Newsletter – 20 July 2020

Dear Parents

Welcome back and a very warm welcome to all our new families.

Property Update

We now have the funding to go ahead with the astro-turf under our sunshade area and a new middle school playground. The delay is because the companies are behind due to Covid-19 and have a long waitlist.

The Ministry of education is also deciding whether to undertake a minimal rebuild or full rebuild of our hall. We are naturally hoping for a complete rebuild and hope to hear their decision this term

Teacher Only Day Reminder

This will take place on Friday August 21st.  School will be closed but the Pukeko After School Care Programme will be operating. During the last pay negotiations, the Government allocated eight Teacher Only Days for schools over 2 years. These days were negotiated by the teachers union, we appreciate they can be disruptive when parents are working. In order to minimise disruption where possible, these are before or after a weekend.

School Uniform 

We are now back to normal uniform as the suppliers have caught up and stock is readily available. Thank you for ensuring your child is wearing the correct uniform.

Staying Home If Sick

The vast majority of children and young people with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 will not have COVID-19.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include new onset or worsening of one or more of the following:

• Cough
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
• Temporary loss of smell

These symptoms are similar to a range of other illnesses, like influenza. Having them does not mean a child or staff member has COVID-19, but we remain vigilant.

Shortness of breath can indicate pneumonia, and requires urgent medical attention.

Children with asthma, hay fever, allergies, ear infections or other acute or chronic conditions may have similar symptoms.

Good Hygiene Practices Will Continue

Good hygiene practices will continue at Alert Level 1 as it is the best way to minimise potential spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses such as colds and flu. The COVID-19.govt.nz and Ministry of Health websites are a good source of information including:

• Hand washing
• Cough and sneeze etiquette
• Cleaning surfaces

Before a child goes home, we will check that they are feeling and talk with them to determine whether there is another explanation for their child’s symptoms. If there is, it may mean that they do not pose a risk to others and do not need to go home.