Kia ora St Thomas Community

The last few weeks have seen the numbers of Covid-19 in Canterbury begin to peak. It has been a trying time for many, as we have had to isolate or deal with Covid-19 in our whānau. As a College we have been really pleased with how we are coping. Staff continue to be available for all onsite classes and although it has been a real challenge, we have had a high level of normality about our school days.

While not quite out of the woods yet, we are grateful for the role caregivers have provided in supporting the College through these times. We cannot wait to hold more community events in Term 2 where we reconnect and celebrate learning and success with our wider community.

Please see information regarding the recent changes below:

Changes to the COVID-19 Protection Framework took effect from 11.59pm on Friday 25 March, and to vaccine mandates and My Vaccine Pass, which will take effect from 11.59pm Monday 4 April. Please be aware of the two differing timelines.

COVID-19 Protection Framework, My Vaccine Pass and vaccination mandates

• The removal of vaccination mandates for education workers will take effect from 11.59pm Monday 4 April.
• On the same date, removal of the My Vaccine Pass from the COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic light system).
• There is no requirement to display QR code posters or have other processes, other than your regular processes, to support people to check-in. This system may need to return if case numbers rise.

Red

• There is no change to masks in education settings from the existing Red setting. Medical-grade masks remain a requirement for staff working indoors with children and young people in Years 4-13.
• For all New Zealanders, including school settings, masks will not be required outdoors.
• Capacity limits will be removed for outdoor events and activities.
• Indoor capacity limits for extra-curricular activities increase to 200 people, or a maximum capacity based on the maximum number of people who could occupy the space if each person was one metre apart (whichever is lower).

Orange

• There is no change to masks in education settings from the existing Orange setting. Masks are strongly encouraged to be worn when indoors and are required for children aged 12 and over on school transport.
• As at Red, there will be no mask requirements when outdoors.
• There will be no outdoor capacity limits.
• Indoor capacity limits are also removed. However, for non-curriculum related events and activities you are strongly encouraged to use allocated seating for large events (such as those with more than 500 people) or apply a maximum capacity limit based on the maximum number of people who could occupy the space if each person was one metre apart.

Green

• There will be no face mask requirements and no capacity or gathering limits in any setting, indoors or outdoors.

Noho ora mai

Paul Burton
Assistant Principal
Operations & Sport
St Thomas of Canterbury College