Kia ora, Malo e Lelei

You’ll be aware that all of New Zealand (with the exception of Auckland) is moving to Alert Level 2 from midnight tonight. Our thoughts and positive wishes are with everyone in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Extensive wastewater testing and the numbers of people getting tested across the country has given the Government confidence that it is safe to allow a shift down to Alert Level 2 across most of New Zealand.

We are really looking forward to welcoming everyone back onsite on Thursday morning. Reminder that tomorrow is a Teacher Only Day, there will be no online learning and please keep your sons at home.

At Alert Level 2 there is low risk of community transmission and it provides us with a lot more opportunities to engage and connect with others. However, there are still a number of public health requirements we all need to follow. Please do continue to monitor your health and do not send your children to school if they are not well (and please seek advice about getting a COVID test).

For us, all the required safety precautions for Alert Level 2 will be in place which include following all the recommendations from the public health experts. This means we will regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, encourage everyone to frequently wash their hands and cough and sneeze into their elbow.

While physical distancing is not a requirement in schools, we will be doing our best to keep students from congregating in very large numbers and keeping spaces well-ventilated.

Face coverings are not required to be worn in school. The Director General of Health has recommended that children 12 years+ wear a face covering at school – just as older children are required to wear face coverings in some other places. The decision to wear a face covering is up to you and your whānau, whatever your decision it will be respected.

Buses

Due to Level 2 restrictions, there will be extra pressure on the public transport system. Please read the following information if your son catches public transport.

Be aware that rules differ between school bus services and public buses. On school bus services there are no restrictions. Under Delta Level 2, public buses can only carry their seated capacity.  This means that there can be no standing, and at peak times (7am – 9am and 2.30pm – 5pm), this may mean they can’t carry everyone on some services. 

Public bus and ferry services

• All passengers must be seated. Therefore there is restricted capacity to the number of seats on each vehicle.
• When the seats are full the bus driver will display “Full Bus” on the display and will not stop for passengers at stops until there are seats available.
• Face coverings must be worn for everyone aged 12 and over unless they have an exemption for health reasons.
• QR scanning is expected. QR codes are displayed on all buses and ferries.

It is suggested that parents and students using public buses consider:

• Allowing extra time for their travel
• Finding alternative transport options to get to and from school while we are in Alert level 2 (Delta)

Attached is the school’s Level 2 pandemic plan for you to read.

Please don’t hesitate to contact your son’s mentor teacher if there is something you need assistance with. See you Thursday!

Ngā mihi