MASK WEARING

As you are aware, the College has been closely monitoring its COVID-19 absence data since the beginning of this year and a decision was made in mid-August that we would review the overall COVID situation at the College, and in Tasmania more broadly, at the end of winter (August).

Our COVID data has indicated a strong trend of lessening COVID absences for students over the course of Term 3.

As a result of a review of this data, and also with reference to other Public Health restriction easing in Tasmania and Australia, a decision has been made that it is the appropriate time for the College to remove its existing indoor mask mandate for adult members of the College community. The cessation of this requirement will take effect from the commencement of Monday 5 September, and will be subject to the following parameters:

• Students will continue to be required to wear masks for the remainder of this Term in large indoor gatherings, such as assembly. Attending staff at these gatherings will also be required to wear masks in line with student use.
• For staff returning from periods of illness (whether that be COVID-19, or any other cold/flu type symptom illnesses) a mask is required to be worn whilst indoors at the College for a period of 5 days after return from illness.

Continued mask use is encouraged based on an individual’s personal choice.

Mandatory mask use by adults will also no longer be required on College buses (including the driver) and for adults attending College events, as of next Monday 5 September.

I take this opportunity to thank the entire community for its patience and adherence to our COVID-19 controls.

As always, please do not attend school if you or your child are symptomatic. This remains our primary control regarding the management of COVID-19 and other illnesses within our community.

Ben Marsland
Acting Principal