Once again the news this week has been dominated by the Covid-19 Coronavirus situation as the first cases in New Zealand are confirmed.

The following information is taken from the most recent bulletin to come out from the Ministry of Education:

Further facts from the World Health Organization.

• Evidence from China shows that only 1% of reported cases do not have symptoms, and most of those cases develop symptoms within 2 days.

• Young people 18 years and under represent less than 2.4 per cent of those who have contracted the virus.

• From the data we have so far, COVID-19 does not transmit as efficiently as influenza.

It continues to remain that the best thing to do is to practise good preventative measures, particularly good hygiene:

• Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after eating as well as after attending the toilet

• Covering coughs and sneezes with clean tissues or with an elbow

• Putting used tissues in the bin

• Encouraging staff and students to stay home if they are unwell

We are constantly reinforcing these messages at school and would appreciate you doing the same at home.

Should there be any change in the situation we will advise you as soon as possible.

If you or a family member is returning to New Zealand from overseas, please ensure you are following the advice available through the Ministry of Health website.

Next Tuesday we are holding our Year 9 Wellbeing Day, while all Year 10 to 13 students will be meeting with their mentors for the first of two Student Learning Conferences to be held this year. If your daughter is in Year 10 or above you should have received an appointment time. If you haven’t, or if the time is unsuitable, please contact the school office. These conferences are an important opportunity to support your daughter with her learning and progress.

The expectation is that all Year 9 students will attend for the whole school day on Tuesday, while senior students are only required to attend their Learning Conference.

Junior interim reports will be available today to provide an indication of how your daughter has settled into the beginning of the school year. We are trialing ‘ongoing live reporting’ with Year 10 students so if your daughter is in this year level you may see some comments on this report.

These reports are accessed through the Edge Parent Portal. If you have any issues trying to access your daughter’s report, please contact the school office.

At 4.00pm on Thursday 12 March we will be opening our Classroom by the Sea which is located at 29 Kitchener Street. All members of our school community are cordially invited to the ceremony which will include a blessing of the building and the most recently purchased rowing boats. If you would like to attend please contact the school office by Tuesday afternoon as we need to know numbers for catering purposes.  The invitation is attached for you.