Update 26 January

Kia ora parents and caregivers.

I hope you have had an opportunity to connect with family and enjoy some downtime over summer.

Return to School

We are looking forward to welcoming students back on campus on Tuesday 1 February.

Under the Red CPF setting schools are open and all staff and students are expected to be on campus unless under instruction to isolate or to manage complex medical needs.

I imagine there are more than the usual levels of anxiety for some students about starting the new school year. That is perfectly understandable and the counsellors, House Leaders and Form Teachers are ready to support students. The research, and recent experience, shows that besides the improved learning, students derive great social and emotional benefits from being at school. Also, the risk profile for our school community is lower than many and we are following all public health guidance to make the return to school safer for students.

A local Omicron outbreak that requires large numbers of staff and students to isolate is likely at some point and we will keep you informed of how schooling will occur at that time.

Safety measures

Here are some further details about school operations under the Red CPF setting:

Hygiene practices

• All students must wear a mask on the bus, as they enter and exit the campus, when indoors and when moving between classes.
• Scarves and bandanas are not allowed as masks. N95 masks are recommended.
• Any student must stay at home if they are unwell, and we will send anyone home immediately if they show any flu-like symptoms.
• Students will have hand sanitiser available in all classes.
• Good personal hygiene practices will be encouraged.
• We have strengthened our school cleaning regime.

Physical distancing guidelines for schools

• Students must not touch each other or be close enough to breathe on one another.
• A 1m distance is recommended.
• Curriculum activities are exempt from mass gathering rules.

Sharing equipment

• Students cannot share personal stationery or equipment.
• School equipment used by students will be sanitised regularly.

Food

• The tuck shop is open but students must wear a mask when using the shop.
• There is to be no sharing of food or drink.

Visitors

• Visitors, parents and contractors must make an appointment before coming on site.
• Visitors must scan in at the office and wear a mask.

Student support

The counsellors in the Guidance Department are available to support students. Students can make a booking in the SAS or via the school website. House Leaders and Form Teachers are also available for more general advice related to all aspects of school life.

We look forward to seeing all of our students on Tuesday, in full uniform, abiding by our normal high levels of personal presentation, at the times below:

9.00 am Year 9 and 12
10.00 am Year 13
10.30 am Year 10
11.00 am Year 11.

Kind regards

Steven Hargreaves
Principal