Regarding Thebarton Senior College and Roma Mitchell Secondary College
We have been liaising with SA Health about the confirmed diagnosis of the Thebarton Senior College and Roma Mitchell Secondary College student.
SA Health have advised that Roma Mitchell Secondary College and Thebarton Senior College will be closed on Monday 3 August 2020.
The Communicable Disease Control Branch of SA Health has advised that an adult who attended these sites has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
The Department for Education enacted its COVID-19 protocol and has shut the sites for a minimum of 24 hours to enable deep cleaning to occur.
Public health officials have carried out contact tracing and the Department for Education and SA Health will inform anyone who needs to self-isolate.
Staff and students of TAFE SA do not currently need to take additional precautions unless advised by SA Health.
However, all people should continue to practice the following measures to protect themselves and others:
In the event that we are advised of a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis of a person who attends a TAFE SA campus, we will enact our COVID-19 Response Plan and the campus will be shut down for a minimum of 24 hours to complete a bio-hazard clean of the campus.
The campus will not reopen until public health officials indicate it is safe to do so.
It’s important that right now we all remain calm.
We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation. The state, federal and international response to the virus is informing our response to ensure we are providing a safe environment for students and staff.
TAFE SA has revitalised the learning experience for students by implementing blended training delivery.
Students will continue their learning via digitally enabled methods while also attending a TAFE SA campus for the practical and assessment components of their course.
Where course content can be effectively delivered digitally, this will continue. Where this isn’t possible, on campus options will be implemented.
This ensures students and lecturers remain safe while the delivery of quality education and training continues.
The current COVID-19 outbreak in Victoria is concerning and measures are being taken to protect South Australians from the increased risk caused as a result of this situation. In this video, Professor Nicola Spurrier, Chief Public Health Officer, SA Health, answers a number of questions South Australians may have.
Students without access to a computer or the internet can visit a TAFE SA Student Hub to arrange access to a computer and Wi-Fi connection.
TAFE SA Student Hub locations and details are available at our ‘Welcome to Digitally Enabled Learning’ web page.
Should you need to attend a campus, it’s important we all keep 1.5 metres distance from others wherever and whenever possible, practice excellent hygiene at all times and use the hygiene stations located throughout the campuses and in classrooms. If you are unwell for ANY reason, please do not attend a TAFE SA campus.
For COVID-19 related information, see our COVID-19 FAQs
All students and staff are encouraged to follow the advice of government health authorities to help ensure the safety of everyone and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The TAFE SA Workplace Health and Safety team are monitoring the changing situation daily to ensure we are making informed decisions based on the latest health advice.
Students will be advised immediately if any action is required.
If you need additional information or would like to discuss options with a TAFE SA counsellor, please contact the TAFE SA Customer Support Contact Team on 1800 882 661 to arrange a phone appointment or email.
Australian Government Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080
SA COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line: 1800 632 753
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness with symptoms ranging from a mild cough to pneumonia. Some people recover easily, others may get very sick very quickly. Spread occurs through close contact with an infected person – this is mostly face-to-face contact for prolonged periods of time.
Anyone returning to South Australia from overseas and/or interstate must self-isolate for 14 days from the date of arrival into South Australia. You must also self-isolate if you have been in contact with a person with COVID-19.
If you have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing:
Health Direct symptom checker
Dedicated COVID-19 clinics are now open across metropolitan and regional South Australia.
We are closely monitoring the state, federal and international response. Our Workplace, Health and Safety team is continually checking the latest information to ensure we make informed decisions.
Student communications are being sent via email. Students are encouraged to check for updates via student email account and this page.
TAFE SA is developing its response regarding impact on enrolments. You can contact a counsellor at Student Services to discuss your current options.
If you are experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19, please contact the TAFE SA Customer Support Contact Team on 1800 882 661 or email info@tafesa.edu.au for guidance on requesting a variation to your FBI plan.
The Australian Government has put in place travel restrictions for people travelling to Australia. Please refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for up-to-date details of current restrictions.
Visit Australian Department of Health Advice and SA Health Advice for current advice pertaining to COVID-19.
A period of isolation like this may be considered as consistent with a period of illness with respect to student attendance under ESOS Act 2000 requirements and TAFE SA Policy. TAFE SA lecturers have been instructed to provide additional flexibility and assistance to students who are unable to attend class. Please email your lecturer to work out your specific arrangements. Online options or deferral to a later class may be available for some courses.
Yes, you can. Please get in touch with Julie Ladic, TAFE SA’s International Student Support Consultant for more information at Tafesa.International@tafesa.com.edu.au
For classes which have already commenced, a refund may be available depending on your circumstances. Options to defer your enrolment to a future term and have your fees carried over may be negotiated with your Program Area or International Office.
The circumstances regarding fees can vary depending on your fee arrangements, e.g., International students, Subsidised Training or VET Student Loans. You are advised to discuss your circumstances with a Student Counsellor or International Adviser if you are considering withdrawing or deferring your training. Contact the TAFE SA Customer Support Contact Centre on 1800 882 661 or email info@tafesa.edu.au to arrange support.
The SA Health website recommends practising good hand hygiene and sneeze/cough hygiene as the best defence against most viruses. This includes:
We are pleased to advise that we have been given assurance from TAFE SA’s regulator ASQA and TEQSA that your online study as a result of COVID-19 does not mean a breach of your visa conditions. You do however need to maintain enrolment so that you are compliant with your student visa conditions. TAFE SA is also working closely with other State and Federal Government agencies to provide the best advice back to you.
If you are in Australia, undertaking study online where available will not affect your eligibility for a Post Study Work (PSW) visa. If you choose to leave Australia and maintain enrolment through online study, it is likely this will not contribute to the Australian study requirement for the PSW visa. Standard eligibility requirements for the PSW visa are outlined on the Department of Home Affairs website.
You must maintain some enrolment if you are in Australia on a student visa. If the government advice changes and TAFE SA is unable to continue face-to-face teaching and if some of your topics cannot be delivered online, you may need to maintain enrolment until face-to-face teaching can resume. So long as you maintain some enrolment your COE and your student visa will not be affected.
The best source of information is the Department of Home Affairs website, which provides information on travel restrictions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as information for current visa holders. These will be updated as the situation changes.
TAFE SA has digitally enabled the majority of courses for Term 2. Where course material could not be adapted for online delivery, staff have identified other alternatives including the rescheduling of some practical and studio classes so that we can fully accommodate appropriate social distancing measures. Your Course Coordinator will keep you updated about how to access your course material.
Freecall 1800 882 661