The health and safety of students, staff and the wider community is our highest priority. Measures are in place in our schools, libraries and child and family learning centres to create a COVID-safe learning environment.
Our way forward
The Department’s COVID-safe schools plan for Term 2 is now available. This sets out how we’ll continue to safely manage COVID-19 in schools and make every day of learning count.
A safe learning environment is our top priority
The most important action you can take is that if your child is unwell, keep them home and get tested.
Proactive measures are in place to limit the impact of COVID-19 in our schools. These include:
Refer to the Keeping safe at school – parents and carers guide for more information.
School attendance is important
Being at school is the best place for our kids. It’s where they learn and grow alongside their friends, and where they benefit the most.
Our new television commercial shows the benefits of attending school regularly. Going to school supports academic success. It also helps build important social skills, relationships and confidence.
Support for students with disability and medically vulnerable
It’s important all students can continue to access education through these times. Students with a disability and who are medically vulnerable will be supported by their school. The school will work closely with parents and carers to identify any appropriate educational adjustments that can be made to support each student’s continued access to teaching and learning programs. This could include additional medical advice within the student’s medical action plan or additional supports within their personalised learning plan. Information for parents and carers on support for students with disability are outlined in this factsheet (PDF, 221KB).
Your common questions answered
The Department’s Secretary, Mr Tim Bullard and Tasmanian Public Health Physician, Dr Shannon Melody answer your common questions about COVID-19 in relation to children and schools.
Refer to the Frequently asked questions for parents and carers for more information. This page will be continually updated.
Talking to children about COVID-19
It’s important to talk to your kids about COVID-19 and what you can do as a family to help slow the spread. Refer to our Supporting health and wellbeing during COVID-19 webpage for useful information. Emerging Minds, Beyond Blue and Red Cross offer useful tips for parents on talking to children about COVID-19. Wellbeing support for students, parents and carers is also available.
Learning from home
If your child needs to isolate due to COVID-19, and if they’re feeling well, they can access the Virtual Learning Centre and learn with the support of an online teacher. To support families with learning from home, check out the following tips:
School and service closures
You will receive information directly from your school should there be a closure.
More information
For the latest information visit:
- Tasmanian Government Coronavirus website
- Australian Government Department of Health website
- Tasmanian Government COVID-19 vaccination website.
- Department of Education’s intranet (link accessible only by staff).
General COVID-19 enquiries – Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.
Vaccination information – National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080.
Catholic or Independent school related COVID-19 enquiries – Catholic Education Tasmania on 03 6210 8888 or Independent Schools Tasmania on 03 6224 0125.
Department of Education COVID Support Hotline – COVID19support@education.tas.gov.au or on 1800 816 057 (if you can’t find an answer to your school related COVID-19 enquiry here).
If you need support translating or interpreting this information, contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450. Alternative language versions and accessibility information is available.
Alerts
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