I would like to thank you all for your support over the past week as we navigate another chapter in the Covid-19 story. As Phase 3 of the red light setting was introduced today, there are a number of changes that are important for us all to understand. 

The most significant change is that only household contacts are now required to self-isolate. Everyone else needs to continue to monitor symptoms and continue with the correct use of masks and hygiene standards, however can continue to attend school unless symptoms develop. Wearing masks at school whilst indoors and wearing them correctly (covering your nose, mouth and chin with a snug fit) remains very important. Please reiterate the importance of this with your daughters. The school will no longer be tracking all contacts within the school. We still need you to inform us if your daughter tests positive for Covid-19. We have developed a FAQ document here, which will help you with some potential scenarios. There is also more information on Phase 3 in an update from Amy Martin-Bowen (Assistant Principal - Systems, Operations and Co-curricular) available here.

RangiX

Those of you who attended our Parent Evenings (you can see the recordings here) will have heard me speak about an exciting new programme we are developing. We believe that learning across the platforms of entrepreneurship, innovation and digital technologies will further equip our students with the skillsets, toolsets and mindsets to shape the future and thrive in their lives. So this year we are excited to be launching a new initiative, RangiX.

We will be offering a range of learning experiences, exposing students to things such as:

• Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things
• Wearable technology, physical computing and robotics
• Mobile, web and game development
• Extended reality – augmented and virtual
• Drones and RPAs (Remotely Piloted Aircraft)
• Web3, metaverse, NFTs (Non-Fungible Token)

In line with these technology-based themes students can develop entrepreneurial skills enabling them to find problems worth solving and the skillset to bring their solutions to life.

Connecting with industry is an important part of the programme. If you work in, or have a passion for, the areas described above and would like to partner with us to develop our programme, please contact Owen Flattery – Head of Innovation and Entrepreneurship o.flattery@rangiruru.school.nz. 

Ngā mihi nui,

Dr Sandra Hastie