COVID-19 Updates
Last updated: 1 December, 2020, 9:00Am
Greetings to you on behalf of the Executive team,
This year has been like no other – at least that we can remember. We began each semester with great enthusiasm, looking forward to the usual hum of students, faculty and staff echoing around the hallways and in lecture rooms. We did get a start back in February but, as we know, that was short lived.
With summer under way, and the remnants of COVID lock down slowly dissipating, we are looking to the future where our community will once again gather to study in many and varied units of study and courses.
As exams and assessments are now behind us, and it’s been well over a month since Victoria registered a case of COVID infection, there is great hope that we’ll enjoy a normal Christmas with those we care about.
The Wantirna campus will be open until Wednesday, 23rd and reopen on Monday, January 4th, with the library being available between 9am and 5pm each day in January.
In regard to COVID normal restrictions over the holidays, when coming to the College you must sign-in using the Sign-In Safe QR Code or go to Reception to use the sign-in sheet. You are also required to have a mask with you while indoors but only wear it if you cannot maintain a 2 sqm distance. As usual, those with a medical exemption do not need to, or where a DHHS announcement supersedes these requirements.
We are very aware that many students have struggled during the prolonged lock down period, as have many of our faculty and staff. As a community of believers, we look out for each other and want you to know that you can contact us if you need some personal support. Please call our Reception and we’ll make sure someone contacts you. (03 9881 7800 or reception@mst.edu.au)
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Gal 6:9-10 ESV
We pray that you will have a blessed Christmas with family and friends and that you will be built up and restored through the community of faith to which you belong.
We look forward to seeing you soon,
In Him,
Tim Meyers, Jude Long, Peter Tyrrell
MST & Eastern Executive Team
PS: Our course information, application and enrolment staff will be available during December and January should you wish to discuss your study options for 2021.
Last updated: 1 December, 2020, 9:00Am
College Changes & Developments
1. Will Semester 2 be online?
The MST Semester 2 Timetable is now available to view on the MST website – check it out here. There is a great range of units on offer from Bible and Theology to Apologetics, Christian Spirituality and Mission.
Due Dates for Semester 2 Intake:
Returning Student Enrolments – 24th July
New Student Applications – 17th July
Many of you are wondering, no doubt, about face-to-face classes and when we may return to a more ‘normal’ routine. We are hoping and planning to return to campus in Semester 2, with weekly classes and intensives delivered face-to-face. However, this is subject to the government’s COVID-safe guidelines, so these plans are yet to be confirmed. We will notify you as soon as we are confident of any planned changes.
Regardless, the SEMESTER 2 units on the timetable will be offered with adjustments to delivery mode as needed. If you plan to enrol in units with face-to-face components but have valid (COVID-19 related) reasons for not attending classes on campus, you will need to seek approval to be exempted from attendance requirements. Please send your request via email to Iona Kroussoratsky, Enrolment Coordinator (enrolments@mst.edu.au) before enrolling in a unit. For students in such situations, we are working to provide you with remote access to lectures.
Of course, if we are permitted to return to campus, social distancing and extra hygiene measures will be in place for everyone’s safety and well-being.
Again, be assured of our ongoing commitment to support and serve you. Please feel free to write or call if you need any more information.
Library
The MST & Eastern library is open, however due to COVID-19 restrictions a maximum of 60 people are permitted to be in the library at a time.
Library hours: 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
Christmas Break Closure: the library will closed from 5pm Wednesday 23rd December and reopen at 9am Monday 4th of January.
The conditions of entry remain the same as immediately prior to stage 4 restrictions, namely:
- You must remain at home if you have a fever, cough, sore throat, or other symptom associated with COVID-19.
- Access is to the library only and not to other parts of the building.
- You agree to record your details via the Sign in Safe contact tracing app.
- You maintain social distancing.
The library staff are also pleased to offer an order and collect service for those who do not wish to enter the building. To take up this offer, or for any other library inquiry please contact Neil or Josella on 9881-7823 or via email (library@mst.edu.au or library@eastern.edu.au).
3. Online units now available for Audit at a low cost
Until now, online courses were not available to audit students. We have decided to change this. All relevant online courses at both MST & Eastern are currently available for audit, for a minimal fee of $100.
4. Two things to remember if you ARE on campus:
Social Distance
- Wherever you are on campus, please maintain a 4-metre square distance from other students.
- Do not gather in groups.
- Avoid physical contact, including handshakes.
Hygiene
- Maintain safe personal hygiene practices as indicated on campus.
- Wash your hands!!
- Hand sanitizers are available around campus.
Student Support
We are here to support you!
Our team at the Centre for Theology & Psychology has created a flyer with a few guidelines and tips that will help us to cope with this new situation and perhaps even thrive and flourish in the midst of uncertain times. Read it HERE and be encouraged.
If you’re finding yourself struggling in any way please remember that we have people ready and available to virtually meet with you and pray with you.
Contact Community Life Coordinator, Sue Kimber, at skimber@mst.edu.au or
Eastern’s Counselling Courses Co-ordinator, Julie Morsillo, at jmorsillo@eastern.edu.au to schedule an appointment.
If you have study enquiries, please contact info@mst.edu.au
If you have any concerns about completing your assessments or studies in general, please contact our Dean of Studies, Delle Matthews, by emailing dmatthews@mst.edu.au. We can grant extensions for students impacted by changes due to COVID-19.
Further Support
Government news, updates and advice: https://www.australia.gov.au/
The latest information about the spread of COVID-19 and the steps being taken to slow the spread: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
