Understandably, some parents are anxious about sending their children to school.

Across Auckland, some schools have had only half their students attend school this week. Here at Sherwood School, we have had a few parents suggest all children and teachers should wear a mask while at school, especially after seeing a South Auckland school, close to the current Auckland cluster, implement these measures. However, at Sherwood School we are being very careful to take our guidance directly from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health rather than taking matters into our own hands.

Here’s what the top officials are saying…

Dr Caroline McElnay (Director of Public Health)

“With the other public health measures we have put in place in schools and early learning services, coupled with the reduced risk of transmission at Alert Level 2, we consider the risk of infection is low… compared to other places, schools and early learning services are not environments where we have seen significant spread of COVID-19. Household members and work colleagues who are in close contact with people with COVID-19, are the most common sources of transmission.”

Chris Hipkins (Minister for Education and Health)

“We do want to see kids back at school because it's important for their futures that they're engaging in their education.”

While I respect the individual choice of parents to keep their child at home during Alert Level 2, I do believe these children are missing out on the rich learning experiences and social interaction that I have seen in classes this week. Our focus is on the educational, social, and emotional needs of our students, in addition to adhering to the Covid-19 measures.

Our school is a safe place for students.

Jeff Johnstone

Principal