These are based on information from the Ministry of Education to help schools return.

When can my child come back to school under Alert Level 2?

School will re-open for all students from 8.30am on Monday 18th May.  Only students who have been coming to school during Alert Level 3 can attend on Thursday 14th and Friday 15th May.

Should some children stay home?

Only children who are sick, have any COVID-19 symptoms, are in isolation, or awaiting the result of a test should stay home. If a child comes to school with symptoms of being sick, parents or caregivers will be called and asked to collect their child urgently. 

Is it safe for my child to return to school?

Public health advice is that primary schools are safe to open at Alert Level 2 to all learners. Everyone still needs to play it safe and continue to take sensible health and safety precautions at home and in the community, such as practising good hygiene and physical distancing. If you have specific worries about your child returning to school, email their hub teachers to make a time to discuss. 

What public health measures will be in place at school a Alert Level 2?

• Sick children will be sent home.
• Where possible, children and staff should be far enough away from each other, so that they are not breathing on, or touching each other. This must be accompanied with good hygiene practices and regular cleaning of commonly-touched surfaces. There does not need to be a specific measurement but where practicable 1 metre can be used as a guide. 
• Children will be asked to put on hand sanitiser before entering class rooms and shared spaces. Soap, water and the ability to dry hands will be provided in bathrooms.
• Students will be encouraged to regularly wash and dry hands, cough and sneeze into their elbow, and try to avoid touching their face.
• Shared equipment such as playgrounds and sports equipment will be cleaned regularly and children will be required to wash their hands after using them and returning to class.
• All common surfaces will be disinfected and cleaned daily.
• If a case of COVID-19 is confirmed in an individual associated with the school, it will close immediately for 48 hours. 

Do children or teachers need to wear a face mask or other protective gear?

The Government's Public Health Service says face masks or other personal protective equipment (PPE) is not necessary in any educational facility. 

Will children be placed in small groups or 'bubbles'? 

There is no 'bubble' concept at Level 2 so students will resume learning in their usual hub environment and won't need to sit in the same place ever day as those who came to school during Alert Level 3 did. The Government advises that in schools physical distancing is a good precaution to prevent the spread of disease. In an Alert Level 2 school environment, this means students and staff maintaining a physical distance so they are not breathing on or touching each other, coupled with good hygiene practices (coughing into your elbow, hand washing and drying) and regular cleaning of commonly touched surfaces. 

Should children with existing conditions come to school?

At Alert Level 2 all children who are at greater risk of getting a severe illness from COVID-19 may go to school or continue to learn from home, following discussion with your child's hub teacher. Distance learning resources will continue to be available. 

Can parents come into the school to drop off and collect children?

We encourage you to drop your child off at the gate. However if you do need to enter the school grounds you must first sanitise your hands and sign in to enable contact tracing.  It is recommended that you remain two metres physical distance from others.  If you need to speak to the teachers please email them to organise a time for them to contact you.

Can children use drinking fountains at Alert Level 2?

No, because their surfaces pose a risk for transmission of COVID-19 . Children will be asked to bring named drink bottles. Those who come without a drink bottle will be given water in a paper cup. 

Will there be assemblies at Alert Level 2?

No assemblies for the first fortnight of Alert Level 2. This will be reviewed and we will let you know when they will be resuming.

Will school activities such as choir and kapa haka resume?

Yes, these will resume but students will be spaced appropriately.  Again we will be organising these during the first two weeks to ensure we have plans in place. 

Will the OSCAR programme re-open?

Yes, it will re-open from Monday 18th May. If your child is registered with them, contact them directly.