Date: 22 July 2022
Kia ora koutou
We hope that you and your whānau have been able to enjoy a break over the school holiday. We were delighted to be able to hold the school ball last week, with students hosting a wonderful occasion. Naylor Love has been busy through the past 2 weeks too, with our original classroom block MTHL all but demolished. It is easy now to visualise the landscaping intended for this large space, which will be a beautiful area for students to enjoy.
This email is primarily to let you know about a change in our mask policy, effective immediately:
Masking up for the start of Term 3
As you know, there was an increase in winter illnesses in our community at the end of last term, which resulted in significant student and staff absences. Currently, cases of COVID-19 are increasing in most parts of the country, together with high numbers of other winter illnesses.
For the start of Term 3, the Ministries of Education and Health have strongly recommended that all schools amend mask policies for the first four weeks to require mask wearing in indoor settings. This recommendation does not include situations where mask wearing is not practicable e.g. eating, playing certain musical instruments, indoor sport, singing, drama and PE. In these situations, good ventilation will be prioritised, and where practicable, physical distancing practised.
Wearing masks can reduce new cases of the virus by as much as 53%. It works alongside the other measures including vaccination, ventilation, staying home when sick, and hand washing and other hygiene measures, to protect everyone. If a student has an exemption card, we will support them to not wear a mask. Applications for an exemption pass can be made at https://www.health.govt.nz/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-health-advice-public/covid-19-use-face-masks-community/covid-19-advice-people-who-have-difficulties-wearing-face-mask
We would appreciate you letting your children know to come to school ready to wear masks when indoors from Monday. We have plentiful supplies of masks at school for any students who need these, all teachers will have spare masks and masks are available from reception.
Diary updates for this term are:
3 way conversations provide an opportunity to discuss students’ learning and academic progress for this year as well as the subject selection process and next steps for 2023. Bookings open Wednesday 27 July at 9am and close Monday 8 August at 12pm. We look forward to seeing students and whānau for these important discussions.
Thank you for your support with the mask policy and also in ensuring students wear the correct uniform. We are very appreciative of your ongoing support. Have a lovely weekend and welcome to Term Three!
Noho ora mai
Deidre Shea
Tumuaki | Principal
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