In this article, please find responses to your questions via covidenquiries@stanleybay.school.nz and frequently asked questions.

Please note that we are not the “health experts”, but do know that the Ministry of Health may be delayed in providing advice/guidance to you.

Please also note that this information is subject to change, based on any updated guidelines from the Ministry of Education & Health.

"Who do we advise if my child tests positive for Covid-19?"

Please contact Lucy Naylor as soon as possible after you have been informed of a positive test result.

Contact by email principal@stanleybay.school.nz or phone the school 094552510

"What actions does the school take when there is a positive case?"

We follow a response plan based on guidance from the Ministry of Education.

This involves:

● Seeking confirmation of the positive case, and when the infectious period was

● If this was on a school day, we work through contact tracing

● We will advise parents of students that are close contacts, via email and then a follow-up phone call.

● If this occurs during a school day, we will request that you come and collect your child as soon as you are able to. Wait outside the office, and we will bring your child(ren) out to you.

● The rest of the school advised of the case and becomes casual contacts

"How do we work out who is a Close Contact?"

There is detailed guidance and a range of criteria. Without going into detail, because our students spend a long time in the same classroom, this then fits the criteria for being a Close Contact if they are unmasked.

"My child is a close contact. What does this mean?"

This means your child has had contact with a positive case at our school.

They will need to isolate for 7 days and be tested on day #5 (Note - the 7 days start from the date that they were in contact with a positive case at school. Because of the time lag between the confirmed case/test results, this may mean that your child only needs to remain home for a smaller number of days).

The day #5 test is when you would receive the notification of being a close contact.

Ministry of Health will advise you further regarding testing and isolation dates.

"Do I need to provide anything before my child is able to return to school?"

Yes. For positive Covid cases or close contacts, we would like to see the last negative test result. 

 Note: if your family chooses not to get the Covid test done, then the period of isolation will need to be extended.

"If my child is a close contact, does the rest of our household also need to isolate?"

No. We have received official direction from the Auckland Regional Health Board & Ministry of Education that this no longer applies to the Auckland region.

Please note: the Covid19 website still says that other household members of close contacts are casual contacts, and also need to isolate for 5 days, but this does not apply to the Waikato/Auckland areas.

"A member of our household is a close contact. Can my child still attend school?"

Yes, as above. Your child is able to attend school.

"My child is feeling unwell (e.g. cough, headache, sore throat etc) Can I still send them to school?"

These are all symptoms of Covid, please do not send your child to school. While these may be the normal bugs/sniffles that occur, we encourage you to get your child tested.

If any child appears unwell and/or is showing symptoms we will contact you to collect them immediately. 

"My child is anxious or scared. What advice do you have?"

Our onsite team are working hard to make school fun, safe and a place of learning. We encourage you to focus on the things that they can do to help - mask-wearing, washing hands, getting a test (if required)

This website has some useful tips - https://www.kidshealth.org.nz

"My child needs to isolate at home. What support will school provide around teaching and learning?"

Our support and response will also depend on whether class teachers are also isolating at home. If our teachers are also isolating, they will be in touch to offer our remote learning support (virtual connections, activities etc)

"Will Year 5/6 Camp still go ahead at red?"

Camp is part of our Physical Education program. As it is a curriculum-related event it can go ahead. We will be working closely with Camp Adair to ensure that all public health measures are in place. 

"With the arrival of Omicron and the return to school, will SBS be doing a mix of home learning and on-site schooling, like Term 4 last year?"

As indicated in the SBS Covid Protection Framework, at 'red' home learning will be provided for;

• students self-isolating or awaiting test results
• children who have complex medical needs who are learning from home following the advice of a health professional 

Teachers are teaching full time in the classroom and therefore home learning will not be provided if parents chose to keep their children at home. 

"What type of masks do children (Year 4, 5 and 6) have to wear?"

Masks are required to be worn by Year 4,5, and 6 when indoors at school, must be the type that attaches to the head either through an ear loop or a head loop and is fitted to cover the nose and mouth. 

Bandanas, scarves or t-shirts pulled up over the mouth and nose are no longer acceptable.

"Can the community use the school pool at 'red'?"
Under the Covid Protection Framework, red traffic light, we are able to use the pool for community use. 

If you use the pool you need to scan the QR Code at the pool gate, wear a mask (when not swimming) and observe social distancing. There is also a limit of 50 people in the pool at any one time. 

"I am keen to know whether Stanley Bay School has considered getting any air filters?"
The MOE has indicated that they have a limited supply of air filters for high-risk schools, due to the high rate of community vaccination it is likely that SBS will not fit into the high-risk category. However, the Board is currently investigating the possibility of supplying classes with air filters.