There has been some concern from our community and staff as we see the lifting of all Covid restrictions this week. As far as the school is concerned, nothing has changed now that the restrictions have gone.

We still expect all our students to stay home if unwell, with Covid or any other illness.

We encourage all parents to test their children and themselves, and if there is illness in the home, to take the right precautions.

Here at school, we remain vigilant. I expect all teachers who are unwell to test for Covid, alert us if they are positive, and take the required number of days to recover before returning to school.

The air purifiers are working all day, every day and many windows are open to aid air circulation.

There are still masks worn by some students and staff as preventive measures.

Our classrooms and bathrroms are cleaned each day, there is still wide use of sanitiser encouraged and tables are cleaned with antiseptic wipes frequently.

These are just good health and wellbeing precautions for the winter illnesses which are impacting the community at present.

Last week all of the Newlands primary principals joined me at a presentation by John Parsons, a cyber safety consultant. This event was organised by the Wellington Primary Principals Association, of which we are all members.

The Newlands principals agreed that a community-wide approach is needed to keep our young people safe in the digital space.

From time to time in our newsletters I will share a few key messages and tips to support all of us as we navigate this ‘space’.

Did you know…

· Only 11.4% of children’s lives is spent in schooling. Parents, whanau and home are still the major influences and guides in our students’ lives.

· Sleep deprivation is one of the major issues facing our young people.

· The emphasis should not be on digital citizenship – just citizenship. What our young people are doing online should mirror the values and behaviour they show in all other aspects of their lives.

· Many of our young people are learning about life and relationships from TV and the internet.

· The contributing factors to unsafe practices online include being on digital platforms unsupervised and at inappropriate times.

· The protecting factors include restricted access to digital platforms (or none) and no devices at night – just sleep!