We will provide regular updates as to the Covid-19 situation as the situation is changing rapidly.

Many parents are wondering if they should be keeping their children home. The overwhelming advice at this time is that children should continue to attend school. It is important to keep students in education and there is currently no reason for children not to attend, or for schools to close. The transmission rate among young people is shown to be very low internationally. 

Diamond Harbour School has made the decision, as recommended by the Ministry of Education, to cancel our school assemblies at this time. The reasons for this is that these gatherings involve children, parents, grandparents and other community members sitting beside each other, in a relatively confined space, for longer than 15 minutes. While this may seem overcautious, we believe we have a responsibility to take a prudent approach at this time.

Kapa haka school practices, which involve a large group of students, will happen outside where students have more room to spread out.

During this time it is important to consider mental health as well as physical health. The mental strain of a pandemic cannot be disregarded. It is natural that children will feel anxiety, and will worry about loved ones. Some simple tips that might help include:

• keeping up normal routines as much as possible
• avoiding excessive watching or reading of media
• limiting conversations about the pandemic in front of children
• remember that physical isolation does not mean social isolation: keep in touch with friends and families who might be physically isolating themselves due to being more vulnerable to Covid-19.

A useful video from Nanogirl (Dr Michelle Dickinson) to explain about viruses (and the importance of washing hands) is found here. A guide for parents, focused on how to talk to young people, can be found here. 

Remember to let us know about any aspects of the current situation that might be impacting your children so we are aware, and are able to provide support.

Thank you to those of you who have completed the form regarding student learning in the unlikely case that schools close. There are many valid suggestions and ideas for us to consider. We have been assured that school closures are a last resort, and if this was the case, the majority of people would be working from home if possible, with support packages available to minimise the financial impact on families. 

If you haven't already, it would be appreciated if you complete this form, for each child in your care. 

Ngā mihi,

Jill and all the Diamond Harbour School staff