Click here too download 2022 Covid Focus Start School Letter

Kei aku nui, kei aku rahi, tēnā koutou katoa i roto i ngā āhuatanga o te wā.

Welcome back after what we hope has been a wonderful summer for your whānau.

In regard to COVID-19 we have moved fully into the new traffic light framework however the most important basic principle remains the same; if someone is unwell they need to stay at home.

Masks

As all students are required to wear a face mask indoors, it will be considered part of our school uniform. Due to confusion created by delivery of the mask exemption system to the public, students requiring exemption will visit a Deputy Principal for a uniform pass. Exemptions are provided when a student has a disability or health condition that prevents them wearing a mask. All students using school transport need to wear a mask. 

Wednesday 2nd February for Year 9

• Family will need to farewell and drop off new students at an entrance to the school.
• Year 9 students are to go to the outdoor quad area at 9am. 
• They will be assisted to quickly move by staff and senior students into their whanau class. 
• More than one pōwhiri will be held over the morning in smaller groups than tradition.
• Unfortunately, no extended family or further supporters can attend pōwhiri. Only new students and staff will be able to attend as manuhiri (Tangata whenua/hosts will also be significantly reduced).
• No hongi or harirū at the pōwhiri.
• Other class time during this day will be spent familiarising students with College processes in their whanau class.  
• School will finish at 12pm.
• The planned Whanau Barbeque has been postponed and will be rescheduled to a time when restrictions are lifted.

Other events and activities

Large hui and gatherings especially when indoors continue to be one of the riskier activities we can undertake. We are regularly reviewing all of our events and activities to ensure we meet the most current Ministry of Education guidelines.

Ventilation

While we are reviewing all of our ventilation, providing good old fashioned fresh air remains the most important thing we can do in our learning spaces to minimise risk for ākonga and Kaiako. We will also be receiving a CO2 monitor in the coming weeks to further support our ventilation plan. 

Managing cases in our school

We have a good contact tracing system in place so that if there is a confirmed case who has been at school while infectious, we can quickly identify who was a close contact of that person.  We will then quickly advise those contacts of what they need to do.

Only if the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Education advises us to do so, would we consider closing a physical onsite school and moving to distance learning for everyone. At Red we will keep everyone learning onsite for as long as we can. 

Please make sure your contact details are up to date and include an email address, so we can get in touch with you if needed. 

Ngā mihi

Richard Murphy

Acting Principal