THE CONSTITUTION
Palace Letters released
ABC News, 14 Jul 2020
The National Archives Office has released the "Palace Letters", correspondence between Governor-General Sir John Kerr and the Queen before and after the dismissal of Gough Whitlam as prime minister in 1975.
See the Kerr Palace Letters (NAA website)

CORONAVIRUS
Cases jump again
ABC News, 14 Jul 2020
Tuesday's number of new Victorian coronavirus cases is 270, a significant rise on the previous day's 177 but not as high as Sunday's 273.

CORONAVIRUS
Remote learning lessons
The Conversation (opinion), 13 Jul 2020

Three academics sum up what educators have learned from Australia's period of enforced remote learning during the coronavirus crisis earlier this year.

TASMANIAN SCHOOLS
118 schools to be revitalised
Tas Govt media release, 12 Jul 2020
The education minister, Jeremy Rockliff, has released the names of 118 Tasmanian schools that will benefit from the government's School Revitalisation Maintenance Program.

CORONAVIRUS
Cases jump again
ABC News, 12 Jul 2020
The number of new Victorian coronavirus cases reported on Sunday is 273, a rise from Saturday's 216 cases but lower than Friday's record 288 cases.
REMOTE LEARNING CONFIRMED: Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed today that Prep to Year 10 students in the lockdown area will be restricted to remote and flexible learning from Monday 20 July (except, at parents' option, students with a disability).
Years 11 and 12 students, students in special schools and those Year 10 students undertaking VCAL subjects will return to face-to-face learning at school tomorrow.

CORONAVIRUS
No opening of Tas border until at least 31 July
ABC News, 10 Jul 2020
The opening of Tasmania's borders with other states, planned to possibly occur on Friday 24 July, has been deferred for "one week, if not longer," premier Peter Gutwein announced today.

CORONAVIRUS
Masks encouraged as Vic cases soar
ABC News, 10 Jul 2020
The number of new daily coronavirus cases in Victoria has risen by 288, up from yesterday's 165, and the biggest daily rise so far since the pandemic began.
Wednesday's rise was 134.Tuesday's rise was 191.
People from Greater Melbourne are being encouraged to wear masks where close contact with other people is unavoidable.

CORONAVIRUS
Melbourne lockdown
ABC News, 7 Jul 2020
Metropolitan Melbourne will undergo a six-week lockdown from tomorrow (Wednesday) night, Premier Daniel Andrews announced this afternoon.
The lockdown will include a one-week extension of the school holidays (except for Years 11 and 12 and special schools). Lockdown schools will return to remote learning.

CORONAVIRUS
Rumours spread of lockdown for Melbourne as COVID cases take off
ABC News, 7 Jul 2020
A record jump in Victorian coronavirus cases, from 127 yesterday to 191 today, is of grave concern  to authorities.
UPDATE 12.55pm, 7 Jul 2020: There is speculation that Melbourne will be placed in lockdown following an announcement this afternoon (ABC News 24).
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is due to speak at 3.15pm.

CORONAVIRUS
Another big jump in Victoria as border closes
ABC News, 6 Jul 2020
The latest number of new daily coronavirus cases in Victoria is 127, Victoria's highest daily high ever.
And the border between Victoria and NSW will be closed from tomorrow (Tuesday) night.

ELECTIONS
Labor wins Eden-Monaro
ABC News, 5 Jul 2020
A late surge of pre-poll and postal votes has given the Eden-Monaro seat in the NSW by-election to Labor, ABC election analyst Antony Green says.

CORONAVIRUS
Big jump in Victoria
ABC News, 4 Jul 2020
The number of new daily coronavirus cases reported in Victoria has jumped from 66 yesterday to 108 today. Nine public housing towers have been placed in lockdown.
UPDATE 5 Jul 2020: The daily number fell to 74 on Sunday

TAFE
Students support TasTAFE
Tas Govt media release, 2 Jul 2020
A survey has found that 91 per cent of TasTAFE's students are satisfied with the quality of its training, a higher figure than the national average.

CORONAVIRUS
New COVID high for Victoria
ABC News, 2 Jul 2020
Victoria's daily coronavirus number has risen to an all-time high of 77 cases.
UPDATE 3 Jul 2020: The daily number fell to 66 on Friday

CORONAVIRUS
Vic cases rise again
ABC News, 1 Jul 2020
The number of new coronavirus cases in Victoria has risen from 64 yesterday to 73 today.

CORONAVIRUS
Term 3 guide for parents issued
Tas Govt media release, 30 Jun 2020
A guide to let Tasmanian parents and carers know what to expect when school resumes in Term 3 has been released by the DoE.

CORONAVIRUS
Data released
Tas Govt media release, 30 Jun 2020
The DoE has released a key data report on such topics as teacher numbers and funding.
Key data [pdf], DoE, March 2020

CORONAVIRUS
Four-week suburban lockdown
ABC News, 30 Jun 2020
Victoria's coronavirus hotspot suburbs will be locked down for four weeks from tomorrow night, premier Daniel Andrews has announced.

