Hero photograph
 
Photo by Isleworth School

Kia kaha, Arohanui

suzanne newton —

Isleworth School is now closed

Kia ora koutou,


As we head into the lockdown tonight our thoughts and best wishes are with all our families as we face the road ahead.

Firstly, I must acknowledge the wonderful staff, both teaching and support staff, who have been demonstrating our school values in full. They have worked collaboratively, relentlessly and at times remotely from their own families to prepare the best they possibly could for the students time away from school.

I know you have received quality communication from them and much support to prepare for learning to continue in the home. Many of you will be communicating with them regularly in the coming weeks and again, appeal to you that our teachers are human too. A personal shout out is always appreciated.

I feel extremely blessed to have such a brilliant team working alongside me and frequently acknowledge them. This is another occasion in which I am privileged to be the principal of Isleworth School.

To our students, we will miss you, your smiles, your choices and your laughter. You have always asked for 'more holidays' and more time from your parents/caregivers. Here it is, grab it with both hands and make the most of it. Spend as much time together as possible reconnecting and creating memories to share in years to come. Feel free to send photos to your teachers!

The Ministry of Education have instructed that all school grounds are closed from 11.59pm tonight. No one is to go onsite. NZ Police and Fire Services are legally entitled to access.The grounds have been locked down, tape and signage on playground equipment, huge thanks to David & Adrian for their efforts.

For those of you in 'essential services', thank you. Being married to one, I understand the importance and the sacrifice, and am probably a bit jealous that you are getting out of the house. The Ministry of Education has sent through the following in regards to your childcare arrangements in the coming weeks:

Where possible, essential workers need to make their own arrangements for childcare from Thursday 26 March until the end of the lockdown, due to limited capacity.

Where this is not possible alternative arrangements have been made so essential workers can continue to work.

What essential workers need to know when making their own arrangements
Essential workers will need to use their existing networks for in home care, for example a neighboor, relative, friend or current carer/nanny who can come to their house, or provide childcare in their own home. There are Public Health rules that must be observed:

  • The person caring for your child becomes part of your self-isolating group
  • This group must remain the same for the whole period
  • The carer must not care for children from other households (other than their own) over the same period
  • If a child or carer becomes unwell, they must stay at home


If essential workers do not have access to childcare through their own networks
If essential workers are unable to access childcare to perform their essential service, the government will fund other licensed childcare providers (for example through PORSE, Barnados and Edubase / Home Grown Kids) to provide in home care to the children aged 0-14 of essential workers. The carer would be subject to the same Public Health rules as set out above.

For the purposes of providing care to children of essential workers, the in home carer will be classified as an essential worker in both cases.

Initial list of contact details for providers


A huge thanks to everyone for their cooperation, patience and understanding in the past three days. Week 9 has certainly been interesting.

Kia kaha, arohanui, take care of yourselves, each other and we will see you all in the month ahead.

Suzanne & the Isleworth Team.