We have now been ‘open’ for four days. Our numbers are very limited on site and it certainly took quite a lot of groundwork to set things up under the Government’s Covid-19 restrictions.

Creative kids and creative staff

When the on-site tamariki arrived on the first day, they were very quiet and out of sorts. The small number of children, being in different rooms and with different staff, sitting apart, playing apart and working mainly on-line were a lot of changes to cope with. However, with time both tamariki and staff have relaxed a little and things have settled into a familiar routine.

There is no doubt that the lack of equipment able to be used has meant our tamariki and staff have had to be creative in their games. It has been great to see all tamariki involved in invented games, obstacle courses, chalk art and many other activities. Particular thanks to Kaiawhina Bernie Ellicott and Maria Stevens whose creativity, enthusiasm and supervision/guidance has helped enliven breaks for our on-site tamariki.

Our teachers are working on two sites as well… the ‘Innies’ on-site and the ‘Outies’ off-site! It has been great to see the ‘Innies’ and the ‘Outies’ working together creatively to deliver learning to all our Reddie Learners… they are a great team to work with. Special thanks to Laura Grant who put together the teacher photo collage with our special community message on it which said:

We say kia ora Redwood Team

We miss you all that's true

But use your Reddie values well

And they will help you through.

We miss your cheerful, lively fun

And being with you through each day

But we know that soon the time will come

When school will be back hooray!

Keep well, keep safe, keep bubbling... Lock down 2020, from the Redwood Team.

Creative Parents/Whanau

Then there are the parents/whanau who are working hard to help their tamariki and their learning at home. Thanks to you all for your support and perseverance through the lock down. You have been an excellent part of the team and your tamariki, and as a school, recognise your efforts. Ka pai.

John Stackhouse

Tumuaki/Principal