COVID-19 UPDATE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

The school year has started extremely smoothly, and I thank all parents, students and staff for the way ‘we’ have adapted to the current COVID environment. Although our Return to School Plan was well researched, informed and logical, these initial weeks have been a test to determine the effectiveness of the strategies we have put in place to maintain the health of our students, especially the younger ones who aren’t yet fully vaccinated, and to keep all students learning in the classroom.

To date we have had a total of 22 students across the College who have tested positive for COVID (with eight of these being pre-existing, prior to school returning) and missed time from the classroom. As per the table below we have had a maximum of nine students absent due to having COVID on any given day and currently we have two students absent from class. Whilst self-praise is no recommendation, I think these figures reflect the efficacy of the measures we have put in place and the outstanding support from you, our community, in maintaining continuity of teaching and learning in the College; thank you.

No doubt in the coming weeks the number of students who test positive to COVID will fluctuate; however, the general trend of consistently low numbers is very pleasing and provides confidence that all our efforts are paying dividends.

On a related matter, Independent Schools Tasmania has communicated the following information pertinent to all students over the age of 16:

Tasmanian students aged 16 and over can get their COVID-19 booster three months after their second dose. This includes people who were aged 15 when they had their second dose and are now aged 16.

Get your booster as soon as it is due as this is the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community.
 
Go to MyGov and check when you had your second dose on your COVID-19 immunisation certificate.
 
Community vaccination clinics are running across the state and appointments are available.
 
Book at coronavirus.tas.gov.au/vaccine or call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.
 
Vaccinations are also available at participating GPs and pharmacies.

Unlike the initial vaccination roll-out for TCE students in 2021, Public Health are not coordinating booster shots through schools.

Once again, thank you for your support in keeping our community healthy and our students in class.

Andy Müller
Principal