Lockdown Edition

Zoom
It's a different kind of busy at the start of a lockdown with zoom (Online) meetings taking place with the Board Chairperson, Senior Leadership Team and Staff. 
Its important to be prepared, but we are preparing for the unknown so trying to cover all bases. Making responsive decisions opposed to reactionary decisions are also important with lots of conversation around the virtual table to ensure we are best catering to our learners and community.
I'm very fortunate that the staff are so active in conversations and supportive of each other. They understand the challenges and know that working together is the best way to prepare.  

Lockdown

Like many of you we wait in anticipation for the 1pm announcement each day to establish what the plan is moving forward. 
We will continue to communicate and ensure you have clear information about what next week will look like when we have it. 

If we do go into an extended lockdown (Level 4) we are prepared for learning online. We have also applied for an exemption to head into school to access hard copy learning packs for those who prefer to learn that way. (We require permission for this from the Ministry of Education).
We are trying to cater for all learning styles and family bubble dynamics. 

If we go into Covid Level 3 we are prepared to open the school for those learners whose parents are essential workers. We have enough staff who can safely come to work. We anticipate approximately 10% (60 kids) of our roll will attend and will operate in smaller bubbles within the school. 
I must stress Level 3 is ONLY for those who have no other options because the adults at home are essential workers. 

If any of you need support, I encourage you to reach out and I can point you in the direction of support agencies working in our community. 
For some the busyness of the supermarket or the confinement of being at home can create stress and anxiety and is different for everybody. Please be brave and reach out for support if you need it. 

Be kind to each other during this time and remember to connect with friends and family online. Being able to maintain social connection is really important during these times. 

Thank you to those learners who have sent me photos of pizza making, walking and baking. It was lovely to see what you have been up to during the first 2 days. 

I hope you all are following the instructions outlined and staying home. We have been here before, we know we can beat it and lets work together to prove why New Zealand is the greatest place to live. 

Nga Mihi

Blair Dravitski
Principal
principal@lemonwoodgrove.school.nz