Kia Ora Koutou, Talofa Lava, Malo Lelei, Warm Greetings to all in our St Thomas' Whānau
I trust you have all had a restful time over the summer, relaxing and spending lots of time with your families.
Unfortunately, we start the year under the shadow of the omicron variant. The national response to this variant has been to move to Red on the CPF (Covid Protection Framework).
Due to the Red setting we have had to make a number of changes to ensure our rangitahi and staff are safe, and that we comply with the public health order.
I thank you in advance as we all work together during these extraordinary times.
Face masks
All students will be required to wear face masks when inside any building in the school. We will have spare face masks if students forget to bring their own.
Events and gatherings
Key event changes in their current format:
- Swimming Sports Cancelled
- Athletic Sports Cancelled
- Start of Year Mass Cancelled
- New to School Parents Evening Cancelled
- Whānau BBQ Halswell Pool Cancelled
- Pasifika Fono Halswell Pool Cancelled
We will endeavor to work through the possibility of modified or amended year group alternatives where possible. Further information to follow.
Confirmed Start of Year Information
Wednesday 2 February - New Entrant Orientation 9 am - 12 pm
Wednesday 2 February - Senior Course Confirmation - 10 am - 12 pm & 1pm - 3 pm
Thursday 3 February - 1st day for all students - 8.30 am - 2.30 pm
Unvaccinated students attending sports/cultural trips and curriculum field trips
Unvaccinated students will be unable to compete in any Sport Canterbury competitions or Sport New Zealand competitions. Students may also be unable to attend cultural events or attend field trips depending on the external provider. If the field trip is a curriculum trip and the students cannot attend due to being unvaccinated we will provide another learning opportunity.
Assemblies and large gatherings
There will be no assemblies or large gatherings over 100 people unless outside, until further notice.
Lunch and interval
Students will not be able to congregate in break-out spaces and corridors at lunch and interval. Students must eat their food outside. If we have a wet lunch or wet interval then students can sit and eat in their form rooms.
Drop off and pick up
Could we request all drop offs and pick ups to stay off site and occur on Craven St or Middlepark Rd north of the roundabout.
Visitors
All non-essential visitors have been asked to stay offsite. Any essential visitors must sign in at the office and please wear a face mask.
New Student Mihi Whakatau
Unfortunately we have had to cancel our Mihi Whakatau. Parents and caregivers of our new students will receive a separate, additional email.
COVID cases in school
If we have COVID cases in school we will liaise with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health who will lead the contact tracing. If a student needs to isolate as a result of the confirmed case we will provide further information with regard to online learning.
Attendance
A reminder if any student is feeling unwell to stay at home and for parents to contact school.
This period of time will be challenging. I do feel confident we have all the correct systems in place and a strong school culture where we can continue to grow and develop our young men in these trying circumstances.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions/concerns.
STEVE HART
PRINCIPAL