Kia ora whanau

Firstly, it is with anticipation that we await the government’s decision at 5.30pm today as to whether we stay at Alert Level 2. We have been informed by the Ministry of Education that a bulletin specific to schools will be sent out later today or early tomorrow. Rest assured we will communicate any relevant information to you as soon as is practicable.

In Level 2 we are ensuring that the basic health protocols (ie sanitiser, wiping down commonly used equipment, hand washing, coughing into elbows etc) are being re-emphasised as well as the physical distancing required and there have been no gatherings of over 100 people. If your son is feeling unwell then keep him at home and if you are concerned he has the symptoms of Covid 19 please take him to your Doctor for a test.

There is a very positive atmosphere about the school as illustrated by a number of events recently which I relayed to the boys on Monday. At last Friday’s assembly a young man in Year 9 spoke to the school (of his own accord I might add) about his love for the school and his desire to be an inspiring young man of outstanding character – this was a truly touching moment. On Friday evening I had the pleasure of watching the Senior Basketball team in Dunedin. After the match the referee commented to me about how much he enjoys officiating our team as they always play hard but fair and always treat him with respect. On Saturday I watched a number of our Rugby teams play here at school and not only did they perform with a great level of skill but also tremendous sportsmanship. After their match the 1st XV captain thanked the supporters for coming out to support them! On Saturday night we had the Waitaki Schools formal and it was a great evening – certainly the most enjoyable I have experienced in the past 4 years. Rather than waiting at the door to leave at 11pm, the crowd were ‘asking’ for “one more song”. The boys continue to be doing a fantastic job around not using their phones or inappropriate digital devices throughout the school day and we believe this lack of reliance on social media is having a very positive effect.

Wishing you all a safe and relaxing weekend and we will keep you updated as soon as we hear of where we are headed with the Covid situation.

He waka eke noa

Inspiring young men of outstanding character

Darryl Paterson

Photo credit: Basketball photo - D Boyle    /    Rugby photo - E Prentice