Illness continues to affect many in our community and we continue to encourage good health practices to protect our school community.

Following Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health guidance, from the start of Term 3 Ashburton College REQUIRES students and staff to wear masks when inside (excluding those with exemptions). In addition, masks are required to be worn on ALL school transport (buses, mini vans etc) and in our first aid rooms.

This recommendation does not include any situation where mask wearing might not be practicable, such as while eating and drinking, playing certain musical instruments, indoor sport, where it will have a significant impact on teaching and learning (for example, students with particular learning needs), certain activities such as singing or drama performance on stage, and PE.

We ask that, as well as mask wearing, everyone continue with good hygiene practices, in particular:

* handwashing;
* use of hand sanitizer; and
* staying away if you are unwell.

Please make sure that students come to school ready to wear masks. Students should bring masks from home. If students cannot bring masks from home there will be a limited supply of masks available at school.

Please be aware that keeping students at school is of the utmost importance and we are following the most recent official guidance to support this outcome..

Thank you for your support in protecting our school community.

Kind regards,
Ross Preece - Principal