Sunday 12 February 2023

Kia ora koutou BSDA school community

MetService is expecting Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle to bring strong wind, heavy rain and large swell. States of emergency in the Thames / Coromandel and Auckland areas have been extended.

As per our school policy - "The school may need to be closed for instruction for a variety of reasons, including any emergency situation, extreme weather conditions, a public health concern, an urgent health and safety issue (loss of essential utilities), or industrial action."

After taking guidance from Auckland Emergency Management and the Ministry of Education, and after consultation with colleagues at other local schools, we have made the decision to close the school for Monday and Tuesday while the storm passes across the city.

This decision is made with the safety of staff and students in mind and is not taken lightly. We have considered our health and safety obligations at the school site, especially knowing that Auckland has already experienced flooding in the last two weather events, as well as the risks associated with travelling to and from school, especially for those with a longer commute. Our school community come from all over Auckland.

As this is a short closure and so near to the start of term, there will be no online learning for the duration of the closure. Should we need to extend the closure home learning opportunities will be put in place.

Our BSDA whanau should continue to monitor and follow all advice from Auckland Emergency Management.

Any further updates will be sent from the school by email and also shared on our social media platforms i.e school facebook page @BSDAschool and school website - www.balmoralsda.school.nz

Thank you for your understanding and support. Let's continue to uplift one another in prayer.

Ngā mihi nui

Mrs Mary Brown

Tumuaki/Principal