Kia ora koutou, nei ra te mihi, maioha ki a koutou katoa. Hello everyone, special greetings to you all. Another two weeks in Alert Level 2 has come and gone and we have to thank you for your cooperation and patience. The children remain very upbeat, and while they realise that COVID-19 is a serious matter, they have just got on with their daily lives. This week we had a reminder from the Ministry of Education to adhere to the following health measures:

• Good hand hygiene and cough and sneeze etiquette

• Staying away if sick

• Cleaning and disinfecting our high touch surfaces daily

• Displaying QR code posters at our entrances, and encouraging all of our community to download the NZ COVID Tracer App and use it if they come onsite

• Keeping a visitor register for anyone who cannot use the app and for other visitors who come onsite for a period of time.

We know all these things will help to keep our community as safe as possible, and because of these measures, your child does not need to wear a face covering while at school. We will of course support them should they choose to do so.

For those of you who might be finding things more difficult than usual, a reminder that there is a large range of support available for businesses and the community. We encourage you to go to the covid19.govt.nz for more information.

We have had to cancel a number of events because of the current alert status, including our Middle School Sunday Mass and the two Masses for the new Catholic Parish of Christchurch North on the 05 and 06 of September. Thanks to those parents who had returned consent forms for choir and student representation at these two Masses.

It looks as though the Year 7 and 8 skiing trip to Mt Hutt will go ahead next Friday as planned. There will be special conditions to adhere to that will be outlined at the meeting tonight. Thanks to those of you who have volunteered your time on the day. EOTC cannot proceed without your help.

Speech finals have been to the fore this week and the topics continue to surprise and impress, as much as the quality of the speakers. Our children have covered some topical themes, as well as devising some of their own that are quite humorous. Congratulations to all those contestants who have made the finals, and good luck with the next stage.

Nga mihi

Mike Bonisch