Many of you would now be aware of the plans that were announced by the Premier last Friday regarding a staged return to school based (face-to-face) learning for Tasmanian schools as part of the Government’s roadmap to recovery.
For Tasmanian Government schools this involves a two-stage process, with primary school students (Kinder to Year 6) and senior secondary students (Year 11 and 12) returning to schools on May 25, and students in Years 7-10 returning on June 9.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Australia, Christian Schools Tasmania has been careful to follow the advice of both State and Commonwealth governments, health authorities, and education departments in our response to this pandemic.
Within that advice, we have tailored our responses to date to achieve outcomes that we believe have been in the best interests of our schools, our students and our families. We commenced distance learning earlier than many schools, and we welcomed student attendance for parents who needed to work or students who could not study satisfactorily at home.
Our transition back to school-based learning will also be tailored to allow us to achieve the best outcomes for our families.
After lengthy discussions with the Executive and Senior staff across our four schools, we believe that student academic outcomes would be best delivered if we welcome all students back for face-to-face learning on Monday May 25. With that in mind, our transition back to school-based learning will be as follows:
From May 25, our schools will be resuming face to face teaching for all year levels, Kinder to Year 12.
Our Distance Learning Programs will cease on May 22. However, schools will continue to provide distance learning materials to any students who are unable to attend school due to being in a vulnerable category until the end of Term 2.
While public health advice has always been that schools are safe places for students, strict health and safety measures will remain in place at our schools to protect staff and students as they return to school sites. This includes:
Strict hand washing and hygiene protocols;
Support for schools to access liquid soap and hand sanitiser;
Frequent cleaning;
Cancellation of gatherings including assemblies, trips, and inter-school activities; and
Parents/carers adhering to social distancing at schools.
Should you have any questions about this announcement, please contact your school directly to discuss.
David Gillman CEO — Christian Schools Tasmania