Key information

  • The COVID-safe schools plan 2023 (PDF, 188KB) sets out how we’ll continue to safely manage COVID-19 in schools.
  • Key measures are outlined below.
  • This plan follows Public Health advice.
  • While this plan focuses on schools, the practical advice applies to our other sites.

COVID-safe behaviours

Hygiene

  • Do not come to school if unwell – this applies to staff, students and visitors.
  • Staff, students and visitors are asked to follow COVID-safe behaviours, particularly as they apply to their personal circumstances.
  • Keep your hands clean by using soap and water or hand sanitiser.

Face masks

  • All students, staff and visitors are supported to wear masks should they choose to.
  • Consider wearing a face mask indoors where you cannot physically distance from others.

Testing

  • If you feel unwell, then test.
  • Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are available in schools for students and staff.
  • Keep a supply of RATs in your home in case you become unwell.

Vaccination

  • Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines helps protect you from severe illness due to COVID-19.
  • Staff, students and visitors are encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza (the flu).

Safe sites

Supporting COVID-safe behaviours

  • Hand sanitiser is available at all sites.
  • Face masks are readily available on site for anyone to use.

Ventilation

  • Spaces are well-ventilated through natural airflow where possible.
  • Other mechanical equipment is also used to promote airflow and improve ventilation.
  • Schools will take advantage of outdoor learning opportunities.

Cleaning

  • Frequent cleaning is undertaken, particularly on high-touch surfaces.

Family engagement

  • Families and volunteers are welcome in schools for indoor and outdoor activities and events, as long as they:
    • do not have symptoms
    • practise COVID-safe behaviours
    • follow any school advice.
  • Events and activities include:
    • parent-teacher meetings
    • Launching into Learning
    • school assemblies
    • musical and drama productions
    • prize evenings
    • attending sporting events.
  • Schools may need to implement additional risk mitigations for events and activities to minimise the risk of COVID-19, such as limiting the number of attendees or requiring physical distancing.
  • When COVID-19 cases in a class increase more than expected, families will be communicated with. This is important to help support vulnerable family members.

School activities

  • All school activities can occur as long as the risks associated with COVID-19 are managed. This includes:
    • excursions (day and overnight)
    • school camps
    • fairs and carnivals
    • productions
    • assemblies
    • prize nights.
  • Activities should encourage COVID-safe behaviours and factor in the COVID-19 risk in the community at that time.
  • Depending on the level of risk of the activity or in the community, extra consideration may be needed to ensure:
    • spaces are well-ventilated
    • face masks are readily available
    • physical distancing is supported
    • the numbers of participants are limited.
  • Staff can come together for staff meetings or professional development with COVID-safe measures in place to manage risks. Staff must practise COVID-safe behaviours. This includes not attending the workplace when experiencing symptoms.
  • Intrastate travel can go ahead with appropriate Department approval and a risk mitigation plan. This includes overnight excursions and camps.

Travel for school groups

  • Interstate travel can go ahead with a comprehensive risk assessment and contingency plan in place.
  • International travel for school groups can recommence from Term 2, 2023. Overseas travel is subject to a robust risk assessment and contingency plan.
  • Department approval is needed for interstate and international travel.
  • Considerations for travelling must be revised before departure. This ensures the risk assessment is up to date.

Vulnerable students

  • All Tasmanians have a role to protect the vulnerable. By following COVID-safe behaviours and staying home when unwell, you help protect vulnerable students from the impacts of COVID-19.
  • School staff wear masks when working closely with students known to be medically vulnerable to COVID-19.
  • Staff do not provide direct support to students medically vulnerable to COVID-19 for at least seven days from testing positive to COVID-19.

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.

Every school day matters. Your child should be at school unless:

  • they’re feeling unwell 
  • have medical advice due to an ongoing medical condition 
  • they’ve been told to stay home by Public Health. 

Health and wellbeing

These resources can help when talking to your child about COVID-19:

Please seek professional help if needed. Support services include:

  • Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
  • Lifeline on 13 11 14
  • Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

More information 

For the latest information visit: 

On this page
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  1. Key information
  2. COVID-safe behaviours
  3. Safe sites
  4. Family engagement
  5. School activities
  6. Travel for school groups
  7. Vulnerable students
  8. School attendance is important 
  9. Health and wellbeing
  10. More information 

Wellbeing

  1. Health and physical care
    1. Medical conditions
    2. COVID-19 information and measures at our sites
    3. Infectious diseases and your child
    4. Drugs, alcohol and smoking at school
    5. Vaping
    6. Immunising your child
    7. Meal time support for students with dysphagia
    8. Sanitary products in schools
  2. Mental Health and Wellbeing
  3. Dealing with Emergency or Disaster
  4. Student behaviour
  5. Food in Schools
  6. Support for Carers
  7. Student Wellbeing and Engagement Survey