Welcome Back to our 'New Normal'

We were so fortunate to have perfect weather all of last week as our students returned to school from lockdown.  It always makes a huge difference when students can get outside at break times and enjoy reconnecting with their friends, playing sport, climbing trees or reading in a quiet corner.  While we know that we need rain, the wet lunch times we have had to endure this week have been frustrating for students keen to get outside and be active.  Whatever the weather, these two weeks of school return have been very positive and students have certainly settled quickly into class routines and their learning.   We now have over 90% of our students back at school and a small number continuing with distance learning at home.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks for the great support we have had from our school community.  It was certainly an interesting roller coaster ride as we moved through levels during lockdown.  Every time we requested information from parents and whanau, responses came quickly often accompanied by words of encouragement.  For our teachers it was a huge adjustment to move so suddenly into distance learning and I am very proud of their efforts to do the very best for their students.  Your messages of support and thanks for the work they were doing made a huge difference to their morale and wellbeing.  So thank you!   

This week we have sent an email out with a link to a parent/caregiver survey asking for your feedback about how our distance learning programme worked for you and your child(ren) during lockdown.  This information will be very useful for us as we move forward. Student voice will also be gathered through a survey they will complete in class.

While the worst of the virus seems to be behind us as a country, the economic impact is yet to be fully determined.  Our thoughts are with our families who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 in any way.  Please do not hesitate to make contact if there is something we can help with.

All the best for a great long weekend.

Ngā mihi nui

Maree Stavert