COVID-19 Updates
Last updated: 17 February, 2022, 5.00pm
We are really looking forward to resuming classes on campus. However, some of you may feel a bit unsure about what the government rules are for being COVID-safe at college. So we thought it would be helpful to send you this update before classes start. We do need to be clear that these are government requirements for all tertiary institutions and not additional things we are imposing.
Vaccination status
Only those who have been double vaccinated, and have a vaccination certificate, can come onto the campus. If you are enrolled in an on-campus class this will have been checked at the time of enrolment. If any other students wish to come onto campus to access the library, or sit in on a class (as sometimes happens), please check in at reception and show your certificate.
Masks
We are required to wear masks when indoors, except when eating or drinking. Students must wear masks in class, but the lecturer can take theirs off while teaching.
Social distancing
When in the common areas we need to be conscious of maintaining social distancing—this applies in the foyer, the library and the chapel. However, this is not required when in class. If you are concerned about this, please discuss it with your lecturer as we do have a number of single desks that can be used to provide more distance within the classroom.
What happens if you have COVID?
Please do not come on campus if you have any symptoms or have had a positive COVID test. You must let your lecturer and student services know. Your lecturer will ensure you have access to materials to cover what you miss in class. The government requirement is that you isolate for seven days after a positive COVID test. You can leave isolation after seven days, unless you have a sore throat, runny nose, cough or shortness of breath in the last 24 hours of isolation. You should remain isolated for 24 hours after your symptoms have resolved. We do ask you to be certain you are no longer infectious before you return.
What happens if we have a COVID case on campus while infectious?
If someone tests positive after attending a class and was probably infectious at the time, the college will contact all members of the class to let them know. If you are notified, we strongly encourage you to do a rapid antigen test to check if you are positive prior to coming back onto campus.
Events and COVID rules
We do have two key events coming up. The graduation is an inside event and only those who are double vaccinated can attend. Brunch on the Lawn is an outside event and everyone is welcome to come along, however, to comply with the government rules, those without a vaccination certificate or exemption will be unable to access the building, including the toilets. It will be a great start to the year and a chance to meet people and encourage each other.
Cheryl Osment General Manager (MST & Eastern)
Jude Long MST Academic Dean
At 11am today, the Deputy Premier of Victoria and the Chief Health Officer announced a snap one-week lockdown, beginning from midnight tonight (Thursday, 27th May) for one week. As a higher education provider the Wantirna and CBD campuses are CLOSED until Friday, 4th June. While most classes have concluded for the semester, all continuing classes will be delivered online. Please watch for emails from your lecturers or via Moodle/ e-Campus/ c-Campus. The Library will be closed for the duration of this circuit-breaker lockdown but will continue to offer support to students, find out more here.
We understand the impact a lock-down has on us, so we encourage you to connect with your lecturers or Peter Tyrrell (Vice Principal – Community & Operations) if you have a personal need.
Take care and God bless
The MST Executive
The following information is for all Students, Staff and Visitors of MST and Eastern College Australia. As the Victorian Government’s response to COVID-19 may change quickly, please refer to following website for updated information and restrictions that might impact on-campus attendance: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covidsafe-summer.
- Students, staff and visitors MUST record their attendance to the campus using the SIGN-IN-SAFE QR CODE. This can be done manually at reception if you do not use your mobile.
- On Campus classes will be delivered face-to-face.
- “During COVIDSafe Summer, adult education settings are open without density quotients in their learning/classroom spaces.” (Dept Edn & Training – 6 Dec 2020)
- Students, staff and visitors MUST wear a face mask while inside the building and in lectures.
- Lecturers are not required to wear face masks while teaching.
- All rooms have a designated total capacity based on the 1 to 2sqm rule.
- Practice physical distancing in public/ communal areas by keeping at least 1.5 metres apart, where possible.
- Where physical distancing is not practical or appropriate, COVID safe strategies must be used: good hand hygiene, regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces, and ensuring staff and students stay home if they are unwell.
- The maximum people permitted on campus is 632 at any one time (based on COVID-Safe distancing regulations).
If you exhibit any of the early symptoms of COVID-19, do not come on campus: Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or wheezing, breathing difficulties and headache. If you develop any of these symptoms, are being tested for Coronavirus, believe you may have been exposed to Coronavirus (COVID-19), CALL (not visit) your GP or ring the national hotline on 1800 020 080
Peter Tyrrell
Vice Principal (Community and Operations)
References
• https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/tafe-and-training-operations
• Department of Education and Training/ Tertiary education sector COVID-19 update: COVIDSafe Summer/ 7 December 2020
UPDATE: Semester start deferred to Thursday 18th February due to Lockdown
Due to the snap lockdown we have deferred the start of Semester 1 to Thursday 18th February. Classes that were originally scheduled for next Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday will not start until the following week. We will have sufficient room in the semester to adjust and make sure we can still meet all our requirements.
By early next week we will have a much clearer picture of whether this snap lock-down is likely to be extended.
Thank you for your understanding in this quick changing environment.
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 Registrar,
Lachlan Perry, by emailing lperry@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
