Coronavirus Melbourne: Yarra Valley Grammar on edge over private school sport

The state government will let private school sport go ahead on the weekend, after it appeared only community competitions would be allowed following the lifting of Covid restrictions.

Yarra Valley Grammar students Rhea, Kana, Edward, Jackson and the school’s director of sport, Andrew Parkes. Picture: Jason Edwards

The state government has avoided a double standard and will let private school students play sport this weekend, after initially only giving the green light to community competitions.

Education Minister James Merlino confirmed on Wednesday night inter-school sport was allowed to resume in line with public health advice for community sport.

A DHHS spokeswoman had earlier told Leader inter-school sport involving two or more schools was not allowed.

Mr Merlino said spectators would still be banned and events would be limited to the minimum number of people required to facilitate the activity.

It comes after a principal pleaded with authorities to let his students play sport on the weekend after another gruelling lockdown.

Yarra Valley Grammar principal Mark Merry said the school was set to host about 1000 students from eight other private schools across Melbourne in a cross-country running event on Saturday, July 31.

He said the group of schools, which includes students from as far as Essendon and Mount Eliza, were desperately trying to clarify with authorities if the event could proceed.

Yarra Valley Grammar students Edward, 14, Rhea, 15, Kana, 15 and Jackson, 15 are hoping to run in an inter-school cross country event on the weekend. Picture: Jason Edwards

“If it is a technicality, it would be a big shame if we can’t get out there,” Dr Merry said.

“Kids have had enough sitting at home, they want to get out and play, and this Saturday is a great opportunity for kids all over Melbourne to be playing sport.

“If you consider all the concerns out there about people’s mental health, clearly this is a great opportunity just to re-engage students back into community life.”

Dr Merry said an extra 500 students were also expected at its Ringwood campus on Saturday as part of winter sport competitions for football, soccer and netball.

He said the school was “ruthless” with its Covid-19 safety measures and wanted to bring some normality back to students’ lives.

“We don’t want a re-run with 2020 where the whole year spins out of control,” he said.

“We want to inject a bit more certainty and at least give them a chance to run out on the grounds in school colours, because that’s what they really want to do.”

Mr Merlino said other inter-school activities such as music or performances could also resume with a density limit of one person per four square metres at each space or venue.

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