COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Student Update 16

While many of our students will continue with remote learning during term four, onsite attendance is permitted for hands-on, skills-based learning and assessments and other activity that can’t be conducted via remote learning. 

Where face-to-face training is necessary, all training will be provided in line with DHHS protocols and the most recent health advice

Any on-campus learning must be in line with the current safety advice - keeping 1.5 metres apart and wearing a fitted face mask.

Term 4 updates

VCAL and VET DSS
We welcome back our VCAL and VET DSS students to campus on the 12 October – in line with the regional Victorian schools.

The Library
The Library will re-open its doors on the 5 October to our staff and students and will be open from Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4:30pm.

To ensure the safety of our staff and students the following protocols have been put in place for the utilisation of the Library:

• 14 persons limited at any given time
• Students and Staff must book ahead by calling the Library on 5564 8956 to access the Library services
• All clients will be asked to:
  • Sign in and sign out of the library
  • Have in place a current COVID 19 declaration
  • Adhere to all social distancing and sanitising regulations
  • Wear a mask at all times
  • Clean their workspace before and after use
  • Follow all reasonable requests from staff
• Bookings for the “B” building study lab are also taken through the Library

The Bookshop
The Bookshop will re-open on 5 October to staff and students at the Warrnambool campus. The opening hours for the bookshop will be as follows:

• Monday 9:00am – 1:00pm
• Tuesday 9:00am – 1:00pm
• Thursday 9:00am – 1:00pm

To ensure the safety of our staff and students the following protocols have been put in place for the utilisation of the Bookshop:

• 1 person limit at any given time in the Bookshop
• All clients will be asked to:
  • Sign in upon entering the Bookshop
  • Have in place a current COVID 19 declaration
  • Adhere to all social distancing and sanitising regulations
  • Wear a mask at all times
  • Follow all reasonable requests from staff

Student Study Spaces
South West TAFE continues to provide study space options for our students should they not be able to study from home. If students require to book a study space please contact your local campus:

• Warrnambool Campus (Library) -5564 8956
• Portland Campus - 5521 0444
• Hamilton - 5551 4144
• Colac - 5564 8589

Student work drop-off and pick-up service
The Skills and Jobs Centre, located in the old courthouse on Timor Street in Warrnambool, continues to provide a tracked student drop-off and pick-up point for all work that needs to be given to teachers. This is replicated at our regional campuses.

Current restrictions in place in Regional Victoria

Regional Victoria is currently in the third step of Victoria’s COVID-19 roadmap for reopening, this means:

• Fitted face masks must be worn by all Victorians when they leave home unless they have a lawful exception. Face shields, scarves and bandanas are now no longer accepted.

• There are no restrictions on the reasons to leave home

• You must not travel to metropolitan Melbourne except for permitted work purposes, care and compassionate reasons or shopping for food and supplies, if necessary

• Groups of up to ten people will be able to meet outdoors

• Schools can return to onsite learning in term 4

• Adult learning must be from home if possible

Click here to read more on what’s included in the third step

Staying safe at South West TAFE

• Wash your hands regularly
• Wear a face covering when you leave home
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow
• Keep at least 1.5 metres from others
• Limit your movement around campus
• Limit your gatherings on campus
• If you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) get tested and stay home. Stay at home if you feel unwell.

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

We're here to support you

We have a wide range of support services that can be utilised by any student, any time.
Click here to find out more.

Thank you

Thank you so much to everyone for adapting to these changes and I hope everyone is looking forward to the start of term four.

Every member of the SWTAFE team is committed to supporting your education through this challenging time and I continue to be impressed at how well our students and staff have adapted to the new normal we find ourselves in.

Shannyn Martin
Acting CEO
South West TAFE