Welcome Back – Term 2, 2022

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa,

We trust that you had a wonderful Easter break and that your whanau enjoyed time together during this sunny break.  We are excited to be returning to school and catching up with many of you as we move closer to ‘normal’ with the COVID framework now at Orange.  With COVID-19 in the community and winter approaching, we must remain vigilant with health and hygiene practices.  However, we have a few updates with the shift to Orange level.

• If your child is unwell, they need to stay away from school until symptom-free.  Please continue to advise us if your child becomes a household contact or tests positive for COVID-19.
• Mask Wearing – at Orange, masks are “strongly encouraged” for staff and senior students while indoors.  However, they are optional.  Teachers and your child will be supported in whatever choice is made.
• Parents and visitors are welcome on-site at Orange level.  However, we would encourage you to keep to outdoor spaces at drop-off and pick-up times.  If you are visiting the school to volunteer or for a meeting, please sign in via the office as per our normal process.

We are continuing to be cautious with large indoor gatherings at school.  Our assemblies will be held with the school meeting in two different groups this term.  This will allow for more social distancing.  Outdoor events can go ahead, and so we look forward to seeing you at Cross Country at Fergusson Park.

With Hannah Thompson going on maternity leave this term, we welcome Charlotte Ketel to the team.  Charlotte has become a familiar face around the school over the last term, relieving in many classrooms, and is now taking over Room 17 until the end of the year.  We also welcome back Cath Henderson, who is starting our latest class of 5-year-olds!

As you prepare for the term ahead, please check the school calendar and take note of the critical events ahead.  We hope this will be a term that allows variety and connection in school life as COVID numbers drop away over the next few months.  Thanks for the ongoing support!