1 October 2020 Coronavirus Update
Metropolitan Melbourne has taken the Second Step on the roadmap for reopening but for TAFEs, things remain mostly unchanged with on campus learning not to resume until COVID Normal. There are some exceptions and these include education and training, which can be delivered on-site where remote delivery is not possible, for:
· Final year pre-service early childhood and school teachers
· Final year higher education students, who do not have alternative options to complete their study before 31 January 2021
· Apprentices in their final year of training whose training contracts end by 31 December 2020
VCAL and VCE
For VCAL, VCE and VETDSS students in line with public health advice:
- From Monday 5 October: VCE and VCAL students can attend on-site for essential assessments only, including the General Achievement Test (GAT). These students will combine a remote and flexible learning program with on-site attendance where essential.
- BHI and CAE VCAL and VCE students will continue with Remote learning in Term 4.
Supporting Students to complete VCAL and VET Studies
As part of an assistance package announced by the Victorian Government on Friday 25 September, students will be able to access special consideration to support them to achieve their VCAL certificates and those school students who were unable to complete their VET qualifications will be guaranteed enrolment at TAFE or dual sector providers to complete their studies in 2021.
Preventative Measures
To ensure the safety of all staff and students whilst on campus, COVID-19 safety measures are in place. These include infection control training and practices, entry to campus screening, and modification of spaces to meet social distancing requirements. To assist with contact tracing, before entering a building on campus, students must scan a QR code with the camera on their mobile phone and record their details. The QR Code will be on displayed by building entrances.
All students returning to campus must provide proof that they have completed the infection control training. On completion of the training take a screenshot of the completion advice and present this when asked on campus. If you cannot find proof or have not completed the training please do so now.
Although the libraries are currently closed, library staff can be reached by leaving a message on (03) 9286 9283 or by emailing library@boxhill.edu.au. Library staff are working remotely but can still assist you with advice and training on library resources, including the online resources available to you. Hard copy resources are not available at this time due to COVID safety measures.
Campus cafes remain closed at this stage and drinking fountains will be unavailable.
View our FAQs for more information.
Apprentices and Trainees
Apprentices and trainees who have been suspended or lost their job completely can register with the Victorian Government's Program for retrenched apprentices and trainees.
You can apply for the new Jobseeker payments if both apply:
· you're not receiving Youth Allowance (Apprentice) payments
· you've lost your job and are not receiving an income due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
If you're seeking Jobseeker payments, you do not need to provide an employment separation certificate. This means that if you have had your apprenticeship suspended – but not terminated – you're still eligible for Jobseeker payments.
If you're looking for alternative employment, you can:
· register with the Victorian Government's Working for Victoria program
· access the Australian Government's Jobs Hub
Advice for International Students
We encourage international students to get the most up-to-date information by:
· visit Study Melbourne
· visit Study in Australia
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) provides information about coronavirus (COVID-19) in many languages.
Student Life
If you require support during this time, please contact Student Life on (03) 9286 9891 or email studentlife@boxhill.edu.au. They can offer advice, support and guidance for students needing assistance.
For International Students, please contact the International Student Wellbeing Officer, Nikki Singh on (03) 9286 9445 or via email at nikita.singh@boxhill.edu.au. If you have questions about your academic progress and would like assistance with your assessments, please contact the International Academic Advisor, Faz Maghami on (03) 9286 9734 or via email at f.maghami@boxhill.edu.au.
Mental Health Assistance
· headspace – https://headspace.org.au/covid-19/.
· Beyond Blue – https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/?utm_campaign=hp_banner.
· Black Dog Institute – https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/coronavirus-resources-for-anxiety-stress/.
· Multilingual Assistance – https://embracementalhealth.org.au/community/multilingual-information.
More information regarding COVID-19 is available on the Department of Education and Training website, which will continue to be updated as the situation evolves.