TASSO NEWS MAY 2020

April 2020
 
Dear families and carers of students in State Schools and Colleges,
 
Well, all I can say is that from my last report to you in March a lot has changed and everyone’s world has been turned upside due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
 
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Coronavirus has impacted greatly on the school community with Jeremy Rockliff, the Minister for Education and Training recommending an early closure to schools just prior to the Easter Break.
 
With the commencement of Term 2 in the South and North of the state on Tuesday, 28 April 2020, and the North-West on the 4 May 2020, many parents have elected to keep their children at home in line with the Government’s request, minimising movement amongst the community so as to diminish the risk of exposure to the virus. Class sizes at the return of this School Term have been reported as minimal.
 
It must be recognised that teachers have done a great deal of work to ensure all students have access to their relevant curriculum whilst schooling at home during these trying times.
 


 

"The health and safety of all Tasmanian students remains our top priority for the Tasmanian Government as we face the challenges of COVID-19.   Public Health advice has always been and remains that our school sites are safe. However, we have asked our students to learn from home to limit people’s movements, which is the best way we can get on top of this terrible virus.   The Department of Education is undertaking a large amount of work to determine the best way to return our students to the classroom, when the time permits. The Government has established a Recovery team, which is considering a range of options for the return of students to face to face learning. This is projected to Happen By 3rd Term but is being Monitored Weekly.   The key focus of this team includes considering how best to support the needs of priority areas such as Years 11 and 12, and the early years.   We will ensure that any transition will be very well communicated, and that there is enough time for students, teachers and families to prepare for the change.   The current advice remains that the best place for students to learn is at home, if they can be supervised and supported to learn at home."

Minister Rockliff advised on the 30 April 2020
 
 


To help families who may have lost their jobs or been temporarily stood down, the Minister announced school levies would be waived for 2020. Those who have already been paid the levies or part paid will be refunded.
 
If students are struggling with creating a routine, and you are reaching your wits end, contact your school, they have knowledge and resources that can help. No family needs to feel they are on their own. No issue will be that complex that it cannot be overcome by talking and exploring solutions.
 
There are many positives that are occurring with families learning and working at home.  I am sure parents are now enjoying new interactions with their children, which previously weren’t available.  This new experience could lead some to continue the practice of being actively engaged in their children’s education once this pandemic has passed and all students return to their school. Parents will have gained an insight into what is being taught and the subjects that their child/ren are particularly interested in. 
 
Students may also share what they learn with their family or may start interesting and constructive conversations about maths, english, Australian history or life skills – subjects not previously discussed in the home. These discussions should be encouraged. From these discussions parents will be able to share this information with educators, who then can gain a greater understanding of what drives students and families around engagement for better educational outcomes for students.
 
Positive relationships between families, children, youth, school communities and schools, nurtured and developed during the COVID-19 restrictions could lead to more genuine engagement which will have a lasting positive impact on student learning.
 
Become engaged in your child’s learning, but remember you are supervising, the teachers do the teaching.
 
I would like to thank all teachers, school staff, The Secretary and Minister for Education and their hardworking staff, students and families for their understanding and support during this challenging time and their outstanding commitment to ongoing learning.
 
Remember be safe and comply with social distancing.
 
Contact with TASSO
Whilst TASSO staff are currently working from home, they are working hard to keep School Associations, families and school communities informed about current events. Like a large part of the community their platform of work has changed with having to work from home, but if you should have any matter you wish to discuss please do not hesitate to make contact. All calls are treated with the strictest of confidence.
 
TASSO can be contacted by ringing myself on 0448 143 085 or Debra McOrist-Mitchell, Operations Manager on 0408 377 585. Alternatively you can forward an email to info@tasso.org.au or contact us via our website www.tasso.org.au  or inbox the TASSO Facebook page.
 
Nigel Jones
President
TASSO