To Students, Staff, and Whānau

Tēnā koutou katoa

Kia kaha, kia mau, kia haere tonu: Stay strong, hold fast, keep on course.

This afternoon, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that New Zealand is to stay at Alert Level 4 until midnight on Tuesday 24 August, with the government making and communicating further decisions about alert levels on Monday 23 August. This means that Burnside High School will remain closed for all staff and students until at least Wednesday, 25 August, unless we are advised otherwise.

We understand the need for the government to discover the possible spread of the Delta variant in the community; and trust them to act in the best interests of all. While the current situation might create uncertainty, what we can and should do is concentrate on the things we can control. In particular, we must adhere to the COVID health and wellbeing protocols.

With the continued closure of school, we ask that students engage with their learning remotely; and we ask whānau to support and encouragement them with this. Students will be sent information at the start of the week, with teachers planning for Monday and Tuesday initially, but also preparing further work in anticipation of an extended lockdown; or a transition down through the alert levels. You will remember that in Alert Level 3 last year, students continued to learn remotely. We know that online learning has its challenges, and are committed to realistic and manageable programmes that provide flexibility in how students work. There will be opportunities for some online contact time with subject and form teachers as appropriate. Details of the school’s expectations for online learning can be found on the Burnside High School website.

We have specialists who can assist with internet connection and devices, so please do contact the Divisional Dean if you need assistance.

As always, we will keep you informed through messages and announcements on the BHS website and Facebook page, via Schoology, and emails. Please check these regularly.

Before the remote learning gets underway, I believe we should aim for a relaxing weekend, with the aim of being ready and positive about the week ahead.

Please look after yourselves and your families.

Ngā mihi nui

Phil Holstein

Principal