Latest News

There is significant concern and debate regarding whether schools should be closed in Australia to minimise the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). At this stage, the current advice for all Australian schools is to stay open and operational.

This advice has been determined by the government and health authorities to help protect those in the community who are more likely to experience serious impacts of the virus, including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.

I appreciate that, despite this advice, some families have chosen to keep their children at home, and some independent schools have voluntarily closed early for the term, or have moved to online learning for students.

The first priority for all Catholic schools is the health and safety of our students and staff, and as such, the Catholic sector is monitoring and responding quickly to the advice of federal, state and territory governments and medical authorities as the situation develops.

Should it become necessary for schools to close in some states or territories, or across Australia, our school communities will follow this advice and seek to minimise the impact on student learning as much as possible.

While this is an uncertain period for our communities, it is important that we remain calm and alert as we monitor this health risk, and for our families and staff to be well informed about the health advice and protocols to reduce this risk.

Current advice

• Individuals who have returned from overseas should self-isolate for 14 days and show no symptoms before returning to school or work
• Individuals who have been in direct, close contact with a confirmed case should self-isolate for 14 days and show no symptoms before returning to school or work - health authorities will advise parents and staff if they, or their children, are considered a direct, close contact of a confirmed case
• Students and staff should be made aware of social distancing and hygiene procedures
• There should be no non-essential indoor gatherings of 100 or more people, including school assemblies or excursions outside of the community
• No groups of students should visit aged care facilities or attend other facilities in the local community (e.g. hospitals) where there are elderly people or people with underlying health conditions

Additionally, any schools that are exposed to a case of COVID-19 will temporarily close for cleaning, and to ensure direct or close contacts of the confirmed case can be identified by health authorities and the necessary precautions put in place.

Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan has reminded schools of the availability of health information and resources regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19). 

For the latest advice, information and resources, visit www.health.gov.au
For information specific to South Australia, visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au
For information specific to Catholic Education South Australia, visit www.cesa.catholic.edu.au/alerts

Further information is also available via the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.

School communities should also refer to their diocesan, religious entity, or state and territory authorities for additional advice.

Please join me in keeping those individuals and families directly affected by the Coronavirus in your prayers, as we work together to best protect the wellbeing of our school and wider communities.

Adapted from: National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) Newsletter Article by Jacinta Collins, National Executive Director, Catholic Education

Also of interest: Media Release - Catholic schools are adhering to Australian Government’s advice to remain open