---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kia ora koutou

Welcome back to the 2022 school year. I hope you have all had a great summer and enjoyed the amazing Wairarapa weather.This letter is to inform you of the key information for beginning the school year under the Red Setting of the Covid Protection Framework.

Startup dates
Tuesday 1st February:
•              Year 9 and 13 students attend
•              School day is 8.35am – 3.15pm
•              Buses are running

Wednesday 2nd February:
•              All students attend
•              Normal school day
•              School day is 8.45am – 3.15pm
•              Buses are running

Thursday 3rd February:
•              All students attend
•              Normal school day
•              School day is 8.45am – 3.15pm
•              Buses are running

Friday 4th February:
•              All students attend
•              Normal school day
•              School day is 8.45am – 3.15pm
•              Buses are running

Monday 7th February:
•              Waitangi Day observed
•              No School

Masks
Under the red traffic light setting ALL children Year 4 and upwards must wear a mask whenever they are indoors. This includes all indoor spaces, even toilets. In addition all students must be wearing a mask on the school buses. As per the government’s advice whenever masks are required to be worn (for example, by Year 4-13 students when indoors at school, at supermarkets, retails stores, cafes, public transport, school transport) they must be the type that attaches to the head either through an ear loop or a head loop.

Bandanas, scarves or t-shirts pulled up over the mouth and nose are no longer acceptable to be used in the settings which require masks to be worn. Under the mask mandate all staff are required to wear masks in their classrooms and to also check that students are wearing masks. Please note that we are MANDATED to do this and therefore we ask for your understanding when we are undertaking this task.

When students are outside during breaktimes they are not mandated to wear masks and if students are comfortable I encourage them to take mask breaks during this time. We will endeavour to have some classes take place outside to allow students to have mask breaks with the appropriate social distancing in place.

Some students may have exemptions from wearing masks for medical reasons. Please use the mask exemption card or provide a reason in writing. These can be sent to me at fullers@kuranui-college.school.nz

We will have a very limited supply of masks available for students if needed. Students will need to request one from their teacher or alternatively at the student office. Students will need a valid reason why they are not providing their own face mask.

Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Students
All students are welcome at Kuranui College and whilst on the school site each student will be treated with respect. At college every student will have the right to equitable learning opportunities. No student will be discriminated on our school site due to the their vaccine status. When we are learning offsite every effort will be made to ensure this continues.

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. Our College philosophy is to provide the very best learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Where possible we are endeavouring to run the activities that make our college a special place. More detail about events such as Athletics and Swimming Sports will be published in due course.

Ventilation

We have used the Ministry of Education self-assessment tool to review all our ventilation in readiness for the start of the year. Providing good old fashioned fresh air remains the most important thing we can do in our learning spaces to minimise risk for ākonga and kaiako (and the same goes for you at home). We will also be receiving a CO2 monitor in the coming weeks to further support our ventilation plan.

Managing cases in our school

We have a good contact tracing system in place so that if there is a confirmed case who has been at school while infectious, we can quickly identify who was a close contact of that person. We will then quickly advise those contacts of what they need to do.

Only 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.

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.

Absences from school
If your child is going to be away from school we ask that you contact our Main office as soon as possible to let us know. You can leave a message on the absence line. Your child’s mentor teacher will also follow up on any absences or lateness to school. If your child is unwell and exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19, cold and flu they must stay at home. Our teachers will have online work available to all students to work on from home.

I appreciate that this may be a lot of information to process but I wanted to ensure that you are all well informed about our school processes in the red traffic light setting. If you have any questions then please do not hesitate to contact either myself or any of the staff members listed below.

