Sunday 14 February 2021

Kia ora everyone,

The Prime Minister's announcement tonight means that we're moving to Alert Level 2 tomorrow, so we thought we would remind everyone of our AL 2 procedures at Hoon Hay, Te Kura Kōaka. Our goal is to keep things settled and calm so that your children can get on with their day happily.

Apologies for this very long email - there is a lot of information to share. I am aware that we have many new families to our school and they need to know the systems and feel confident that we have this covered! And we do!

You may notice a few changes from last time as we tweak some of the organisation to make things easier.

The key message is that if your child can come into school and leave the school by themselves - they should. If they normally walk into school with their siblings, they can also continue to do this. The exception is Kāmata 2 and Kāmata 3 children (our new starters) and we have a separate plan for them.

What happens for Kāmata 2 and 3?

• Our new entrants and their parents (Kāmata 2 and 3) can come into the school grounds and, if needed, into the classroom to be with their children (no change to normal practice) and again to pick them up.
  
• Kāmata 2 and 3 parents are to use the gate by the staff driveway and Di or Penny will be at the playground gate to meet you and assist. Ideally, it would be great if your children can come in without you needing to enter the classroom. However, they are little and if they need you, head in. You will need to sign in via the Covid App or the tracing forms in classrooms.
  
• Pick up will be this system in reverse, from the gate by the driveway. Di or Penny will be there with the children to hand them over to you.
  

What about drop off and pick up for the rest of school?

• All children will be welcomed at the gate by a staff member and will enter the school grounds by themselves.
  
• Under AL2 we strongly encourage children not to arrive at school before 8.30am, and ask you to please collect your children promptly at the end of the school day.
  
• For pick up, whānau can meet at the gate that suits them - (socially distancing of course). Staff will be there to walk your child to the gate so they can meet up with you. We will not be releasing any children until we have sighted their parents.
  
• If your child is in year 1-3 please email your child's teacher to confirm which gate you would like your child to meet you at.
  
• We’re encouraging Koroī and Kūkupa children who get home by themselves, to use the end gate by OLA or Maryhill Ave, to avoid congestion at the main gate.
  
• After school care will continue as usual.
  
• Teachers will ensure children have packed their bags correctly with drink bottles and sweatshirts, etc.
  
• If plans go awry or your child is confused and forgets what you told them in the morning - we will be here. We will look after them and contact you for clarification.
  
• Ring the school if your plans change.
  

What if I need to pick up my child early or during the day?

• If for any reason you need to pick your child up, please come into the office, scan the Covid app or sign in on our tracing forms. We will get your child from the classroom for you.

What are we doing in the classrooms?

• Hand sanitiser will be used for everyone entering and exiting the classroom.
  
• Soap and water to be used in the toilet areas.
  
• Hand sanitiser in all rooms.
  
• Cleaners will complete daily cleans in line with the Ministry of Health guidelines.
  
• Continue to model good hygiene practices (coughing into your elbow, handwashing and drying) and regular cleaning of commonly touched surfaces.
  
• Additional disinfectant and cloths will be available in classrooms to sanitise spaces throughout the school day as required.
  
• Frequent handwashing with soap and water will happen throughout the day.
  
• Children should be far enough away from each other so that they are not breathing on (moist breath zone) or touching each other.
  

What if my child is unwell?

• Students and staff will not attend school if they are unwell.
  
• Students and staff who become unwell during the school day will be sent home.
  
• Our contact tracing is a combination of attendance register, COVID app and visitor register. These provide good information to health authorities if they need to contact people that might be considered a close contact of a confirmed case. This includes recording all adults who are on site at any time. Adults cannot be on the school site without signing in.
  

What happens in the playground?

• Each team will play in a separate play area with their own equipment to use.
  
• Drinking fountains will remain turned off. Students will need a named drink bottle at school.
  

What is not happening?

• Our interviews scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday will be postponed to the following Tuesday (23 February) and Thursday (25 February).

Our staff are amazing at ensuring that your children have a calm and settled environment to learn, despite what is happening in the outside world. Your children will be fine.

We also encourage you to download the Covid Tracer App - click here for more details.

Fingers crossed the weather is kind as we get used to AL 2 all over again :)

If you do have any queries, or concerns, please contact me, principal@hoonhay.school.nz.

Ngā mihi nui

Lee McArthur - Principal