Last week's announcement of a mandate for vaccination within education has been well publicised. Here is some of what we know and a few things for your consideration.

I am conscious that there is much discussion and debate regarding mandating vaccines and restricting participation to unvaccinated individuals. It is to provide some clarity to those concerned that I write this article now.

The Education and Training Act 2020 120 1.b.i states that one of the primary functions of the school board is to ensure a physically and emotionally safe place for all students and staff. Your children's safety is hugely important at St Joseph's. 

As I write this the health order around vaccine mandates has yet to be published. Some of the practices mentioned here require law change to be made legal. We will not be asking for any information from staff, students or parent volunteers until we are 100% sure of the legal parameters. 

Both the Ministry of Education and the New Zealand Bishop's Conference have been outspoken in their encouragement for individuals to be vaccinated. As a school, we echo this message.

For anyone still discerning vaccination, you are encouraged to conduct your own research and be sure to verify the credibility of the sources. The main NZ sites you could consult are:

• Ministry of Health - How the vaccine works
• Unite against Covide - Misinformation and Scams
• NZCBC Nathaniel Centre for Bioethics Covid Information

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE MANDATE:

• The Covid Response minister has outlined expectations linked with two dates:
  • From 15 November, AD2021 all staff or volunteers that have contact with students will be required to have received their first vaccine dose. 
  • From 1 January, AD2022 all staff and volunteers that have contact with students will be required to be fully vaccinated.
• Schools will be required to keep a register to record the vaccination status of those aged 12+
• The current definition of volunteer seems to be those who may be in contact with students and are undertaking a particular service. This means it is likely to include:
  • Parent help on trips
  • Parent Librarians
  • PTA helpers for sausage sizzles etc

SOME THINGS WE DON'T KNOW YET:

• What exemption avenues will be included within the mandate and who will provide and police these.
• The exact ways the health order will change the law to overcome privacy issues with regard to vaccination.
• What other forms of vaccination may be accepted moving forward. Currently, the only accepted vaccine is Pfizer.
• Any information about booster status and immunisation in the future.

SOME IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER:

• St Joseph's School will not be hosting any vaccination opportunities for students (aged 12+).
• There will be members of our community who chose to be unvaccinated. The new laws will likely mean this has an impact on our ability to welcome you to future activities. However, I respect your autonomy to make this decision and will endeavour to provide alternative means for you to remain connected with the day to day life of the school.
• The choice to vaccinate or not draws passionate responses from many. I encourage you to respect the views and decisions of others. Don't assume others are all "pro" or "anti"-vax.
• Be sure to make an informed decision. Don't believe or spread hearsay.
• Keep our children at the centre! The intention of these mandates, restrictions and rules is to keep them safe. Is it the best way? You will have your own view on this... I'm sure we can all agree that we want our children to be safe!

Warm regards

BEN GORMAN

Tumuaki