24 April 2020
Kia ora koutou katoa,
RE: Principal’s COVID-19 update message for our community.
This message sets out our principles and minimum public health requirements that define responsible, healthy and safe operations for Mairehau High School working under COVID-19 Alert Level 3.
Alert Level 3 key principles:
The overriding principles for Alert Level 3 by the Prime Minister are:
- Stay home. If you are not at work, school, exercising or getting essentials, then you must be at home, the same as Level 4.
- Work and learn from home if you can. We still want the vast majority of people working from home, and children and young people learning from home. At-risk students and staff should also stay at home, and they will be supported to do so. Early learning centres and schools will physically be open for up to Year 10 for families that need them.
We are currently working with staff in developing and reviewing our school health and safety plan, and aligning it to the Ministry of Health COVID-19 requirements.
Who and when can students return?
Mairehau High School can be physically open for students to be onsite during Alert Level 3 from 29 April, but only for year levels 1 - 10. Year 11 – 13 students will continue to undertake online learning. (Online Learning Link). We have conducted a survey of Year 9 & 10 parents, to gauge how many students may return to school. (see below)
Staff:
Staff on-site will be limited to essential staff only. Many of our teachers and support staff are unable to return to school due to the COVID-19 restrictions. In general, no one will be allowed to enter the school site without the permission of the Principal.
Do you need to send your child to school?
For students in years 1 – 10, where families and whānau can continue to support their child’s learning from home, you should do so. If there is a parent or caregiver available to look after children at home, stay at home. Children at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 must stay home wherever possible.
Parent response:
This week the school has tried to contact every Year 9 and Year 10 parent. We were able to connect with 90% of our parents via survey or by phone. The data response showed that almost all of our parents would keep their child/ children home. There were four (4) families, that requested that their child returns to school next week. However, these families either did not meet the Ministry of Health guidelines/ recommendations to return their child to school or they changed their decision.
“Thank you to all of our whānau and families for committing to keep your child/ children home. Your responsible choice will help to minimise the risk of COVID-19 to others and return our school and country to a sense of normality. Your efforts are appreciated.”
"There will be NO students on our school site during Alert level 3. All learning will take place Online."
Online learning update:
Online learning is available for those not attending school (e.g. self-isolating or parent at home). The school has managed to send more than 70 devices home. We have endeavoured to identify families that do not have an internet connection or device. Approximately 6% of our whānau are on the Ministry of Education (MOE) list to receive an internet connection, device, or a learning pack. However, MOE is responsible for the distribution, allocation and timeframes of resources.
Online learning:
Online learning is the same for all students. Check our school website for all updates.
School Preparations for a return:
This week Mairehau High School is preparing our school site. Only contractors and service people are allowed on the site. The work includes site preparation, lawns, gardens, cleaning, maintenance, floorplans and the logistical management of health and safety requirements.
Deep Clean:
Our Board has approved the use of a professional cleaning contractor to provide a deep clean of our school. “The Ministry of Education advises there are no specific requirements for cleaning regarding COVID-19.” However, we are doing it anyway. The contractor’s team will sanitise all classrooms, rooms, hall and gym, kitchens, workspaces, and toilets. We expect the deep clean to be completed by 28 April.
“I appreciate the Board’s support to do everything we can to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 to students, staff, and our community.”
What happens if the school has a case of COVID-19?
Any educational facilities connected to a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 must close on an individual or group basis for 72 hours to allow contact tracing and cleaning, and then potentially for a further 14 days.
Closing message:
The following Māori proverb reminds me of the importance of people.
“E ki ana koe, ki ahau, he aha te mea nui? Maku e ki atu kia koe. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.”
( Should you ask me, what is our greatest treasure, then I will reply: it is people, it is people, it is people.)
“People matter so focus on your hauora (wellbeing) and whānau. I take this opportunity to wish you and your whānau all the very best during these most challenging of times
Take CARE, keep safe, stay well, and use kind words to others.”
Ngā mihi nui.
Harry Romana
Principal