SCHOOL LEVIES
School debts cancelled
Tas Govt media release, 30 Jun 2020
All Tasmanian Government "school debts for 2019 and prior" have been waived to support families recovering from the impact of the pandemic, education minister Jeremy Rockliff has announced. (School levies for 2020 have already been cancelled.)

CORONAVIRUS
Victorian cases jump to 75
ABC News, 29 Jun 2020
The number of Victorian coronavirus cases for the latest 24-hour period has risen to 75, up significantly from yesterday's 49.
UPDATE Tue 30 Jun 2020: The daily number of new cases has dropped to 64.

CERTIFICATION
More get TCE after error correction
The Mercury (subscription only), 29 Jun 2020
The correction of an error affecting 600 VET students has enabled 104 of them to subsequently receive their Tasmanian Certificate of Education.

CORONAVIRUS
Border closed until 24 July at least
ABC News, 26 Jun 2020
Tasmania's border restrictions will not be eased before Friday 24 July 2020 and the eventual decision will depend on the coronavirus situation in other states at that time, premier Peter Gutwein said today.
Date for borders to reopen, Tas Govt media release, 26 Jun 2020

CORONAVIRUS
Now one per 2 square metres
The Mercury, 24 Jun 2020
The restriction of one person per four square metres at gatherings will be eased to one person per two square metres from noon on Friday, the premier, Peter Gutwein, announced today.
Outdoor crowds now 500, ABC News, 24 Jun 2020
Further restrictions to ease, Tas Govt media release, 24 Jun 2020
Restrictions in pubs, restaurants and cafes to ease, Tas Govt media release, 24 Jun 2020

CORONAVIRUS
Don't waste our time
The Conversation (opinion), 19 Jun 2020
Schools that ask parents to obtain a medical certificate to confirm a child is free from the coronavirus are simply wasting the time and resources of doctors and parents, two medical academics say.

SCHOOL ENROLMENT ZONES
New school intake maps published
Tas Govt media release, 19 Jun 2020

The government has published new maps of intake areas for primary and district school students which could affect a parent's right to send their child to a particular high school.
Intake areas from 2021, DoE website

STEM
STEM gender bias explained?
The Conversation (opinion), 18 Jun 2020
A new report appears to say that although girls are now just as good as boys at STEM subjects, they take up generally lower-paying non-STEM careers because they are even better at non-STEM subjects.
BUT: Humanities graduates earn more than those who study science and maths, The Conversation (opinion), 19 Jun 2020

COMMUNITY PRESSURE
Westbury escapes prison
ABC News, 18 Jun 2020
The state government has abandoned plans to build a prison at Westbury and instead intends to build a prison 5.25km away at Brushy Rivulet.

RACISM
Racism discussion tips
The Conversation (opinion), 17 Jun 2020

Four academics provide nine tips for teachers discussing the issue of racism with their students.

EARLY CHILDHOOD
Early learners to Bounce Back
Tas Govt media release, 17 Jun 2020
Additional K-2 classroom support will enhance the Bounce Back to Learning at School program for early learners, education minister Jeremy Rockliff says.

CORONAVIRUS
Restrictions eased further
Tas Govt media release, 17 Jun 2020
A number of coronavirus restrictions were eased today by the premier, Peter Gutwein.
What restrictions have eased?, The Mercury, 17 Jun 2020

CORONAVIRUS
Libraries to reopen on Thursday
Tas Govt media release, 16 Jun 2020

Tasmanian libraries will reopen this Thursday, 16 June 2020 following extended closure due to the coronavirus outbreak.

AUSTRALIAN CURRICULUM
Schools have statues solution
SBS News, 15 Jun 2020
The need to protect statues of historical figures from being torn down means there has to be a greater emphasis on Aboriginal history in schools, federal education minister Dan Tehan says

WEATHER ALERT
Damaging winds on Tuesday
BoM website, 15 Jun 2020
Winds are expected to gust to in excess of 100 km/h across southern, eastern and northern Tasmania tomorrow (Tuesday).
BoM warnings
Power outages
Road closures (Police)
SES

CORONAVIRUS
31 days
Tas Govt coronavirus page, 15 Jun 2020
Tasmania has completed 31 consecutive days without a new coronavirus case.
UPDATED 16 Jun 2020: There have been no new cases to 6.00pm, 16 June, making 32 days without a new coronavirus case.

YEAR 11 AND 12 ASSESSMENTS
TCE exam adjustments finalised
Tas Govt media release, 12 Jun 2020
All coronavirus-response adjustments to external assessments for the 2020 TCE have now been made by TASC (the Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification.