Other members of staff that can assist are:

Mrs Maree Patten - Associate Principal                
Pattenm@kuranui-college.school.nz
Mr William Donaldson - Deputy Principal: Junior College                
donaldsonw@kuranui-college.school.nz
Mrs Chelsea Fenwick – Deputy Principal: Senior College                
fenwickc@kuranui-college.school.nz
Mr Antony Oliver – Assistant Principal: Junior College                
olivera@kuranui-college.school.nz
Mr Joshua Hutchings - Assistant Principal: Junior College                
hutchingsj@kuranui-college.school.nz
Ms Nicky Simpson - Year 9 Dean                
simpsonn@kuranui-college.school.nz
Mr Peter Beech – Year 10 Dean                
beechp@kuranui-college.school.nz
Mr Ryan McCroskery – Year 12 Dean                
mccroskeryr@kuranui-college.school.nz
Ms Rachel Butler-Peck – Year 13 Dean                
Butler-peckr@kuranui-college.school.nz
Ms Gina Speedy – Guidance Counsellor                
speedyg@kuranui-college.school.nz
Your child’s mentor teacher

Although this is a different start to the schooling year than we are all used to, we are working hard to ensure your child experiences the best possible opportunities in their secondary education here at Kuranui. We will be regularly updating you as we navigate this journey together. 2022 will be another great year for our college and I am looking forward to working with you and your young person this year. Stay safe and well.

Ngā mihi nui,
Simon Fuller
Principal

Update: 31 January 2022

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kia ora koutou

I hope this email finds you safe and well.

New COVID-19 Protection (Traffic Light) Framework

You may have heard that everyone in Aotearoa will move to the new COVID-19 Traffic Light Framework on Friday 3 December. We will be moving to Orange.

Elimination and the alert levels have worked well, with New Zealand having the lowest numbers of cases and hospitalisations in the OECD. While controlled, Delta is in our communities and the strategy now focuses on minimising its impact.

With 85% of eligible New Zealanders now fully vaccinated, and by mid-December it is expected to be approximately 90%, this allows a careful reopening while continuing to protect New Zealanders.

For the remainder of this year the Ministry of Education have instructed schools to continue to operate under the same COVID-19 protocols as they currently have been. This means our Year 9 and 10 students can finish the year strongly. Junior Prizegiving will be held on December 10 from 1pm – 3pm. This will be livestreamed and recorded with staff and students in attendance.

For next year, we can confirm that everyone will be back onsite for learning from the start of the school year, regardless of what setting under the new Traffic Light Framework we will be in (Red/Orange/Green). This is good news and means we can plan for a great 2022.

Health measures in place at school

This year and next, health, safety and wellbeing will continue to be a priority for us and the same public health measures you are very familiar with will remain in place:

• good hygiene and cleaning

• contact tracing systems in place

• vaccination requirements for workers (paid and unpaid)

• if you are sick, you must stay home and get tested

• good ventilation.

If we are at Red at any stage next year:

• face coverings will be required at school when indoors for students and staff in years 9 – 13

• we will ask that only essential visitors come onsite.

With all these measures in place, public health has confirmed the risk of infection remains low when at school. However, if we do have someone confirmed with COVID-19 in our school, we have a plan in place to manage this and will contact you as soon as possible.

If you’d like to learn more about the framework visit COVID-19 Protection Framework.

Ngā mihi

Simon Fuller
Principal

Update: 30 November 2021

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Re: COVID Alert Level 2

We are excited to be welcoming students back to school and looking forward to re-connecting and getting back into face to face teaching and learning. 

At Alert Level 2 there is low risk of community transmission and it provides us with a lot more opportunities to engage and connect with others. However, there are still a number of public health requirements we all need to follow and we will be going through these on Thursday morning in your child's mentor class at the beginning of period 1. When the bell goes students are to head straight to their mentor classrooms. It is really important for students to be on time on Thursday morning, as the messaging and rules we need to follow at Level 2 will be explained. 

Please continue to monitor your child's health and do not send your child/ren to school if they are not well. If they are displaying ANY symptoms, then they must stay home and contact Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice about getting a COVID test. If your child presents with any symptoms at school your child will be isolated and you will be required to collect them. 

