12 August 2020
Kia ora e te whānau
You may be aware of the announcement Tuesday evening (11 August) about the country moving to covid-19 alert level 2 – REDUCE whilst Auckland moves to level 3 – RESTRICT. This is a precautionary move for at least three days (at this stage).
What this means for Thames High School is that we remain open for instruction to all students: it is safe to do so, and we will return to the extra care that we showed in May when we fully returned to school.
While it is natural that there may be anxiety, as adults we must reassure children that our school and community is resilient, sensible, prepared and is going to be fine. We have done this well in the past and we have every confidence in our ability to follow the requirements. We will update you as information and guidance comes to hand.
At present these are the implications:
- We are open for instruction for all students, but it is not totally business as usual.
- We move into level 2 from tomorrow (technically from 12 pm tomorrow). This is a precaution and will last at least until the weekend.
- This means that we return to the conditions when students were able to all return in May.
- We will make sure that students are reminded about what level 2 means first thing in the morning at school.
“Alert Level 2 is not life as normal. You can still go to work and school, but you should:
- keep your distance from other people in public
- wash your hands
- sneeze and cough into your elbow
- keep a track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen
- wear a mask if you can”
In addition:
- The Year 8 Open Evening that was planned for Thursday evening (13 August) is postponed, as there is a limit of 100 on public gatherings (remember schools are exempt as we have excellent contact tracing).
- The Careers Expo that was planned for Wednesday and Thursday will need to be postponed too, as this will also be a mass gathering.
- We will make a decision by early next week on the student-parent-teacher conferences that are scheduled for Thursday 20 August.
- We need to prepare ourselves, staff and students for the possibility of level 3 – i.e. online learning plan will be reinstated. Only students of essential workers would be allowed to school should this be decided by government. We will do what we can to be ready for this possibility.
We are in this together and we will be OK. Be safe, be careful, be kind.
Ngā mihi
Matua Michael Hart
Tumuaki / Principal
Thames High School
Te Kura Tuarua o Te Kauaeranga