Covid-19 Protection Framework - Red settings

From the start of the school year we will be operating at the RED settings as defined in the framework. School is open for instruction, but public health measures apply. That means there will be some changes to our usual operating procedures.

At RED, the Government has decided that action needs to be taken to protect at-risk people and our health system from an unsustainable number of hospitalisations. There are greater risks so we will be taking extra precautions to protect our learners.

The Ministry of Health and MInistry of Education requires that we implement these procedures.

How we all stay safe at RED

• Sign in - everyone who visits the school - staff, students, visitors - will be required to sign in using the Covid-19 tracer app, every day they are at school
• Face coverings are required to be worn at all times indoors and recommended while outdoors.
• Physical distancing is to be maintained at all times
• Vaccinations are to be kept up to date
• If you are sick or feel unwell, stay home

Face coverings

• Mask wearing is mandatory indoors for staff, students and visitors. It is recommended at all times, especially when in close contact with others.

• Masks will be available in classrooms if students forget to bring one, but please remember that we have a limited supply.

• Students and staff who cannot wear a mask for valid reasons will be the holder of a Face Covering Exemption. The exemption should be presented to office staff  for the issue of a pass that should be presented whenever requested.

• If a student refuses to wear a mask without an exemption they will be offered a mask. If refusal continues, the teacher will refer them from the classroom.

Request an exemption card for face coverings

If your child cannot wear a face covering for health reasons or for reasons of a disability, parents can apply for an exemption.

You can request an exemption from:

• Disabled Persons Assembly NZ by contacting them on 04 801 9100 or emailing them at info@dpa.org.nz — for disabled people or if you have a health condition

• Blind Citizens NZ on 0800 222 694 or emailing them at admin@abcnz.org.nz — for blind, deafblind, low vision, and vision-impaired people

• Deaf Aotearoa by emailing covid@deaf.org.nz — for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

Visitors

• All non-essential visits to the school are to be avoided.

• Visitors are encouraged to meet with staff online or by telephone. Online meetings should be booked in advance.

• All essential on-site visitors must sign in and out at the office.

• All on-site visitors will also be asked to use their Covid-19 QR code app scanner.

School Buses

School buses will operate from the first day of school, Tuesday 1 February under the following conditions:

• At Red, school transport operates with no restrictions on capacity.

• For all Ākonga aged 12 and upwards, face coverings are mandatory on school transport. Under the Ministry of Education direction, drivers may refuse to carry students who are not wearing a face covering without exemption.

• Only students registered for transport will be allowed on the service.

• Buses will be cleaned daily in accordance with MOE guidelines.

• Physical distancing is not practicable on school transport. School buses are what is termed a “controlled environment”, that is, one in which contact tracing can readily occur should that be needed. Normal bus services are resuming with no physical distancing requirements.

Cancellations and postponements

• Unfortunately, we have had to make some decisions to cancel some events due to the restrictions placed on us.

• The Mihi Whakatau (the welcoming and gathering) of all the Year 9 and their parents has been cancelled.

• The ‘Big Arvo’ and House Sports Day scheduled for February 3 & 4 have been postponed to a time when we can operate without restriction.

• The Year 9 'Open House' (meet the teacher) evening scheduled for February 10 has been cancelled. 

• Other school events and activities may either have to be cancelled or postponed. If this is the case we will notify parents and caregivers by newsletter and by notice on our school website.

Sickness

This cannot be stressed enough. If your child is unwell, please do not send them to school. To report an absence from school for any reason (sickness, appointments, etc.)

Email: absences@rangiorahigh.school.nz

or telephone: 03 311 8888 and press 1

If a child comes to sick bay, and you are picking them up from school, please ring the office on arrival and your child will be brought out to your car.

EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom) - School Trips

School trips will happen, however, under RED, trips will have to apply criteria associated with traffic light RED.