listen to our children and acknowledge the mental load. Our VCE/IB students want to return to school and complete their exams to aid in a sense of purpose and achievement.

Our next generation needs your support and access to an accelerated vaccine rollout.

We wait your response.

Kind regards,

VCE 2021 Parents’ Group (VTTPG)

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