Dear Sherwood Families This week we have started into a new phase of New Zealand’s response to COVID-19 and it is very different from anything most of us have ever experienced.

I want to reassure you that our school staff and Board of Trustees will continue to be available to support your child’s learning and wellbeing in the next weeks.

Today is officially the last day of Term 1 and I have asked our teachers to ensure that they have some rest over the next two weeks. I want them to be in good health and ready to meet the challenges that next term is likely to bring as we aim to improve and refine how we deliver learning remotely.

Teachers will meet online during the holiday break and will be in touch to let you know our plans to support learning at home when Term 2 resumes on April 15th. We do not yet know what Term 2 will look like, but we do know that school will not be physically open at that time and maybe not for some time beyond then.

The Ministry of Education is making a massive effort to coordinate resources on our behalf and we are likely to have a large amount of these to draw on by the beginning of Term 2. They are also very aware that not all families have equal access to digital technology and the internet. if your family is finding this a barrier to your child accessing learning, please email me using my principal email address: principal@sherwoodprimary.school.nz

I will then be able to see what support the Ministry of Education can provide.

Some good news to support you either working at home and/or studying at home - Spark, Vodafone, Vocus/Slingshot, 2Degrees and Trustpower have all advised they have removed their data caps and the possibility of any extra charges based on usage.

A big thank you to all of you for taking the lockdown so seriously. As the Prime Minister has noted staying at home will break the chain and save lives; breaking the rules could risk someone close to you and if the rules are not complied with, this could risk the lockdown period being extended or could risk the virus being spread to thousands.

We hope things go well over the next two weeks of holidays at home, and that your families continue to be safe and well.

Nga mihi nui

Carolyn Crow

Acting Principal