It’s fair to say that this has been a term like no other!

“Whenever there is a challenge, there is also an opportunity to face it, to demonstrate and develop our will and determination.” ~ Dalai Lama

From our relatively smooth opening way back on 1st February to seeing our roll drop to just 90 students 3 weeks later (back when whole class groups had to isolate!). From having zero cases in our school to more than 150.

We quickly became experts on close contact rules, RATs/PCRs and viral loads. We were also really humbled that our FAQ/support visuals were used by 100s of school across NZ.

Despite the ongoing impacts of Omicron, I am really proud that we have remained open for learning for all classes, and this has been due to an incredibly resilient, flexible and hardworking team. I would like to acknowledge them for going above and beyond the call of duty (again and again)

It is also a relief to see that the illness has been relatively mild amongst our children, and their ongoing enthusiasm for school, learning and being together with their friends and teachers.

As we head into Easter and the term break, I will watch closely for any news about a change to Orange (Covid protection framework / “traffic light” system), and will update you prior to Term 2 beginning, if there are any changes to our current Covid response plans.

I am hopeful that we won’t be impacted as greatly next term, but equally, we know that this is our now our “new normal”. We will still have very good systems in place to keep everyone as safe as possible should there be further “waves” and/or variants.

If your child tests positive over the term break, please continue to let us know by completing this form here

COVID has presented huge challenges over the last 2 years, but this term has been the toughest yet, and we also know that we will face further challenges yet.

I have said it before, and I will say it again….the true testament to culture is when times are tough, and I am immensely grateful to our parent community for your ongoing support, positive messages & understanding.

Ngā Mihi o Te Aranga – Happy Easter break

Noho ora mai – Stay well
Tony