Firstly I would like to acknowledge that with the changing landscape caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, these are anxious times for many and certainly a time where kindness and support for one another is so important – we will get through this!

We are continuing to receive great advice from the Ministry of Health and are continuing to prepare for any eventuality that comes our way. The Ministry continues to state that schools are a safe place to be and that nation-wide school closures are not being considered at present.

We are starting to receive increasing requests from families for work to be provided for their children who they are choosing to keep at home. Unfortunately, the capacity of staff to not only teach their classes at school, but then teach these online classes at home is not there. The workload involved is unrealistic. Where there are specific health needs, as per normal, we will consider these on a case by case basis. This will of course change if schools close and we are well prepared to launch into online learning for all students. Where families have limited internet access we will work around this. Where families have limited access to suitable learning devices, we will provide what is needed.

In other news, our Year 10 camps have recently concluded and have been a wonderful success. The Year 10 classes were all superb and the contribution of the staff and Year 13 students has been magnificent. Well done to you all, you make us so proud.

Enjoy the long weekend, keep safe and look out for each other!

No reira tena koutou tena koutou tena koutou katoa