SCAS principal Terry Muldoon said the student received medical clearance from Mid North Coast Health last week.

In further positive news, Mr Muldoon said the 14-year-old's family and those who had been in close contact with her have also been cleared by the district.

He said they are no longer a risk to the community and are not required to be in isolation.

Mr Muldoon alerted the school community on Thursday, March 19 after he became aware a member from the institution had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

The announcement forced the school to shut down on Friday, March 20 before it reopened the following week.

It was confirmed by NSW Health the 14-year-old did not travel overseas prior to contracting the virus.

On behalf of the school community, Mr Muldoon thanked the 14-year-old and her family for taking the steps they did to prevent the potential spread of the virus.

"Their timely response to potential COVID-19 symptoms meant the school and the wider community were spared further disruption," he said.

Staff have put in place adjustments to ensure students can still be educated from home or on site.

Mr Muldoon said between 200 and 250 students are still attending school each day, as their parents are required to work in jobs within sectors such as the emergency services and for the government.

"Our campus will remain open and their children will be cared for and given the opportunity to continue their learning," he said.

The school, Mr Muldoon said recognises the importance of staying connected even amid the restrictions imposed by the government to slow the spread of the virus.

Staff have been calling students and parents, or connecting with them via other modes of technology to provide pastoral care.

"Thanks to the dedication and professional efforts of staff, our students will not only continue their learning in an online format, they and their families will also have access to a range of pastoral care contacts that will assist in maintaining their wellbeing in these trying times," Mr Muldoon said.

The SCAS Student Leadership Committee (SLC) has issued a statement to students and staff and is urging them to remain optimistic.

"As we are all aware, the current times have been very overwhelming and confusing," the students said.

"We as a SLC committee are completely aware of the rash changes that all of us have had to adapt to recently. However, we are here to tell you that everything will be okay."

The students urged people in the community to remain strong headed amid the changes.

"It's a great time of challenge, and the best outcome of challenge, is character," they said.

"I urge you, as members of St Columba, that we be optimistic in times of need and we as an SLC team are always there to help you."

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