In the event of an emergency, it is important for the safety of all involved to be aware of the procedures and expectations.

Dear Parents

The health and safety of all our people on site is of utmost importance. As we all know life can be unpredictable. We have lived through some interesting and, for some, daunting times.

We are very aware at JCS that it is important to be as prepared as possible for any possible emergency events. A health and safety committee meets about once a month to discuss any health and safe issues which arise at JCS and to look at ways to make our school a safer place. Several staff members have first aid training. We have enlisted a highly reputable company to guide us through and help us be prepared for possible emergency events. Harrison-Tew is a company which was founded by two ex-police officers. They serve hundreds of schools across New Zealand, ensuring that they are prepared and have solid contingency plans for lock downs and evacuations. They guided the Christchurch schools through the lock downs at the time of the mosque shootings and did a sterling job.

We have a full lock down practice in Term 1 of every year which involves a mock phone call from the police with different scenarios each time requiring slightly different responses. Fire drills occur twice a year and a Shake Out, (what to do in the event of an earthquake) once a year.

We also have a trauma response team ready to respond to events in a clear and well thought out way. Please find attached an important document which contains very important information for you, as parents, to know how we, as a school, prepare for emergencies and also things that you can do to help keep us all as safe as possible in the event of an emergency. This will also be on the website to guide you in case of an emergency.

It is our expressed prayer that we will never need to use these emergency plans and procedures but it is expedient to be prepared.

Yours in His service

Sandra Bosman, Principal