COVID-19 Student Update

Saturday, August 21, 2021 / Coronavirus Student Updates

Today the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced that regional Victoria will move to the same COVID restrictions as metro Melbourne (except for the curfew) from 1.00pm today until 11.59pm Thursday 2 September. Whilst this disruption is disappointing, I have confidence in our community’s capacity to adapt once again, as required.

Today’s decision is due to the ongoing level of community transmission, the large number of mystery cases and a surge of new cases and exposures sites outside of metropolitan Melbourne.

Premier Andrews said that we need to slow the spread of the virus and get in front of this outbreak. That is why Victoria’s Chief Health Officer has declared that all metropolitan Melbourne restrictions – except for the curfew – will be implemented across regional Victoria.

We have been advised that TAFEs must close for face-to-face teaching and shift to remote learning only, unless permitted study (outlined below).

What this means for SWTAFE

All SWTAFE campuses will be closed during the lockdown period
Classes (other than those indicated within this communication) will be via remote learning from Monday 23 August
While campuses will be closed, our Customer Service teams will still be available via 1300 648 911 or learn@swtafe.edu.au or via chat on our website swtafe.edu.au

What this means for SWTAFE students

For Higher Education and Training, the Victorian Government has advised if you can study from home, you should continue to study from home.

SWTAFE will be virtual and remote learning for all classes as per timetable, except for the classes listed below, which are authorised to come on-site (see Class List 1 below).

Please note a small number of classes have a student-free day on Monday, and classes will be commencing Tuesday 24 August 2021 (see Class List 2 below).

Staff and students are reminded not to attend on-site if you have any symptoms.

Class List 1:
The only authorised classes that will access on-campus learning at this time (23 August 2021 – 2 September 2021) will be:

Certificate II in Electrotechnology Studies (Pre-vocational)
Certificate III Electrotechnology Electrician (apprentices)
Certificate II in Building and Construction (Pre-apprenticeship)
Certificate III in Carpentry (apprentices)
Certificate II in Furniture Making
Certificate III in Cabinet Making (apprentices)
Certificate II in Automotive (Vocational Preparation)
Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (apprentices)
Certificate II in Engineering Studies (Pre-vocational)
Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade (apprentices)
Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (apprentices)
Certificate III in Plumbing (apprentices)
Elevating Work Platform at Industry Skills Centre
Forklift at Industry Skills Centre
Certificate IV in Engineering Mon and Thursday evening
Certificate II in Horticulture
Certificate III in Horticulture
Certificate III in Agriculture
Certificate III in Agriculture (Dairy Production)
Certificate IV in Agriculture
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Class List 2:
The following classes will have no classes on Monday and commence remote learning from Tuesday 24 August 2021 for remote or self-paced learning as directed by your teacher:

All Pure Academy Courses
All Arts
Early Childhood Education and Care
English Additional Language (EAL)
VCAL – all campuses
Sport & Recreation
Education Support
Foundation Disability Classes
Developing Independence
General Education

The following courses have been postponed and a new date will be scheduled in due course:

Night welding (Tuesdays in Warrnambool and Portland)
Coffee making short course
Community Services VET School-based Apprenticeships & Traineeships Colac
Provide First Aid
Mental Health First Aid

All other classes will continue as usual, however switch to remote learning as per the timetable.

What this means for South West Disability Services participants

From Monday, South West Disability Services (SWDS) will transition to essential one-to-one support and will continue during the full lockdown period.

Online WebEx sessions will be available on Tuesday and Thursday 10am - 12pm for NDIS eligible participants.

Please contact Disability Services on (03) 5564 8720 - disability.support@swtafe.edu.au to discuss your individual support requirements.

Students wishing to access Webex tutoring support during these times may submit a request via swtafe.edu.au/tutoring

Public exposure sites and vaccinations

The Department of Health (DoH) is actively identifying and updating its list of public exposure sites. We strongly encourage you to monitor risk locations. It is vital that our community follows the DoH guidelines for testing and isolation: if you have visited a public exposure site during the times listed and/or if you are experiencing any of the COVID-19 symptoms, however mild, please test and isolate until further direction is provided. It is also vital that if you or a close contact have visited a public exposure site and visited one of our campuses that you notify your SWTAFE teacher immediately.

The Government have advised that getting vaccinated is our way out of this pandemic. We continue to encourage all staff and students to get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible – do not wait.

All Victorians are encouraged where possible to book their vaccination appointment by visiting portal.cvms.vic.gov.au or by phoning the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.

We'll keep you informed

As ever, SWTAFE will communicate swiftly and accurately as the situation evolves and more information is provided by the Victorian Government.

Amidst the rollercoaster of emotions, the general fatigue and cycle of disappointment, we can remind one another of how fortunate we are. I am grateful for the tremendous capacity of our students and the tireless and generous efforts of our staff.

Best regards,
Mark Fidge
CEO