TASMANIAN SCHOOLS
Five Child and Family Learning Centres fast-tracked
Tas Govt media release, 4 Jun 2020
The state government's plan to boost the economy in response to the coronavirus includes fast-tracking Child and Family Learning Centres at East Tamar, Waratah-Wynyard, Glenorchy, Kingborough and West Ulverstone.

AUSTRALIAN ECONOMY
We're in a recession
ABC News, 3 Jun 2020
With growth in the March quarter being announced today as a negative 0.3 per cent, and agreement that the June quarter is bound to be negative too, it can safely be assumed that Australia is now undergoing its first recession in 29 years.

STUDENT WELLBEING
COVID impact attack
Tas Govt media release, 3 Jun 2020
The wellbeing and learning needs of students arising from the COVID-19 pandemic are being supported, education minister Jeremy Rockliff says.

YEAR 11 AND 12 ASSESSMENTS
TCE exam adjustments made
Tas Govt media release, 2 Jun 2020
A range of adjustments to external assessments are being made by TASC (the Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification) in light of disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

TASMANIAN SCHOOLS
Maveric kindy for Bowen Road
Tas Govt media release, 2  Jun 2020
A new kindergarten at Bowen Road Primary School is to be built by Maveric Builders, education minister Jeremy Rockliff has announced.

CORONAVIRUS
Eighteen days
UPDATED
The Examiner, 2 Jun 2020
Tasmania has now reached 18 consecutive days without a new coronavirus case.

CORONAVIRUS
Tas easing brought forward
ABC News, 1 Jun 2020
The Stage 2 easing of coronavirus restrictions in Tasmania has been brought forward from 15 June to commence at 3.00pm this Friday, 5 June.

SCHOOL BUSES
Free school buses for longer
Tas Govt media release, 26 May 2020
The bus fare  amnesty period for public school buses has been extended to Sunday 5 July 2020.

News continued in the
May 2020 news archive
See also the News archive index

TASMANIAN FIRES For updated alerts, see:

 
CORONAVIRUS

State of Emergency extended (Tas Govt media release, 9 Jul 2020)

Extra Tas border restrictions (Tas Govt media release, 8 Jul 2020)

FACE MASKS
Which mask should I wear?
Surgical mask, cloth mask or bandana? (The Conversation,  10 Jul 2020).

FACE MASKS
How to make a cloth face mask

Instructions on how to make a face mask, and related issues (The Conversation,  7 Jul 2020).

Tas Govt Coronavirus site - Media releases - Dept of Health Facebook page Coronavirus information (Tas DHHS) Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Aust Govt Dept of Health)

Roadmap to Recovery (Tas)

COVIDSafe app
Read about the COVIDSafe app and download it free from the Apple or Google app store.

North west outbreak report [pdf]
(Tas Govt website, 30 Apr 2020)

ONLINE GAME
Social Distance Dash

In this free online coronavirus safety game for kids, the aim is to deliver a roll of toilet paper to your grandmother while keeping 1.5 metres away from others and collecting as much hand sanitiser as you can. Page shows a video demo at the top. Scroll down for computer or mobile version.

CORONAVIRUS
Dramatic handwashing demo

A simple experiment using black pepper and water hammers home to students the powerful effect soap has when they use it to wash their hands. (From metro.co.uk)

ABC Education: Online learning resources

ABC Coronavirus news stories pages

COVID-19 Cyber security tips for when working from home

The Conversation's COVID-19 articles

Google's COVID-19 resource

The articles from The Conversation that were previously listed here may be found on The Conversation's special COVID-19 page

New sites (cont'd)

ANIMAL WELFARE
Horse racing animal welfare puzzles

Melbourne Cup activities?
New crossword and word find puzzles with a horse racing animal welfare theme are available on ausclassroom.com.

MEMORY AND LEARNING
Learning tips for revising students

(From Amina Youssef-Shalala, The Conversation, 7 Oct 2019)

TASMANIAN ABORIGINAL HISTORY
How early Tasmanian Aboriginals influenced the landscape

Archaeological research suggests that the nature of land and whether it was close to the coast was more important to Tasmanian Aboriginals than vegetation type.
(From The Conversation, 4 Oct 2019)

Beach safety top tips

Book a lifeguard

DINOSAURS
TMAG dinosaur exhibition
Fri 7 Dec 2018 - Sun 5 May 2019

The Dinosaur rEvolution (not a typo) exhibition at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery uses animatronics and 3D models.
There are entry fees.
See also the school bookings page.

TASMANIAN HISTORY
Hobart's coastal defences

Several gun batteries were built on the shores of Hobart's River Derwent in the nineteenth century.

TASMANIAN ABORIGINAL CULTURE
The Orb
Outstanding quality short videos and other teaching materials to give students of all ages an appreciation of Tasmanian Aboriginal culture.
See also the DoE's The Orb web page

More new and useful sites in the
Useful sites archive