As we go into the weekend I wanted to say a huge thanks to you all, for all your mahi supporting your tamariki and our kaiako throughout the rāhui. We have really appreciated your support and kindness. 

Some whānau will be anxious about their tamariki returning to kura, while others will be excited. For ākonga it will set off a flurry of feelings. Anxious feelings and feeling scared are normal responses to abnormal situations and can be expected during times of transition or change.

For some whānau and tamariki, the transition back to kura will be more difficult. These tamariki may appear quiet or withdrawn, nervy and giggly. Some might cry, be clingy or get angry. Expect the unexpected, your calm response and delight at seeing everyone back and together again can make a significant difference.

Be assured, even though tamariki will have a range of reactions, most will settle over time as routines are re-established. Reactions will settle as tamariki begin to feel safe; they know and practice routines such as entering the class and handwashing. 

Monday May 18th: 

We will begin kura as usual in Tūranga for karakia. As kura are not included in the mass gathering description we will be meeting all together to welcome everyone back. 

Learning will be a range of activities where kura will be a fun and joyful place to be. Some of the activities that our tamariki can expect will be playing games, designing an activities together, re-reading a favourite story or watching a movie as these things can help lift the mood. Tamariki need to know that in the midst of uncertainty there is still happiness and joy. Some tamariki however will need routine and want to get straight back into the 'mahi'! We will gauge this going forward. 

We will also get outdoors as this can release energy and tension as well as provide a break from indoor activities. 

If your child need's additional support coming back to kura please let your child's kaiako know. 

Whānau coming in to school: 

If whānau want to come into the classroom or office area please be aware that we are required to contact trace. This means that whānau who do come into the school will need to fill out a form with your contact details. We would like to encourage whānau to drop tamariki off in the carpark to minimise the number of people we are having to deal with however we understand that the whānau of our younger tamariki may want to bring them in.

I would ask you to remember that kaiako will be preparing their day of learning in the morning so may not have time to meet and kōrero. 

Staying home: 

If you have chosen to keep your child home please contact the office or your child's kaiako. We know that there are some tamariki that have very low immune systems or living with whānau that also have low immune systems so please know we are supporting you in your decision. We will not be facilitating an online programme of learning like we did over the rāhui however we are open to meeting needs in other ways. Again, your child's kaiako is the best point of contact here. 

If you or your child are sick please do not come to school. This is really important for us. If your child becomes sick during the school day you will be rung to collect them. 

Breakfast Club: 

We will not be running breakfast club until we are at Alert Level 1 or below. 

Cleaning: 

All surfaces in each toilet will be cleaned after morning tea and lunchtime. Crest Clean also cleans as per usual with extra vigilance with the surfaces. 

There is hand sanitiser in each room, soap and hand towels or dryers in each toilet. 

Lunch Orders: 

These will start in the second week back to kura. 

New whānau to our kura: 

We have several new tamariki that will start with us during the week. We will welcome these tamariki as we do with all new whānau with a whakatau. if you are a new whānau member please check with your child's kaiako or the office. 

You can help: 

Please remind your tamariki about hygiene practices - maintaining physical distance so that they are not breathing on or touching each other, coughing into their elbow and regular hand washing and drying. This will reinforce what we are saying at kura. 

Looking forward to seeing you all. 

Mel x 

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