Whānau Pānui – 16 August

Kia ora e te whānau

I trust that you have heard the news that we will remain at alert level 2 until at least Wednesday 26 August. It is pleasing to see how New Zealanders are responding to the limited community transmission by getting tested if unwell, and staying home.

CONFERENCES
Consistent with level 2 requirements, we will need to cancel face-to-face meetings (student-parent-teacher conferences) scheduled for Wednesday 19 August.
I know this will be disappointing for many, as we have had large numbers bookings to date. I strongly encourage you to make email and telephone contact to get updates on progress and next steps from your child’s kaiako/teachers.
If we can provide another time for such interviews with the schedule of other events planned for Term 3, then we will advise.

MORE ABOUT LEVEL 2
At Alert Level 2 the disease is contained. It is safe for children and staff to attend schools, early learning services and tertiary education. There are appropriate measures in place.

While most of us are familiar with requirements at Alert Level 2, we will continue to emphasise the importance of:

  • Good hand hygiene and cough and sneeze etiquette. This includes having and using hand sanitiser or washing and drying hands. Taiohi/students are encouraged to have their own sanitiser, but the school is also well supplied in classrooms and we do have excellent hand washing facilities and driers.
  • Staying away if sick. If people are sick, they should stay home (phone Healthline or their GP and get tested if a doctor or health professional recommends to do so). Anyone who is self-isolating, or who has been advised by health authorities to remain at home while they wait for their COVID-19 test results must stay home.
  • Keeping the appropriate physical distance from others. We will continue to operate classes and ensure that seating arrangements are such that young people and staff should be far enough away from each other.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting our high touch surfaces daily.
  • Contact tracing remains a priority through our visitor register, timetable and attendance register.
  • Displaying QR code posters at our entrances and encouraging all of our community to download the NZ COVID Tracer App and use it if they come onsite
  • Keeping a visitor register for anyone who cannot use the app and for other essential visitors
  • Physical education classes and break time activities can include access to sports equipment including playgrounds but hygiene practice should be observed before and after playing with equipment.
  • Physical distance is not possible in some sporting activities. In these situations extra emphasis on handwashing and drying (or cleansing with hand sanitiser) before and after activities and regular cleaning of equipment is very important.
  • Areas of the school have well-established plans in place, for example the library has a reduced limit and a separate register in place.
  • The Year 7/8 technology programme can continue as this is a well-managed and easily identifiable group and kept within one area.
  • Afterschool activities, such as music practices and sports practices can continue, with the same level of precautions as above.
  • Water Fountains: We have shut these off, but allow the refilling of water bottles.

FAQS about face coverings

Do children, young people and staff need to wear face coverings at schools at level 2?
No. Children and young people do not need to wear face coverings because the risk of infection within the school environment is low. Other public health control measures will be in place including children and staff staying home if they are sick, contact tracing, and hygiene requirements. However, as previously advised, face masks can be worn. These need to be in keeping with our school guidelines for clothing – no offensive images or words, no gang affiliation colours, etc.

Do children and young people need to wear face coverings on school or public transport at Alert level 2?
Children and young people are not required to wear face coverings wrapped around the nose and mouth on school transport. At Alert level 2, children and young people aged 6 years and over are encouraged to carry a face covering to wrap around their nose and mouth, when they are on school and public transport.

Thank you for your continued support for all we are doing to keep our community safe. We are in this together and we will be OK.

As always, comments and suggestions are welcomed.

Kia kaha, Kia hauora, Kia manawanui (Be strong, be healthy, be patient).

Ngā mihi

Matua Michael Hart
Tumuaki / Principal