20 August 2021
Kia ora e te whānau
You may have heard that it has been confirmed today that we remain at Alert Level 4, and that will be reviewed on Monday next week. What this means is the school will continue our online learning plan https://www.thameshigh.school.nz/online-learning/
In the last couple of days, it has been great to hear teachers report that most students have engaged with their learning and are doing their being under the circumstances.
I would like to thank staff for getting their online learning resources sorted, despite the sudden move to Alert Level 4. I would like to thank everyone for their support, positivity and willingness to adapt as the situation changes. We appreciate that some students require the flexibility to complete tasks at a time, due to the circumstances at home, other that their class time; remember to keep in touch with teachers to explain.
Devices/computers
We do know that some students have had access issues, as they do not have suitable or sufficient devices or poor or no internet access. Please advise rōpu or whānau kaitiaki or subject Kaiako/teachers if there is a need for a device, or hardcopy resources.
Next week, teachers will be able to prepare some hardcopy resources only for those without devices. We need to do this following strict Level 4 protocols, so the number of staff that can come into school is limited. In addition, we will endeavour to supply those who need to borrow Chromebooks (which are very limited in number). These resources must be delivered in a contactless way, so we expect to courier these on Monday or Tuesday. This may depend on the updated decision on Monday afternoon. We are preparing as though this will be an extended situation, but we hope for a return to normal school as soon as possible.
Well-being
Well-being for all remains our priority. It is normal that a lack of certainty and remaining in our bubbles will cause anxiety in many, and I encourage us all to reach out for help. At the end of this message is a list of ways to get support. When it comes to returning to school, we will follow all the advice that has served is well so far and it will be safe to return.
Remember, maintaining a regular routine and being involved in a purposeful activity is a vital part of well-being, so staying connected with learning and each other is very important. That includes having good breaks and being kind to yourself. Connecting with their rōpu or whānau class is also a great way for our taiohi/young people to stay positive and to ask for help.
A reminder about the requirements at level 4: https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-levels-and-updates/alert-level-4/
Useful well-being links:
- Mental Health Foundation: https://www.allright.org.nz/campaigns/getting-through-together
- Getting through together campaign and resources: https://www.allright.org.nz/campaigns/getting-through-together
Agencies you can contact for assistance
It can be challenging having children at home, being cut off from family and friends, trying to making ends meet and have high stress levels.
If you know someone who needs financial assistance, please tell him/her to call the free government helpline 0800 779 997 (8am–1am, seven days a week).
Work and Income services centres are closed. However, you can apply for assistance via MyMSD or phone the contact centre on 0800 559 009.
If you need some assistance with food these food banks may be able to help. Call first for instructions of how they are operating to ensure physical distancing.
- Thames Baptist Church 303 Mary Street Thames. Ph: 07 868 6274
- Salvation Army Thames 713 Pollen Street Thames. Ph: 07 868 6719
If you know someone is feeling anxious, frustrated or needs a listening ear, they can call or text 1737 to talk with a trained counsellor. It is free 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For people with disabilities or autism and their support people, the Explore 0800 000421 phone service available to provide advice or support.
If you or anyone you know wants some advice or support over this time here are some further options that might be useful:
- Women’s Refuge 0800REFUGE or 0800 733 843
- Shine 0508 744 633
- Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797
- Oranga Tamariki call centre 0508FAMILY
- CADS 0800 367 222
- Narcotics Anonymous 0800 628 632
- Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 229 6757
- Lifeline 0800 543 354 or free text 4357
- Youthline 0800 376 633 or free text 234
- Samaritans 0800 726 666
- Outline (LGBT) 0800 688 5463
- Depression Helpline 0800 111 757
- Suicide Prevention Helpline 0508 828 865
- The Fono West (Social Services) 09 837 1780
- Counselling Free Call or Text 1737
- Healthline for COVID-19 health advice: 0800 358 5453
