We have moved fully into the new traffic light framework for all our school activities and events this year.
Dear parents/caregivers
Our team is feeling refreshed and ready to go for the 2022 year and can’t wait to welcome everyone back onsite.
In regard to COVID-19 we have moved fully into the new traffic light framework for all our school activities and events this year. It is good to know that at Red setting, we are able to support everyone learning onsite. The purpose of this article is to inform you of additional measures we have put in place to support the safety of our students and staff.
Events and activities
Large hui and gatherings especially when indoors continue to be one of the riskier activities we can undertake. We have therefore reviewed all our events and activities for the upcoming term to ensure we meet the health guidance for Red. Some of the changes we have made include:
- Family BBQ – cancelled
- Meet the tutor evening – will be moved to an online 1-1 booking system (more information to follow)
- Meet the HOLA music evening – to be held online
- EME Awards – postponed
- Scholarship morning tea – TBC
- Whānau hui/Rūnanga Mātua – TBC
- Year 13 Leadership Camp – unfortunately has been cancelled
Face coverings
Staff and students at Nayland College must wear face coverings when inside at school when we are at Red.
Public health advice is that an appropriate face covering will fit snugly and seal well around facial contours. This can include single use, disposable masks (medical masks) and re-usable fabric masks with three layers. That means no scarves, bandannas, or t-shirts pulled up over the face, for example.
For those of you with students who might be reluctant to wear a face covering, there is some helpful advice from Michigan Health, including using simple, specific explanations about why they need to wear a face covering.
If your child has an exemption from wearing a mask, a parent or caregiver will need to come to the Business Centre to arrange an exemption lanyard.
Student non-contact periods
If a senior student has a non-contact period 1, we ask that they remain home until their first scheduled class. If they have a non-contact period 4, they should sign out of school when their last class is finished. Students will not be able to leave the grounds at any other times. The hall will be set up as a study area. We will also be staggering break times and the end of the school day by 5 minutes to assist with foot traffic around the school.
Kuaka Café
This remains open. Students will be required to line up in a distanced manner and we encourage them to sign in using the Covid tracer app for their own tracing purposes.
Managing cases in our school
If the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Education advises 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 we have on file are up to date, so we can get in touch with you if needed. You can do this through the Student Portal (login details for new students/parents will be emailed over the coming week).
Preparing for COVID-19
You can also prepare for COVID-19, making sure you and your household have a plan and know what to do. This will mean your whānau and community can help each other if needed. Find out more here:
- Be prepared for COVID-19
- Download the COVID-19 Readiness Checklist [PDF, 121 KB]
- What to expect when self-isolating at home
Self-isolating at home because of COVID-19
Many people will be able to manage self-isolation with help from friends and whānau, but there is help available if you need it – both with health support and access to food and other essentials.
- What to expect when self-isolating at home | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)
- Getting extra support if you have COVID-19 or are self-isolating | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)
- COVID-19 positive – managing your symptoms | Health Navigator NZ
If you know anyone in your community affected by COVID-19 and who may need help, such as food and other financial assistance, Work and Income has a range of supports available for individuals, families, employers and self-employed people affected by COVID-19.
Work and Income support
The beginning of the year can be a tough time for parents who are faced with many costs and it is important you are aware of what assistance you may be able to get from Work and Income. These are available to people on a low income as well as those on a benefit.
- School costs
- Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR) Subsidy
- Other Childcare Assistance
- School and Year Start-up Payment (for people getting Orphan’s Benefit or Unsupported Child’s Benefit)
- Help with living costs (including food and rent/mortgage)
Use the links above or call 0800 559 009 to find out more, or to apply.
MoneyTalks can assist with free budgeting and debt help.
You can also contact your local community provider. Please find more information here.
While this might all feel a little overwhelming at times, we know that all these measures will help our students return to school, reconnect with whānau and friends and do what they enjoy.
We look forward to seeing all students next week. Previously communicated information can be found here regarding start times etc.
Ngā mihi
Daniel Wilson
Principal
By Daniel Wilson
