Important update: COVID-19 lockdowns in South East Queensland, Newcastle, and the Hunter region 04 August 2021

The Department is closely monitoring the effects COVID-19 may have upon the 2021 Non-Government School Census, particularly the current health orders in place for Queensland, Newcastle, and the Hunter region.

Schools across these areas have been impacted by public health orders over the week leading up to Census Day (Friday, 6 August). As schools have been operating as normal for the remaining 15 days of the Reference Period, we expect the Census to be completed as usual.

If a student does not attend school in person at any time during the Census Reference Period, they cannot be reported in the Census. A school may instead submit a Special Circumstances Application to have the student considered for inclusion in the Census. Applications are due Friday, 20 August 2021.

We acknowledge the disruption COVID-19 is having across affected school communities as they adjust to supporting the immediate needs of staff and students. If your school is having difficulty completing the Census, please let us know as soon as possible.

More information regarding the Census and the Special Circumstances Applications process can be found on SchoolsHUB. If you have any other questions, please let us know by email at Schools@dese.gov.au or call 1800 677 027 (option 3).