We have a lot of exciting events this term which will be even more enjoyable now we have returned to Level 1. Despite this relaxation of restrictions, we still need to remain vigilant about our health and hygiene. The experience of other countries who are experiencing a second wave of infections after appearing to have “flattened the curve” is a sobering reminder to us all.
We look forward to seeing you at the school’s eagerly awaited musical – “All shook up” in week 2 (19-24 October). Fans of rock and roll will particularly enjoy this wonderful display of our students’ singing, dancing and acting talent.
This week we celebrate Kindness Week with a number of activities which promote on of our core values – awhinatanga/compassion. This culminates in Pink Shirt Day on Friday which is an international movement to say no to bullying or simply “be kind!”
Our mantra is for all of us to be “upstanders” not bystanders. Research shows that it is the people who witness bullying behaviours who can have the greatest impact by showing their disapproval. This requires strength of character and reinforcement of another of our core values integrity/pono which can mean “to do the right thing”.
Let us encourage each other to be kind and do the right thing and so make the world a better place.
Following our annual cultural dress day when students and staff wear traditional costumes of their country of origin, Pacific Language Week when we celebrate the language and culture of Oceania it is appropriate that this week we join the nation while celebrating Māori language week. Staff and students will place a special emphasis on using the language as often as appropriate. Every Whānau has a plan for students to show their proficiency in the language and earn a cultural e-badge in the process supported by the Māori Student Council.
We are all on a learning journey. Many teachers have joined an inquiry group which helps us to understand the Māori world view and how it can be integrated into our curriculum and what we do. Recent advertisements and interviews of new teachers have focused on this important aspect of our strategic plan.
We will also participate in the Māori Language Moment at 12 p.m. on Monday which remembers the date and time that a petition was presented to parliament in 1972 for Te Reo Māori to be taught in schools. Our year 10s will be our first graduates who have had this opportunity, starting four years ago.
Following the PM announcement today we are in preparation for a lifting to Level 2 and thus staff and students returning to school on Monday 31 August.
I expect further guidelines to be sent to me from the MoE which will ensure the safety of our community while we continue with as normal a programme as possible and these will be emailed ASAP.
As mentioned before we await the PM’s announcement on Monday on whether we stay at lockdown alert level 3 or move up or down. The school is planning on a return on Thursday 27th as initially indicated however we will let you now ASAP the official guidelines.
If we do move to level 2 we will minimise contact as much as possible by students being taught in their home room classes and restricting movement around the school, staying in whānau as much as possible and not sharing equipment or surfaces.
In order to promote wellbeing of staff and students we are also reviewing our assessment programme to take into account the time lost owing to the two lockdown periods as well as our calendar where some events will have to be cancelled as we will not have time to reschedule.
Thank you, as always for your wonderful support of the school and our wonderful students.
Stay safe, stay well and be kind to yourselves and others.
Following the PM announcement of the extension of Level 3 in Auckland an email will be sent to you tomorrow detailing what learning will look like. If your child/ren cannot be supervised at home, please contact your child’s Whānau Leader as soon as possible so suitable arrangements can be made. Otherwise the school will be closed except for the students who require supervision who must report directly to the venue specified, be prepared to work independently, have water and food for the day, a device and charger and be picked up at 3 p.m. More information will follow.
Later today we await the Prime Minister’s announcement on whether the lockdown will continue, be lifted or even move to Level 4. The school is preparing for each scenario, hoping for the best and planning for the worst. We will notify you in all likelihood on Saturday as the announcement is expected late today. Similarly it would be wise for you to also plan for the different scenarios.
During lockdown level 3 for the remainder of the week we are asking students to:
Complete their Reading Plus and Maths Buddy expectations for the week
Complete any assessments
Work on their Student Led Conference presentation
Stay active
Practice the school haka
At this stage there are no students at the school and no requests. If you are an essential worker and your child requires supervision please contact your child/ren’s Whānau Leader. If they are to attend school please ensure they have face masks, their devices and chargers as well as food and water for the day. Water fountains, microwaves and the toasters are not available for use.
I will send further updates as and when we are informed of the situation moving forward. Hopefully we will be back at school on Monday.
You may have heard the news that we are back at Covid level 3 and schools are closed to all except essential workers from tomorrow (12 August).
Based on advice on the COVID website, Schools in Auckland can safely open but will have limited capacity. Where possible we encourage students to learn from home.
Only children who cannot be supervised at home should be at school and parents are to contact whanau senior leaders:
