COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Student Update 9

Friday, May 29, 2020 / Coronavirus Student Updates

A brief update today, with only minor changes in our remote study mode of operations.

The Department of Education update

The Department of Education and Training have this week advised, for the majority of training provision by TAFEs across Victoria; there has been no change to the previous advice relating COVID-19. This means:

TAFE and training organisations should continue to deliver online and remote learning wherever possible
where face-to-face training is necessary, we must ensure the provision of hands-on, skills-based learning is provided in line with health advice
physical distancing practices must be maintained including keeping a distance of 1.5m between individuals where possible
where physical distancing is not possible, please follow Department of Health and Human Services guidelines including regular hand washing, opening windows, cleaning equipment, and wearing masks

At this point in time, we have no indication of when ‘normal’ operations may resume. We will be guided by the Victorian Government and the Victorian Chief Health Officer in regard to when students and staff may return to campus.

VCAL AND VET students approved to return to campus

We have also received advice from Victoria’s Chief Health Officer that 2020 VCE, VCAL and VET students will now be able to attend classes on-site as long as the delivery of training is carried out in line with DHHS guidelines.

This means SWTAFE will be able to welcome back VCAL students next week, and VETDSS students very soon, which is great news. Plans have now been put into action and more detail is being provided to relevant students as details are confirmed.

On-campus OHS rules and requirements
Until there is a vaccine available, we are all learning how to live with COVID-19 and this means ensuring we have the appropriate OHS protocols at every campus to keep our staff and students safe.
On-campus behaviour will have to change and it won’t look like it did pre-COVID-19. This is now the new normal, and just like any other OHS issue, we need to treat these protocols very seriously.

Any students attending a SWTAFE campus will be required to comply with a range of new COVID-19 safety protocols, including:

Practice social distancing at all times – this means 1.5m apart at all times anywhere on campus
Practice good hand hygiene (consider washing hands after using computers, attending meetings, touching any surfaces)
If you are unwell, stay at home

It is our intention to create the safest environment possible for the SWTAFE community and this will require the commitment of all of our students and staff. I ask that you respect these new requirements in order for us to achieve this goal.

Easing of restrictions from Monday 1st June
In line with advice from the Chief Health Officer, the Victorian Government this week announced some further easing to restrictions. The update to restrictions can be viewed here:
vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions-victoria

Please continue to follow the government guidelines to keep yourself and your family safe.

Mark Fidge
CEO
South West TAFE