As we come to the end of the first term of the year and enter our second week of an unprecedented lock down, I think it is fair to say this has probably been the most stressful 10 weeks for our wider community since the Canterbury Earthquakes.

We understand that this has been a trying time for all families, students and staff. Over the last few weeks there has been a lot of information released from sources like the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, the school etc. Most of this information has changed and evolved rapidly as the situation around COVID-19 has evolved and changed. Unfortunately there is also a reasonable amount of misinformation out there, so please rely on updates from reputable sources so that you are getting quality advice. 

The Ministry of Education has moved the holiday break, so this will likely see Term 2 being 12 weeks long. The Ministry of Education hasn’t released guidance for what the environment for schools will look like once lock down ends. There may be additional periods where schools are closed but at this stage we have had no information either way, however we will make sure any updates are communicated to you as soon as we know. 

The Board and school recognise that this is a situation that impacts on different families in different ways. Some of our students have additional health concerns which raises their risk level, some families have family members at home who are also in this situation. The school will always share the information and updates we have from the Ministries of Health and Education, and while this information does change and evolve, it is the best information we have. Please follow instructions from the school, as our students well being is our first concern. If your family has additional circumstances the school should be aware of, please make contact with your daughters Ako Teacher in the first instance. 

I would also like to say that the board is fully supportive of Mrs Hume, the Senior Leadership Team and the staff of Avonside. This has been a very challenging time for all, and the way all staff have continued to provide the level of dedication and care to our students while they are also going through their own stress is admirable, and a real tribute to the kind of people that we have at Avonside. The way our staff have adapted to supporting our students remotely is amazing. There was not a lot of notice from government about the closing of schools, and the fact that Avonside had already done a reasonable amount of work to prepare for this meant that we were able to support our students transition well. The Board has also had to make changes to our practices, with our first meeting held remotely last week! 

Please keep healthy, stay safe and be kind to one another. We look forward to seeing you when school reopens. 

Jonathan Brooks 

BOT Chair