Welcome back!

Dear JCS Whanau

What a joy it is to see all our beautiful tamariki back at school and to hear the giggles, shrieks and chatter of little people on campus again. We have a high rate of attendance which is very encouraging and an indication that most are very happy to be back learning with their friends and teachers. I extend a very warm welcome to you all. It is wonderful to, once again enjoy face-to-face connection.

We are doing all we can to ensure that school is as safe as possible for all those who work and learn onsite. The school has a contingency plan and crises response team ready to cope with a number of possible scenarios regarding a positive case on site. You will be notified with the most up-to-date and appropriate information should we have a positive Covid 19 case on site.

I would like to outline some of what lies ahead for us at JCS in Term 1.

As we are in the Red Traffic Light setting some of the events on the calendar will need to be postponed or cancelled, depending on how long we remain in the red setting. To this end the following events will be altered:

• The Family Fun BBQ, Parents Association Cultural Dinner, the Talanoa and Whanau Korero have been postponed.
• The Parents’ Meeting and Parent/Teacher conferences will be held online.
• Whole School Assemblies will resume next Friday but they will be done via Zoom with students participating in their own classrooms.
• At this point the annual Family Picnic at Cornwallis Park will go ahead as this event is held outdoors. There will be some changes to how we run it to ensure appropriate health and safety protocols.
• Educational trips will go ahead. Wai and Manu are going to visit Maunga Mangere as part of their learning programme. The Tiwai team is going to Tree Adventures as part of their team building and leadership development.

Progressive Achievement Tests, (PAT) and eAsTTle writing will be written in class in week 6 by students in Years 3-8. We will be running a lock down and evacuation practice with Harrison-Tew. There will be a Teacher Only Day on 28 March. The term will end with a Mufti Day in support of our TEAR Fund sponsor child, Benimana.

I would like to extend a very blessed happy new year to all our Chinese families who are celebrating Chinese New Year this week.

The staff of JCS pray for a safe and happy term, crammed with stimulating learning.

All glory goes to our God who is the same today, yesterday and forever, no matter the changing circumstances we find ourselves in. May you know His courage, strength and peace as we enter another year of uncertainty. As a community of faith, we have got this and one another. If you need support of any sort or someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to make contact.

Yours in His service

Sandra Bosman