A principal who sparked a Covid outbreak by encouraged students to attend school during lockdown for their mental health has been shamed by health authorities as he and the school face huge fines.
Fitzroy Community School principal Timothy Berryman repeatedly encouraged parents to send their children to the school while Victoria was in lockdown.
Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said an investigation into the 'alternative' school in North Fitzroy would decide what sanction it should receive.
'Our first priority is the wellbeing of those kids and their family and the staff,' he said at Monday's coronavirus press conference.
'This school has some history when it comes to sailing pretty close to chief health officer orders.
Fitzroy Community School Principal Timothy Berryman wrote to parents: 'Please feel free to send your child to school if you feel that this is best for them or best for your family balance'
'Our compliance people - after the priority of responding to the outbreak is dealt with - will investigate the matter and based on whatever outcomes they come up with, take appropriate action.'
The independent primary school was identified yesterday by Victorian deputy chief health officer Dan O’Brien as the source of an outbreak affecting 31 students and staff as of Monday.
Mr Foley would not be drawn on whether Mr Berryman and the school would face fines of thousands of dollars or possible deregistration of the school or Mr Berryman.
'I think everyone should follow the chief health officer's orders. And that where you don't, there are consequences,' he said.
'Not the least being kids get sick. Families get sick.'
Up to 60 children were attending classes each day and more than 180 people were close contacts, making the school a Tier 1 exposure site.
At least 30 students and staff tested positive at Fitzroy Community Centre at Fitzroy North, Melbourne
Philip O'Carroll, co-founder of the Fitzroy Community School, speaks to media in Melbourne on Monday
Mr Berryman told parents he could not 'in good conscience' continue to request they kept their children at home.
'Please feel free to send your child to school if you feel that this is best for them or best for your family balance,' the email seen by The Age read.
'I do not write this lightly, as this does breach government imposed directives for schools.'
He argued children should
