The Minister for Education, The Hon. James Merlino, has approved a requirement to pre-emptively close education facilities listed as Category 4 on the bushfire/grassfire at risk  register on days declared as ‘Code Red’ in each weather district. 

In previous years, schools at risk of grassfires were not required to close on ‘Code Red’ days.  However, based on lessons learned from the 2019/2020 bushfire season it has been determined that all schools on the register will now close on these days. This provides a consistent approach to school closures within Victoria and will protect and preserve the lives of students, staff and education communities. 

St Joseph's Primary School Wonthaggi is listed on the bushfire/grassfire register and in accordance with these changes we will be required to pre-emptively close on Code Red days.