Alert Level 2, update message to Staff

8 May 2020

Kia ora koutou,

Re: Alert Level 2, update message from the Principal

Prime Minister’s announcement:

The details announced yesterday by the Prime Minister (and the Secretary for Education in the bulletin) about de-escalating to alert level 2, was based on the latest public health advice. 

The way forward, over the coming week or so, sees us in quite a different position to that which we all experienced when moving to alert level 2. 

MOE bulletin:

Yesterday afternoon’s bulletin was clear and comprehensive. The Secretary for Education covered off the significant points causing most of the concern and debate about next steps. The timeliness of her bulletin was also helpful and enables us all to plan well, and ensure that as soon as we are aware of the alert level 2 timeframes that we will be ready to serve our communities as best, we possibly can.

H&S Planning:

The Senior Leadership Team is planning our Alert Level 2 “Return to School”.

The Alert Level 2 Safety Plan will be posted on our school website. Our Deputy Principal has scheduled a staff meeting to discuss the draft plan.

The messaging is clear. When the Prime Minister announces a move to alert level 2, it will signal that schools are safe and open for everyone. The way forward will include focusing on welcoming our students, staff and families back to school. A moment we have all been longing for since we locked our doors in March. 

Hygiene Practices:

We will, of course, continue with excellent hygiene practices, and encourage everyone to continue to respect public health advice, including that which is specific to schools. The link in the bulletin to the Public Health Requirements for Early Learning Services and Schools at Alert Level 2 is particularly useful in this regard, and if you haven’t already accessed it, I recommend that you do. 

Re-connect

It will be a time to re-connect and regroup, in support of our wider communities, and especially our senior students. We will all be busy developing creative and responsive approaches to ensure students’ wellbeing is at the forefront as we navigate appropriate learning and assessment support. 

Siobhan (DP) has created a team of ‘CARE groups’, which is an opportunity for staff just to connect and touch base. Sarah is compiling a staff survey.

I trust that you and whānau are safe and well.

Enjoy your weekend.

Ngā mihi nui kia koutou

Harry Romana
Principal