Return to on-campus classes in Semester 2

Dear CHC students,

CHC is returning to on-campus classes in Semester 2,

• with a plan to care for those in high risk categories who are unable to return to campus.

In line with recently updated government advice, we are excited to announce that we will recommence on campus classes as of the start of Semester 2. We will put all measures in place which authorities advise are needed for CHC to be a COVID-safe environment.

Due to these measures classrooms may look a bit different. We will clearly mark seating positions in our classrooms and the furniture will not be able to be rearranged. There will be hand sanitiser and materials to disinfect surfaces placed in each classroom and in other key spaces. We will look at virtual options for Chapel, lunch hangs and other student gatherings. We have also made sure our cleaning is using appropriate disinfectants which meet the standards required and will pay special attention to areas such as bathrooms. In these ways, with your help, we can maintain appropriate physical  distancing and keep each other safe.

As we make this announcement, we are conscious not all of our students may be able to return to campus, for a variety of reasons. We want to make sure we do all we can to continue to meet the learning needs of those students as best we can.

The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) advice defines vulnerable people as:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 50 years and older with one or more chronic medical condition
• people 65 years and older with chronic medical conditions. The most current definition of ‘chronic medical condition’ is on the Department of Health website
• people 70 years and older
• people with compromised immune systems (see Department of Health website).

Other students and staff may be vulnerable, and our plans will look to support all our community members.

The opportunity to return to on campus classes is a result of the way in which people have responded to the advice of authorities. Any significant outbreak of the virus may see this situation reversed. We all have a responsibility to do all we can to make sure we keep each other safe. We ask that when you are on campus wherever possible you observe the 1.5m rule for social distancing and avoid gathering on campus. If you are unwell or have any symptoms of Covid-19, please stay at home. If you come to CHC unwell we reserve the right to ask you to go home.

Each school (Education and Business, Social Sciences, Ministries and the Millis Institute) is carefully considering each unit and looking for the best way to continue to support students. If you usually enrol in internal mode and are unable to return to on-campus classes, or enrol in external/online mode, please contact your Course Coordinator to discuss how you might be supported to continue your learning journey.

We are blessed that most courses at CHC have been delivered in both internal and external/online modes for some years. We have also  learned a lot during this period, and we will be seeking to continue to improve your learning experience.

We are excited that we will see many of you on campus again soon. You may not know it, but CHC staff meet every week-day morning to pray together. You and your circumstances are always at the top of our prayer list.

God Bless,

Dr Craig Murison