Kia Ora Whanau
It is very clear that summer is on the way with the glorious
weather we have had, which hopefully leads onto a fantastic
holiday period for all. We are now entering our penultimate week
of the school year, which is followed by our final one where we
acknowledge and celebrate our students’ achievements. At this
stage of planning for our final Assemblies and Prize Giving, it is
very clear that under the new Covid Protection Framework (or
traffic light system) we will not be able to have whanau onsite to
be a part of the celebrations. This decision has not been made
lightly as we try to maintain the integrity and profile of this event
for the benefit of the students. We will leave the final decision
until the last possible minute but we ask that all whanau prepare
themselves for this eventuality should it occur. We hope that we
have your support and understanding with this decision, as our
preference is very much to have whanau involved with all our
events.
Over the next few nights we have our Year 8 Graduation Dinners
within each Syndicate. This is where each Syndicate collectively
celebrates with their Year 8 students and awards them with an
acknowledgement of completing two years of Intermediate
education. Each Syndicate plans their own evening and are
unique. I know the students are very much looking forward to
their particular one and wish them a very enjoyable night.
I would like to remind whanau that the recent Covid-19 cases in
the EBOP are both concerning yet expected. Everyone will feel
a sense of anxiety about what it means for us as an community
and as individuals. Again, the school has very clear guidelines
to follow from the Ministries of Health and Education should a
case be associated with the school. Currently there is no such
case and we are open as normal. It is important that we
remember that Covid arriving in our region is no one’s fault and
there is a way forward to minimise the outbreak and reduce any
risk. There is sound advice and guidelines in what to do if you
have concerns on the MOH and Covid-19 websites, so please
check them out. Keep calm and check in with whanau and
friends. We do encourage any student, 12 years old and over,
to get vaccinated as this the best way to minimise the spread of
this virus.
If your child is showing any kind of flu-like symptoms or is unwell,
please do not send them to school. Make sure you seek medical
advice, get a Covid test done (it is free!) and self-isolate until the
test results are returned negative. Can you also inform the
school if your child is staying at home for whatever
reason. Please remember our Mission Statement at these
frustrating times and be friendly and caring with each other.
The school’s finishing date for the year is December 15th at
12:00pm. This is different from previously mentioned dates and
I apologise for any confusion or frustration caused. We look
forward to our last full week of school for the year.
Nga Mihi,
Mike Webster