An update from the Principal.

Kia ora families, whānau and students,

I hope that this update finds you and your family well.

It has been another settled week here at Waimea College. Active COVID cases in the school community have been in the 70s for most of this week which is down a little from the high 90s we saw this time last week. Approximately 240 students are currently isolating as a result of testing positive or being household contacts of a positive case. 

The reduced isolation period from 10 to 7 days has led to a reduction of active cases however this number is proving to be a little deceptive as a number of staff and students are still symptomatic after day 7 and are unable to return. Please keep your teen at home if they are feeling unwell or are symptomatic, even after they have finished their isolation period. 

Acknowledging Year 12 and 13

It was great to reconnect in person with our Year 12 students on Wednesday this week after their period of learning from home. Thanks also to our Year 13 students who are learning from home currently. Teachers are reporting strong levels of engagement from students with online distance learning. Thank you!

Learning from Home Update

Earlier this week we signalled that Year 13 would likely be learning from home for a week from Wednesday 16 March returning to school on Wednesday 23 March, and that this decision would be reviewed on Friday 18 March.

Numbers of staff who are ill or isolating continue to outstrip relief teacher capacity so we confirm that Year 13 will remain Learning from Home until their scheduled return to school on Wednesday 23 March.

We are closely monitoring our staffing levels and will communicate on Monday 21 March if another year level needs to be rostered home for Online Distance Learning. 

A big thanks  to our families for your support in accommodating this change in routine for some of our learners and for your encouraging messages of support.

Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT's)

Earlier this week the COVID-19 Minister Chris Hipkins announced that Rapid Antigen Tests would be made more widely available for schools and learning providers. 

A supply of RAT tests has been received here at Waimea College. Parents of teens who become unwell are able to access Rapid Antigen Tests from the school office. Please keep your teen at home if they are unwell or display symptoms. 

If your Teen or a member of your household tests positive for COVID-19

• Please continue to inform us immediately if your student tests positive for COVID-19. Contact can be made via email to inspire@waimea.school.nz or by phoning 544 6099.

• You should report the results of your rapid antigen test (RAT) if you test positive or negative. You can do this online through My Covid Record or by calling the helpline. See HERE for more information.

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 or lives with a positive case must self-isolate from others for 7 days.

Start counting your 7 days from Day 0. Day 0 is the day that your symptoms started or the day that you were tested if you do not have any symptoms. See HERE for more information.

Update on changes to requirements for school activities

Earlier this week the Government made an amendment to the Public Health Response (Protection Framework) Order regarding onsite and offsite activities offered by a registered school. Check our our article about Changes to vaccine pass requirements for teams and groups. 

Have other questions or need help?

Please reach out to us via phone 544 6099 or via email at inspire@waimea.school.nz if you have any questions.

We also regularly update our COVID-19 Frequently Updated Questions article so please check this out. 

Staff Acknowledgement

I want to conclude this update with a special shout-out to our teaching staff and support staff who are working hard planning and teaching their own classes as well as supporting the classes and picking up responsibilities for colleagues who are unwell. We are also really grateful for the support of our Relief Teachers who are working hard to fill the gaps in our staffing. And all of this in masks! 

Ngā Manaakitanga,

Scott Haines

Principal