Rounding up Term 1 and looking forward to Term 2.

This week we have entered the latest phase of Aotearoa New Zealand’s response to COVID-19. Although the new Red is a more simplified version than what we knew last week, it’s a good time to remember that we are still in Red. 

We are excited though as it means that we can ease up on some of the restrictions we have had in place and welcome our parents back onsite.

While we know that cases in school will rise and fall with that of the level in our community, our health experts tell us that children are much more likely to be exposed to COVID-19 in the community than at school. 

As you know, it’s great for any child’s wellbeing and learning to be at school with their friends, teachers and other school staff. You also know that we have very good systems in place to keep everyone as safe as possible.

This is why we remain open at Red.

Mask wearing for our students Year 4 and above and for adults remains in place in indoor spaces and we are getting lots of fresh air during the day. We also continue to focus on basic hygiene such as washing hands regularly, covering any coughs and sneezes, and cleaning surfaces regularly.

Like the links above, KidsHealth has some other great resources you may be interested in:

· Why wearing masks and creating airflow helps – KidsHealth

· Back to school with Omicron in 2022 – KidsHealth

From time to time some students will need to isolate at home. This is in line with Government advice and if this happens, we will support them to continue their learning home to minimise any interruption.

If you have any concerns about sending your child to school, please get in touch – our team is here to help. We want children to be at school and engaging in learning with their friends.

Your job remains the same, too: please continue to keep a really close watch over your whānau for anyone with symptoms. If unwell, please stay at home and get advice about getting a COVID-19 test. 

And so next term...

Face Masks

They must be worn:

• by ākonga in Years 4-13 when indoors, and when they’re on school and public transport. The mask must be attached to the head by loops around the ears or head and cover the nose and mouth properly. This can be a well-fitting reusable fabric mask (three layers are recommended) or a medical-grade disposable mask (the blue surgical mask).
• by teachers and staff who are supporting Year 4-13 students when indoors. They are required to wear a medical-grade mask such as the widely available blue disposable masks that many New Zealanders are already wearing.
• by visitors including parents and caregivers, when indoors.

They are not required:

• when outside.
• when playing sport or engaging in recreational activities.
• for students in Years 1–3 in school, and on school and public transport. School transport includes buses or vans chartered or used by schools to carry children, students and staff.
• for staff who support students in Years 1-3.

Curriculum Related Activities in Red

What is a curriculum related activity?

(assemblies, technology centres, physical education classes (including swimming), parent-teacher meetings, examinations, school plays or performances during class time, cultural activities during class time, pōwhiri ceremonies (for example, start of year/new student or staff welcomes), music during class time, inter-school events during class time (such as inter-school sport events), science fairs).

These are the guidelines that we have received from the MOE:

• Activities with large numbers of children/students such as assemblies should not go ahead unless outdoors.
• When thinking about the size of your indoor activity, it is recommended that the total should not exceed 200 people or a maximum capacity limit based on the maximum number of people who could occupy the space if each person was 1 metre apart (whichever is the smaller).
• It is recommended that only essential visitors should be onsite.
• 
  

What will this look like at St Francis?

Assemblies

We will be running junior and senior assemblies separately, to reduce numbers ,inside the hall (it will be Winter) with great ventilation (wear an extra layer).

Parents Onsite

We are excited to welcome you all back onsite next term! We have missed you. We ask that you do not enter the Hubs unless really necessary. If you do you will need to wearing a mask. If you want to meet with a teacher - please email and we will make a time and you will be asked to wear a mask. We are really happy to meet with you to discuss any of your concerns.

Kākano Whānau: Please note children will not need to be taken to the gates anymore as you able to come and get them.

Non Curriculum Related Activities in Red

Non-curriculum related activities need to meet the requirements for events and gatherings under the framework when onsite and offsite. We will make decisions on these on a one by one basis. 

Visitors in Red

• Non-essential visitors shouldn’t be onsite.
• All visitors, including parents and caregivers - if they do come onsite, they are required to wear a mask when inside.