Nga mihi nui ki a koutou. Greetings whanau,students, and members of the Crawshaw School Community

As we draw near to the end of Term 1, it is an opportune time to reflect on the dedicated and ongoing efforts of our Crawshaw staff, relievers and students in maintaining a positive outlook in this challenging Covid time. We are delighted to let you know that the majority of students and teachers have returned to school after Covid related absences.

With the colder weather arriving and the changes to the government's Covid Protection Framework mandates and the shift to the traffic light orange setting, we are pleased to let you know that from Term 2:

• Our school gates will open at 8:15 a.m and students will be allowed into classrooms at 8:30 am

• Drinking fountains will be turned on and we will ensure that these are sanitised daily by our dedicated cleaning personnel

• Teams will merge for break times and we will be providing structured play opportunities for all students from Week 3.

We will continue to:

• Remain vigilant in ensuring a high level of daily classroom cleaning and sanitisation

• Provide medical-grade masks for students, whanau and visitors who choose to wear these

• Expect a high standard of hand sanitising before and entering school spaces

• Maintain & monitor our student and staff Covid-19 related isolation recording systems and provide learning from home packs when requested for students in isolation

As always we encourage whanau feedback, so please inform us of any concerns or questions you may have regarding student wellbeing. You can email the school directly at office@crawshaw.school.nz or message via our Facebook page.

With ANZAC just around the corner, many students are engaged in learning about this significant time in history, and the efforts of the brave New Zealand and Australian soldiers. When you drive past the school gates, you will see the stunning ANZAC display which our talented students of Team 3 have collectively contributed to. In line with the learning going on at school, we are proud to say that we will be represented by Whaea Vicki and several students at an April 25th ANZAC remembrance service where a wreath will be laid on our behalf.

In other news, at the start of Term 2, we are opening a roll growth classroom which will be in our junior school area. Whaea Jodie who is familiar with our school and students, is excited to be joining our team as the teacher of Room 7. Whanau have been informed of student placement into our new room, and we ask that you contact the school directly with any queries you may have regarding this matter.

Earlier this week, Constable Tom was at our school training our exceptional and dedicated road patrollers who volunteer their time to help keep students and visitors to our school safe. Road patrollers will be rostered on for one week of a term and are expected to arrive promptly for before and after school crossing duties at 8:40 am and 2:50 pm. We ask that whanau use the crossing so that students follow suit and practice road safe behaviours.

We have had a special four legged visitor to our school in recent weeks who is much adored by students and staff. Marama, is Matua Shannon’s gorgeous puppy who loves cuddles and attention from all. She can occasionally be found sleeping in Whaea Ange’s office on her special doggy pillow or out and about with eager puppy babysitters. Smooch, the school cat, is not so thrilled with the presence of our guest and shows his authority over Marama by looking down on her from Whaea Kim’s office bench!

Staying with our furry friend theme, we have also had school visits from two other puppy friends, Peggy and Ebony who belong to Matua Jacob and Whaea Lyndal. The puppies were showered with adoration by staff and students who want them to come to school everyday. Though they brought much joy to our day, we are not sure how much learning would go on if this were the case.

You may have noticed that we now have VisTab at the school office which is an electronic sign in and out system for students, whanau and visitors to use. This is linked to our school management system and updates student attendance registers promptly on arriving and exiting the school. We hope that you enjoy using this as much as the children and staff do.

Crawshaw staff have started an after school walking school bus in response to whanau concerns regarding the safety of children walking home from school. Students and staff across all years of the school are enjoying getting to know one another after being separated in bubble schools for so long. We do ask that students use the road crossing when leaving the school and refrain from running across the road on blind corners.

Once again we would like to thank you all for your continued support and patience throughout the term, as we have navigated the challenges associated with Covid- 19.

We hope that you enjoy yummy chocolate Easter treats and time spent with whanau over the holiday break.

We look forward to seeing you in the new term starting Monday 2nd May.

Whaea Ange and the staff of Crawshaw School