Kia ora koutou

Good morning to you all on another beautiful day. I have relocated to my "outdoor office" at the back of the house today. I'm doing some strategic thinking and planning so I have my friend The Ruru with me. At the start of the school year none of us could have imagined that we would be confined to our homes by the end of Term 1. We have not experienced something of this magnitude before and this means that we are all adjusting to new ways of being. I am grateful to live in the vicinity of the school as this means that I have seen a number of families around and about. It has been lovely to wave to children going past my house or chat over the fence when I am in the garden. Everyone seems well and the amazing weather has certainly helped us to get through the first two weeks of the lockdown. Our staff are also well and enjoying the school holiday. If you need support from the school during this school holiday period please email me (beverleyb@devonport.school.nz). I have asked the staff to prioritise being with their families and taking time to rest and rejuvenate during this time. This is important because Term 2 will be twelve weeks long and, of course, we do not yet know what will happen during that time. On school days, the teachers will be in regular contact with you once the new term begins (commencing 15th April). 

I know, from the teachers, that the contact they have had from the children and parents of their classes up to now has been variable. Approximately half our families have been in contact with their teacher, with around 30% of students sharing completed learning tasks. I am currently collating the feedback that we have had from parents regarding how things are going. We fully understand that everyone's situation will be different and that many of you are busy with meetings and work deadlines of your own. We certainly do not wish to create additional stress for families and I would like to reassure you that anything that we put in place will be sensitive and flexible.  However, I am keen to know that you are well and also whether you will be able to access and support the learning tasks that we will begin to provide next week. In the next few days, teachers will be reaching out to those families they have not heard from to make sure that all is well. You may also wish to email me if there are aspects of home learning that you would like us to consider. I would also like to reassure you that our school staff and Board of Trustees will continue to be available to support your child’s learning and wellbeing in the next weeks. Our school community and the wellbeing of everyone are, as always, of the highest priority for us.

Ngā mihi

Beverley