Principal's Weekly Review 19 February 2021
Kia ora,
This week brought the known reality that at some stage we may need to move up the Covid-19 Alert Levels. This return to Level 2 resulted in the school actioning its Emergency Response Plan. I would like to thank you for your ongoing support and understanding. Unfortunately, this resulted in the postponement of a number of events planned for this week. It was with much relief on Wednesday when the Government reassessed the Alert Levels, downgrading the country outside of Auckland to Level 1, and Auckland to Level 2. The Year 10 - 13 Meet and Greet will now take place on Thursday 25th February, and we look forward to seeing you there.
The Ministry of Health has stated that there is a requirement for face coverings to be worn on public transport across New Zealand at Alert Level 1. This means that face coverings will be required on public transport at all Alert Levels. There is no change to the application of face coverings for schools. To clarify: Face coverings are not required at school or on any school transport. But they must be worn on all public transport, including by any school students aged 12 and over. Please note the Government will be reviewing the decision on face coverings for public transport and our Alert Levels on Monday 22 February.
The Ministry’s final reminder was: It’s important for all of us to continue with the usual Covid-19 hygiene protocols, to track and trace everywhere we go, and at any alert level, students and staff are free to choose whether they would like to wear face coverings at school.
Given the initial challenge in starting this week, it’s been good to settle into a full week of teaching and learning. Most of the timetable is now set and we are hopeful that any further amendments will be minor. From here on in, the full spectrum of school life swings into action.
Monday evening saw the first PTA meeting for the year, and it was great to see a number of new parents joining the committee, particularly from Year 9. We would also like to acknowledge the parents who have come back to support the school for another year. The PTA is a very valuable component within our school structure, and I am appreciative of their contribution and their comments, as a sounding board in relation to current and future initiatives that the school seeks feedback about. Their next meeting on the 15th March will be the AGM at 7.00 pm and you are warmly welcome to attend.
On Monday 22 we will mark the 10th anniversary of the February Christchurch Earthquake. This will take the format of a musical concert, short acknowledgement, and a moment of reflective silence (12.51 pm) over lunchtime in the quad. Students and staff will have the option of participating in this event. During form time the lunchtime event will be explained to students, they will have the opportunity to participate in a moment’s reflection at 12.51 wherever they are on the school site should they choose to.
As always, we will advise you as soon as we possibly can of any changes that impact on the school’s operation, particularly in relation to Covid-19, and we thank you for your understanding.
Ngā mihi nui,
Jeff Smith
Principal