COVID-19 Information and Updates
This page provides up to date information and ongoing updates regarding COVID-19. Information has been collated from the relevant government agencies including ACT and NSW Health.
All CECG Schools, Early Learning Centres and Out of School Care Services continue normal activities, subject to any adjustments that may be required to be made from time to time due to staffing shortages or any COVID requirements that are implemented.
There is no longer a requirement to wear masks in the ACT and NSW on public transport and school buses.
There are no requirements to quarantine where a person tests positive to COVID-19. It is requested that persons who are COVID positive do not attend school when they are unwell, as they would, if they had flu like symptoms. Students are able to access rapid antigen tests at schools, should these be required.
Current status: as at 26 May 2023
For Positive COVID-19 cases
If a student or staff member receives a positive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) or PCR test they should:
- in the ACT report their positive result using the online registration form
- In NSW if testing positive to COVID-19 using a rapid antigen test, NSW Health recommends the result be registered with Service NSW
- notify the school of the positive RAT/PCR test result as soon as possible
Wellbeing Resources
As COVID-19 continues to impact our daily lives, we believe it is vital to address any concerns for the mental and emotional health of our school communities. Catholic Education has highly effective student support structures and resources in place to help build students’ resilience. These may also assist to alleviate any anxiety or concerns related to COVID-19 and its impact. They include:
- Counsellors who provide skilled, student and family centred support in all primary and secondary schools. CatholicCare and Marymead counsellors offer much of this support.
- Highly-trained student wellbeing personnel who continue to provide support to our schools.
Talking to Your Child About COVID-19
Children and young people, while not considered to be in a high risk category, may be exposed to news reports, social media and general discussions about unfolding events. Parent resources are available to help guide the conversation around coronavirus.
Catholic Education has prepared a general information sheet on Looking after Yourself During Lockdown.
School.tv has released a helpful short video that contains helpful details on how to talk to your child about the pandemic. Other resources to guide the conversation include:
- Child Mind Institute: ‘Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus’
- UNICEF Australia: ‘How to talk to your children about coronavirus (COVID-19)’
- Psychology Today: ‘How to talk to kids and teens’
For advice on maintaining positive mental health, Beyond Blue, Headspace and Reachout are all reliable sources.
The Smiling Mind app is a free tool to promote mindfulness and also includes information on how to support children in times of crisis.
Support is also available through the following phone counselling services:
- CatholicCare – (02) 6162 6100
- Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
- Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511
- Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Mensline – 1300 789 978
- Visit the Headspace website
Government Resources
Important Links
More information is available from various agencies following the links below: