Victorian Music Teachers’ Association

eNotice

 Update #5

Supporting VMTA Members

Response to COVID-19

Latest News 

Stage 3 Government Guidelines: Metropolitan / Mitchell Shire

Stage 2 Government Guidelines: Regional Victoria

VMTA Webinar Series & Responding to COVID-19 Resources

Latest News

Dear ,

We acknowledge the ongoing difficulties facing our membership and the wider teaching community as a result of this global pandemic. Although many of us were preparing to resume face-to-face teaching in Term 3, a change in restrictions has prevented this happening for Metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire.

Despite the easing of restrictions in other areas of the state, the VMTA continues to encourage caution and a considered approach. Together, as a profession and as a state, we will be able to survive this. 

Stage 3 Restrictions
At 11:59pm on Wednesday 8 July 2020, Stage 3 restrictions were imposed for those  in the Melbourne Metropolitan area and Mitchell Shire. As such, government mandate states that you cannot leave home except for one of the following four reasons:

• to shop for food and essential goods or services
• to provide care, for compassionate reasons or to seek medical treatment
• to exercise or for outdoor recreation
• for work or study, if you can't do it from home

While we consider the delivery of music lessons as part of 'education' or 'study', this is not a straightforward issue. Please see further information below regarding the restrictions for Metropolitan Melbourne/Mitchell Shire, as well as advice for those who reside and work in Regional Victoria where currently Stage 2 restrictions are in place. 

Kind regards,

Genevieve Newton
Chief Executive Officer
on behalf of the VMTA Board

Stage 3 Government Guidelines: Metropolitan / Mitchell Shire

Return to Remote Learning
The VMTA has received a number of enquiries following the return to Stage 3 restrictions in the Metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire regions. 

As a result of the government-imposed six-week lockdown and these restrictions, the VMTA strongly recommends remote lessons be continued where possible within these designated regions. 

We understand that alternative arrangements may already be in place for teachers who are connected to the school system, and these will vary depending on school policy and individual circumstances.

Given that Year 11 & 12 students (as well as Year 10s completing a VCE subject) are attending school on-site, a combination of remote and face-to-face teaching may be required to cater for individual circumstances. Private studio teachers who teach VCE music students are advised to use their discretion accordingly. 

The professional advice we have received directly from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is that if a student is undertaking instrumental music tuition as part of their education, they are permitted to leave home to attend a lesson, if it cannot be effectively undertaken remotely. 

This is especially valid in regards to students undertaking or working towards VCE Music subjects, as opposed to adult students learning as a hobby. We recommend that if you require further clarification, you contact DHHS directly on 1300 650 172, as we recognise there is a great deal of variance in teaching contexts across our sector.  

Guidelines for Alternative Arrangements
If you are teaching face-to-face, we advise that you continue to adhere to recommended hygiene measures.

These include:

• maintain social distancing of 1.5m and wear a face mask
• position yourself side-by-side rather than face-to-face with students
• observe strict hand sanitisation and conduct lessons in a well ventilated space
• reduce/minimise contact with shared surfaces and foot traffic
• anyone who feels unwell/shows symptoms must stay home

Our stance aligns with best practice and government guidelines. The VMTA offers this professional advice, as well as information and resources, in support of the decision you make within your context. We encourage you to take an informed  stance regarding your students and their needs, based on your professional judgement and balanced with a respect for the government guidelines.

Stage 2 Government Guidelines:
Regional Victoria

Transition to Face-to-Face Teaching
While the Metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire regions have returned to lockdown and Stage 3 restrictions, most students in Regional Victoria have resumed school as normal.

When teaching face to face, we advise that you adhere to recommended hygiene measures.

These include:

• maintain social distancing of 1.5m
• wear a face mask (where practicable)
• position yourself side-by-side rather than face-to-face with students
• observe strict hand sanitisation and conduct lessons in a well ventilated space
• reduce/minimise contact with shared surfaces and foot traffic
• anyone who feels unwell/shows symptoms must stay home

Although Regional Victoria is currently under Stage 2 restrictions only, the situation continues to evolve rapidly. The government recommendation regarding face masks applies to the entire state and should be observed within teaching spaces. We encourage you to be vigilant in remaining up-to-date with information and in maintaining the relevant measures to keep yourself and your community safe. 

VMTA Webinar Series &
Responding to COVID-19 Resources

Webinars 
It has been wonderful to see such tremendous support for our 2020 Webinar Series. So far these free sessions have covered Child Safety & Mandatory Reporting and Positive Education as well as various topics as part of our String Webinar Series.

There will be more webinars in the String series over the coming months, as well as a Performance Confidence session on Tuesday 28 July at 7:30pm. Click here keep up to date with these as registration details are released. Bookings for the Performance Confidence webinar will open approximately 1 week prior to the event.

Responding to COVID-19
There are a variety of free resources available for VMTA members and our wider sector on the VMTA website. This includes previous updates regarding Covid-19 and remote teaching, information and resources regarding financial, pedagogical and technical support, as well as customisable letter and policy templates.

Disclaimer:
These resources, policies and information are provided in good faith and have been obtained through research using reputable sources. The material is purely of an advisory nature and is intended to provide general guidelines for music teachers including VMTA Members. Individuals and schools are advised to contact the relevant authority and government source regarding any specific matter relating to the content in this document. The VMTA accepts no legal responsibility for any of the material provided.