Advice is changing rapidly, please read this message carefully.
Dear parents/caregivers
We have had three more cases of Covid-19 confirmed over the weekend. This has resulted in one more year 9 class and a few Y13 students being identified as close contacts. This brings Nayland College to a total of 10 confirmed and 3 probable cases.
The Ministry of Health informs us that the risk profile is significantly different for Omicron compared to previous variants of the virus. The use of face masks greatly reduces the risk of transmission. In fact, as far as we are aware to date, there has been no transmission of the virus at Nayland College. Following updated advice, it is now unlikely that students will be identified as a close contact in a secondary school setting unless the infected student was not wearing a mask, or there has been very close contact (e.g. sharing of drink bottles, lip stick).
As of today we have also stopped emailing students identified as casual contacts. As Covid is circulating in the Nelson community, all students need to assume they are casual contacts and monitor themselves for symptoms (see attached document ‘Casual Contact’).
Year 11 to return to school
As advice has changed, we now believe it is safe for year 11 to return to school on Wednesday 23 February. This is the date that the large number of close contacts have completed their isolation period.
If you have a positive Covid test
Please email me immediately if your student or a family member receives a positive Covid test. You can contact me at daniel.wilson@nayland.school.nz or phone the office on 03 547 9769.
The following chart will assist parents when making decisions around whether or not a student can attend school:
Students self isolating
We have many students who have chosen to remain home during the current outbreak. Please note that based on the evidence we have, we believe it is safe for the vast majority of students to be at school. We will individually contact any families where we may have safety concerns.
Frequently asked questions
Please see the attached document for answers to questions we are being asked frequently.
Paid Union Meeting
Please note that the Paid Union Meeting will go ahead on Friday 25 February. School will close at 12:30pm.
We will continue to follow advice and inform our community as more information comes to hand.
Ngā mihi
Daniel Wilson
Principal
By Daniel Wilson
Attachments
- Clarification for parents and FAQs PDF, 331.6 KB
- Casual Contacts PDF, 239.4 KB