That's not a problem at Sebastopol Primary School where all of its staff are either fully vaccinated or had their first dose and booked in for their second.

And their senior students have been quick to protect themselves, with all of the eligible grade six students having had at least one COVID jab.

"I'm really proud to say all my 12-year-old year six students have either had one or both jabs and that's a reflection of their family support because they need a parent to get them there," said principal Michelle Wilson.

Ms Wilson has led by example, posting to the school's Facebook page when she received her vaccinations over recent months.

"Everyone has just taken on the Victorian Government health message and used local GPs, local chemist outlets and the state run hub at the Mercure which has been fantastic," she said.

Some younger staff had to wait for the vaccine rollout to include their age groups, Ms Wilson said.

"It's really lovely to know as a community that everyone is taking on board the vaccination. We have just tried to synthesise information so it's accessible for our school community. At the end of the day it's up to families so we try to be positive about staying healthy and well.

"Part of my reasoning is I don't want any of our kids to get it. I'm concerned about it getting in to our school. Like every school we've got children here with disabilities ... so the more the rest of us are vaccinated the safer it is for everyone."

This week Ms Wilson has had some staff off work because they have children at Delacombe or Alfredton Primary Schools, which have recorded nine COVID cases between them, or isolating because they have been at other exposure sites.

IN OTHER NEWS

Under the government's schools vaccine mandate, staff must have had their first COVID jab by Monday, or have an appointment before October 25, and receive their second dose by November 29 unless they provide a medical exemption.

Any teachers or staff who do not meet the vaccination requirements between Monday and the end of term will not be allowed to work at a school and will not be assigned alternative duties. They will have to use any leave entitlements they have.

But from the start of next year, paid and unpaid leave will not be available to teachers and school staff who are not vaccinated or do not have an exemption, and they face losing their jobs from the end of April.

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