This is the exact information that the school was provided by the Ministry of Education regarding face coverings.

Face coverings in public
There are increased requirements for the wearing of face coverings at Alert Level 2 for those aged 12 and over, including public transport, shopping malls, indoor marketplaces and public venues such as museums and libraries.

Face coverings are not mandated for use when in schools and early learning services.

However, the Director General of Health strongly encourages students aged 12 and above to wear face coverings in secondary school settings to align with the requirements when out and about.

This is not a requirement for anyone in a school setting. It remains an option for individuals and a decision for the individuals and whānau. Should they choose to, those individuals are encouraged to provide and wear their own face coverings, and to do so safely. This option applies to younger children too.

Public health advice for those under six is getting children to cough and sneeze into their elbow and wash and dry hands. The use of masks is permitted but not actively encouraged.

There will be differences of view about the use of face coverings, and it is important to show tolerance toward individual choice in this matter.