Notice to Parents – Covid 19 Red Level
Kia ora parents/caregivers
Welcome back after what we hope has been a wonderful summer for your family.
As you will know by now, we have moved fully into the new COVID-19 traffic light framework for our school.
You will be familiar with all the health measures we need to have in place during this pandemic. I would like to outline some changes since the end of the 2021 school year.
It is very pleasing that at the Red traffic light setting, we are able to support students’ learning on-site and so we look forward to them all being back at school next Wednesday 2nd February starting at 9:00am. If/when we move to Orange or Green there will be further changes.
We will be continuing with good hygiene and cleaning practices, such as, regular hand washing/sanitising, cough and sneeze etiquette, regular cleaning of high touch surfaces, and open doors and windows.
Here is a list of the significant changes since the end of the 2021 school year:
• Children who are Year 4 and older should be wearing facemasks inside. The staff will be also. This is the advice we have received and so we need to comply with this. Children of all ages may wear facemasks to and from school. The Ministry of Education is supplying facemasks for children who don’t have them. Children in Year 3/4 composite classes do not have wear them. Having said that it would seem to me to be best practice for them to do so. Our aim is to keep children and staff safe. Children and staff in other classes may also choose to wear them.
• Public Health advice is that an appropriate face covering is one that will fit snugly and seal well around facial contours. This can include single use, disposable masks (medical masks) and re-usable fabric masks with three layers.
• Large hui and gatherings especially when indoors are risky activities and can often be super-spreader sources. We have therefore reviewed all our events and activities for the upcoming term to ensure we meet the health guidance for Red. Hence, our annual Week 2 powhiri/mihi whakatau has been postponed for now. Kapahaka and choirs won’t be happening at present. Swimming sports (school and interschool events) will not take place. Assemblies won’t be taking place in the foreseeable future.
• We will endeavour to keep classrooms well ventilated and provide children with plenty of opportunities to be outside in playground (fresh air).
• We would prefer parents not to enter the school grounds. We understand that for the first few days with little ones (especially New Entrants) or children who are anxious, parents may wish to come along to the classroom and speak to the teacher. If parents enter the grounds then please have a facemask on and remember to comply with social distancing requirements. Please speak to the class teacher outside in a ventilated area and again – we ask parents not to enter classrooms. An email may well be a preferred option to discuss matters with the teacher or a way to arrange a meeting with the teacher. Teachers email addresses are on our school website (under ‘Staff’ dropdown):
• If you enter the school then please sign in on the Visitors Record booklet or by using the QR code signs (set up at the 3 entrances). Remember to wear your facemask.
• As per last year there are 3 entrances and we prefer parents/children use these:
– Juniors (Rooms 13-20) by the Junior hardcourt area
– Middles (Rooms 6-9 and Room 12) by the Rooms 10&11 block
– Seniors (Rooms 1-5 and Rooms 10&11) by the PE store/bike enclosure
• Class Introductions (Week 2) won’t be held this year – information to be sent out via comprehensive newsletters by class teachers.
• Goal setting interviews – a decision about these (Week 5) can be made at a later time.
• Swimming pool key-holders can continue to use the pool. There is a limit of 25 in the pool enclosure. Please respect this. Also could key-holders make sure you lock the changing rooms and toilet when you leave as these are frequently left unlocked.
• If you children are unwell please keep them at home. If children are unwell at school we will ring their parents immediately and arrange for parents to collect them pronto. Parents need to follow Ministry of Health advice at such times.
Further information from the Ministry of Education:
Vaccination for five to 11 year-olds
Vaccination including a booster shot, remains an important tool to help prevent the most serious harm from the COVID-19 virus. If children and young adults who have been vaccinated do develop COVID-19, they are far less likely to get seriously ill and less likely to transmit the virus to others.
The free five to 11 year-old vaccination programme is now underway and more than 100,000 children in New Zealand have had their first dose.
There is some helpful information available to support you on the Unite Against COVID-19 website including How to book a vaccine for your five – 11 year old and some great videos on the Kids Health page that can support you to talk to your tamariki about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Managing cases in our school
We have a good contact tracing system in place so that if there is a confirmed case who has been at school while infectious, we can quickly identify who was a close contact of that person. We will then quickly advise those contacts of what they need to do.
Only if the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Education advises to do so, would we consider closing a physical onsite school and moving to distance learning for everyone. At Red we will keep everyone learning on-site for as long as we can.
Please make sure your contact details we have on file are up to date, so we can get in touch with you if needed.
Preparing for COVID-19
You can also prepare for COVID-19, making sure you and your household have a plan and know what to do. This will mean your whānau and community can help each other if needed. Find out more here:
• Be prepared for COVID-19
• Download the COVID-19 Readiness Checklist [PDF, 121 KB]
• What to expect when self-isolating at home
Self-isolating at home because of COVID-19
Many people will be able to manage self-isolation with help from friends and whānau, but there is help available if you need it – both with health support and access to food and other essentials.
• What to expect when self-isolating at home | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)
• Getting extra support if you have COVID-19 or are self-isolating | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)
• COVID-19 positive – managing your symptoms | Health Navigator NZ
If you know anyone in your community affected by COVID-19 and who may need help, such as food and other financial assistance, Work and Income has a range of supports available for individuals, families, employers and self-employed people affected by COVID-19.
Work and Income support
The beginning of the year can be a tough time for parents who are faced with many costs and it is important you are aware of what assistance you may be able to get from Work and Income. These are available to people on a low income as well as those on a benefit.
Check what you might get here
• School costs
• Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR) Subsidy
• Other Childcare Assistance
• School and Year Start-up Payment (for people getting Orphan’s Benefit or Unsupported Child’s Benefit)
• Help with living costs (including food and rent/mortgage)
Use the links above or call 0800 559 009 to find out more, or to apply.
MoneyTalks can assist with free budgeting and debt help
You can also contact your local community provider. Please find more information here.
Getting ready to return to school
The Ministry of Education has some helpful information on their Parents and Whānau website to support your tamariki to get ready to return to school. There is also a very important reminder about how you can take care of yourself.
While this might feel a little overwhelming at times, we know that all these measures will help our children return to school, reconnect with whānau and friends and do what they enjoy.
We are also here to help. Please get in touch if you have any concerns or need help in any way.
See you soon!
Regards
Tim Brenton
PRINCIPAL