Private schools order up big on masks in school colours
With the wearing of masks at schools set to become compulsory by Thursday’s classes, some of Melbourne’s most exclusive schools have come up with a creative solution to boost the numbers of students wearing them on campus.
Education
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Private schools are ordering masks in school colours in a bid to boost the numbers of students wearing them on campus.
Margie Powning from Masquerade Costume Hire in Kew has been making masks for students and teachers at some of Melbourne’s most exclusive schools such as Xavier College, Trinity Grammar, St Catherine’s School and St Kevin’s College in Toorak.
“We specialise in masks anyway so it’s not a great jump, and I am happy to be employing staff we had to let go who couldn’t get JobKeeper,” she said.
“They look quite nice and they are locally made.”
Michael Farrugia from Noone Uniforms, which supplies schools such as Brighton Grammar, Lowther Hall and Mentone Grammar, said that after a “desolate month” in April, orders were flowing in for masks in school colours. “If they’ve got green in their school colours, they go for green or if blue they want blue,” he said. The masks retail for around $13 but are bulk-purchased by schools for $9.
Trinity Grammar has also obtained locally-made masks through a school family, which the boys are buying for $10. Principal Adrian Farrer said the school was “asking students and staff to wear masks whenever practical around the school”.
Most schools such as Carey Grammar, have some disposable masks to give out but are encouraging students to bring their own. The school wants mask-wearing to begin on Tuesday.
Principal Gea Lovell from Newhaven College on Philip Island said the school was not in the lockdown zone but their use was being encouraged. “A number of students and parents have been making their own masks, and those who can do so have been encouraged to be creative with their designs,” she said.
St Catherine’s principal Michelle Carroll said the school was implementing “strategies in response to the changing requirements of the Victorian Government to ensure a safe educational environment for St Catherine’s students, staff and broader community”.
The wearing of masks at schools will become compulsory by Thursday’s classes. Some schools, such as Brighton Secondary College, have warned students without a mask or a valid reason not to wear one, would be sent home.