Attendance

There is much discussion in the media at the moment around attendance and we acknowledge the guidance is quite different to even 12 months ago while we were trying to manage the spread of Covid-19.

Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) has extensive information for parents on their website & we encourage you all to read through this: https://info.health.nz/pregnancy-children/childhood-conditions/knowing-if-your-child-is-well-enough-to-go-to-school-guidance-for-parents/

Some particular points of note:

When your child has symptoms but can still attend school

• they have not had a fever for 24 hours
• they have not used medicine to reduce their fever for 24 hours, like paracetamol or ibuprofen
• they only have mild symptoms such as a mild cough, headache, or runny or blocked nose
• they appear well — they are happy, eating and drinking normally, and can easily focus on learning

Hay fever and allergy symptoms

• If your child has a history of hay fever or allergies and they develop their usual symptoms — sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, coughing or an itchy face — they can go to school.
• They should continue to take their usual allergy medication (antihistamines). If your child’s allergies are affecting them, let your child's teacher know.
• If your child only has a runny nose after a change in air temperature, for example, moving from outdoors to indoors, or they only sneeze because of the sun or dust, they do not need to be kept home from school.

When your child has symptoms & should stay home

• Fever
• Vomiting or Diarrhoea (until 48 hours clear)
• Sore throat (if needing pain relief)
• School sores (until 24 hours after antibiotic treatment)
• Rash (until checked by medical professional)
• Head Lice (until first treatment completed)
• Wheezing, coughing or sneezing to an extent they cannot concentrate on learning

If your child has an appointment during the day (eg: Dentist), it is important they return to school afterwards if they are able to.

If you are ever in doubt, please feel free to touch base with the school office to discuss.