Kia ora koutou katoa

As expected, COVID-19 case numbers continue to grow in our community. Fortunately, most symptoms are relatively mild – though I know absences and isolation periods will have differing impacts amongst our whānau. Many people will be able to self-isolate with help from whānau and friends, but there is help available for whānau who need it. You can get: money to pay for urgent and essential costs, like food, medicine and some bills, support from community groups, iwi and Pacific groups in your area, or supplies delivered to you. Anyone can request help. Work and Income have an online form where you can request support from a community organisation for your household, or to apply for money for urgent costs. If you, or any whānau you know, need extra support while they are self-isolating because of COVID-19, you can request support here.

This week, the Year 9 classes have been on a day camp with students from the Year 12 Physical Education class. These students have been running activities that are part of the Level 2 Achievement Standard, ‘Evaluate leadership strategies that contribute to the effective functioning of a group’. The reports back from the staff involved in the day camps have all been the same, the senior students have been fantastic leaders and role models: they have all been enthusiastic, well organised and inclusive. To all of the students involved, thank you for your contribution to the success of these day camps and well done.

Senior students will have assessments within their classes or assessments due over the upcoming weeks. For all students, it is important you talk to your teacher or your year level dean if you have any concerns or questions. Students who are isolating should access the google classroom for classwork and message their teacher or dean if support is needed. You could also message another student in your class for any relevant information. As a parent, you can help by checking in with your daughter that she is on track for completion of any assessments due over the upcoming weeks and encourage her to speak to her teacher if there is any query or issue. Returning to school, after a period of absence, can be difficult for some students.  For any student who has been isolating, feel free to message your dean, they will be happy to catch up with you on your return.

Another Queen's student is a national champion - congratulations to Jorja Gibbons who is the New Zealand U18 long jump champion. Ka rawe, Jorja!

The events recently, both at home and internationally, will be impacting on us all in different ways. Our focus is to continue to provide wellbeing and learning for all. That students who can be at school, come to school and know it is safe for them to be here.  School running as usual as possible is important for everyone’s well-being and I thank both the staff and the students for making this happen.

As always, you are welcome to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Barbara Agnew

Principal