Kia ora,
We have come to the end, once again, of another challenging term, hugely influenced by the impact of Covid. Whether this has been through home, work, or school, we have all had to adjust and manage our own personal circumstances. And I would like to thank, and acknowledge the collective and shared understanding that we are all doing the best we can given the situation we are all facing.
The Papanui High School PTA continue to be strong advocates and supporters of our school. Last Monday they took the opportunity to treat and thank our staff by supplying a wonderful morning tea. This was also to acknowledge the flexibility the staff showed in meeting the complexities of our students’ needs, whether they were on or off site. On behalf of our staff I would like to thank the PTA for their generosity
As at 11.59pm on Wednesday 13th April, the whole of the country moved to the Orange Traffic Light setting.
Orange at Papanui High School
Public Health advice is that masks should continue to be strongly encouraged when indoors. We know that wearing a mask is a key health measure that slows the spread of COVID-19 in indoor settings. We know that COVID has not spread through classes of students at school and one of the main reasons is that the majority of the school community have worn their masks in all settings.
At this stage, for next term, we ask that your child continues to bring their masks to school and wears it in any indoor setting just as our staff will do. Unfortunately, it is too soon to confirm what steps may need be taken in relation to having all students on site at school. Over the break period we will be reviewing all the new information we receive from the Ministry of Health and Education, and look to advise our school community if we need to make any specific adjustments to our normal school day.
As a general reminder, at Orange, students aged 12 and above are still required to wear a face mask on school or public transport.
END OF TERM FAREWELLS
We will be saying a sad farewell, and a special congratulations to both Jan Anderson, Teacher Aide (9 years), and Kaye Brown, Receptionist (17 years) - who are both retiring. Richard Ashmore, International Administration, Nicola Williamson, Teacher Aide, and Jo Doak, Junior Technology who are all also leaving. As a school and a community, we would like to thank and acknowledge them all for their valued service and contribution to our school. Their contribution has been immense, and we wish them all the best.
It is timely at the end of this term to reinforce the benefits of the holiday period in that staff and students do take an opportunity to rest and recover, particularly if they have been unwell with Covid. Equally, as a collective community, take care, and enjoy some compulsory holiday time. We look forward to seeing everyone back in Term 2.
Ngā mihi nui
Jeff Smith
Principal
