Kia ora koutou katoa

It has been nearly a week since we were notified of our first (and only) confirmed Covid-19 case at JPII. I would like to extend my thanks for the calm and kind way in which our school whānau has responded. It’s very much business as usual for students and the mood at school is great. Students and teachers have been getting on with things, and I’m impressed with our student leaders for the proactive way they are planning events to keep students engaged at school through house activities and competitions.

Nationally we have seen huge spikes in case numbers and we know the Coast will not be exempt. I have had a request to share daily case numbers and year levels of infected students with the community. Due to privacy reasons I cannot share this information. However, I will communicate clearly and early via text and email if we need to pivot to rostering year groups home or collapsing classes due to high numbers of infections or staff having to isolate. If you did not receive the text to parents last Sunday, please can you contact the office and notify us of any change in phone number or email address - office@johnpaul.ac.nz. 

The research both nationally and internationally shows that only 4% of Covid-19 cases are caught at school and that schools remain safe places to be. Our attendance rate remains high across the board at 91.6%. If you have any doubts about whether you are a close contact or what you need to do if you test positive, then follow the flow chart. Please also notify the school as soon as possible.

Thank you all again for your calm response to the Covid-19 situation.

Ngā mihi nui

Renée Hutchinson

Principal