School Manager Update
Published in the RSAA Lunations
Vol1 Issue25 1–28 February 2022
As we start 2022, we again face the threat of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 disrupting the ways we have adopted to deal with the pandemic. Although the outlook is unclear, we are in a far better place for dealing with it than we were in 2021. Most of us are vaccinated (and boosters are available to book on campus at University Pharmacy and the ANU Medical Clinic); we understand how we can stay safe (wearing masks, maintaining physical distance while meeting face-to-face, etc.) and keep our community safe (not coming to work at MSO and SSO if we have any symptoms of Covid-19). We have had positive cases identified at both these campuses and we wish the staff and students who contracted the virus a speedy recovery. Remember, if you test positive for Covid-19, please notify the ANU Covid Response Team using this form and email Matthew Colless, myself, and your supervisor.
The Vice-Chancellor has announced that classroom teaching will start from the beginning of semester 1 to ensure that staff and students are connected. This, to me, is a very good initiative to boost the morale of the student community, as many of them want to experience the campus life. The Vice-Chancellor also announced that the ANU community will receive P2/N95 masks and rapid antigen tests (RATs; subject to availability). This is also welcome news to all of us who have been struggling to get hold of RATs.
We can start the year with optimism, as we are in a stronger position than we have been for a long time. The strategic investments used to employ new staff and to co-fund/fund new projects and IDEA agendas are bearing fruit, propelling the School to new heights. These are achievements we have made collectively as a community, under the broad umbrella of ANU. Hopefully this upward trend will continue in 2022.
As usual, we are here to help and to solve issues. Please feel free to contact myself and Matthew Colless, if you wish to air any concerns you may have.
Rafat Alam