For us, all the required safety precautions for Alert Level 2 will be in place which include following all the recommendations from the public health experts. This means we will regularly clean and disinfect high touch surfaces, encourage everyone to frequently wash their hands and cough and sneeze into their elbow. In addition, hand sanitiser will be available for use at the entrance to every classroom. Students will sanitise their hands upon entering and exiting a classroom. 

There has been some commentary in the media about face coverings. Please note that face coverings are not required to be worn in school. However, the Director General of Health is recommending that secondary age students wear a face covering. The decision to wear a face covering is up to each individual student and their whānau. Whatever your decision, it will be respected. We will not be asking students why they are or are not wearing a mask. We have asked staff to model the recommended behaviour and wear masks if they are comfortable. If your child doesn't have a face covering, the school has a limited supply for students. They will need to come to the student office in the morning and follow the process to line up in a physically distanced manner to get a mask. They will only be given one per day. A reminder that any masks worn must be appropriate. 

It is important that students come to school with the correct equipment and resources needed to learn. This includes bringing basic gear such as a pen and pencil. They will not be able to borrow these items from each other or their teacher. If your child has borrowed a school chromebook during this lockdown period then they MUST return it back to the college tomorrow morning. This will be done during the mentor time first thing tomorrow. 

While physical distancing is not a requirement in schools, we will be doing our best to keep students from congregating in very large numbers and keeping spaces well-ventilated. This includes having more staff on duty during break times as well as monitoring spaces such as the canteen. We will have processes in place to ensure that students are lined up in a physically distanced manner and hands are sanitized before entering the canteen to purchase food. Under Alert level 2 we will not be having full school assemblies or gatherings of large groups of 50 or more students in one space. 

Finally, keeping accurate attendance records at Alert Level 2 is mandatory for all schools. Therefore, if your child is going to be away from school for any reason please contact the main office and notify us of your child's absence. For the school buses we will go back to keeping a list of the students that catch each bus every morning and afternoon for contact tracing purposes. Students are not required (but recommended) to wear a face covering on any school buses. If your child catches a public Metlink bus then they WILL have to wear a face covering. 

During Alert Level 2 we will not be allowing our Year 13 students to leave the school premises during their break times as we must maintain accurate records of who is on the school site. A reminder that students can purchase their lunch from the school canteen. All visitors to the school must sign in and provide a current address and phone number as well as check in with the government's QR Covid Tracer App. This is not a requirement for students. 

To read our student Level 2 processes, click here.

I would like to thank you for your patience and understanding for all our staff as we manage Alert Level 2. We have been here before as a school community and have done exceptionally well to ensure the safety of all our staff and students. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me on fullers@kuranui-college.school.nz 

Stay safe and be kind. 

Ngā mihi nui
Simon Fuller
Principal 

Updated: 8 September 2021

Kia ora koutou

A very warm greetings to the Kuranui College community.

It is great to be communicating with you all again (albeit in lockdown) as my Principal Sabbatical has officially come to end. I am really looking forward seeing all the students and staff back in our wonderful school once we progress down Alert Levels. I wish to say a huge thank you to Mrs Patten and staff for the amazing mahi over the last 10 weeks continuing to ignite our students passions and futures.

To all members of our college community well done on completing nine full days at Alert Level 4. It is great to hear that levels of engagement in online learning are high and students and staff are prioritising their wellbeing.

As you will likely be aware it has been announced that we will continue to be in Alert Level 4 until 11.59pm on Tuesday 31 August. At that time subject to it being safe to do so everywhere south of Auckland will transition to Alert Level 3.

At Alert Level 3 our online learning programme continues. Where possible all students should remain in their bubbles learning from home. If there are Year 9 and 10 students of essential workers that cannot be at home then they are able to be supervised at the college in small bubbles while they complete their online learning programme. All other students will remain at home.

To assist us in our planning for Alert Level 3, I ask that each family in Year 9 and 10 please complete the form linked below indicating if their young person will need to be supervised onsite or not during Alert Level 3.

Please complete this form by 8.00am Monday 30 August.

https://forms.gle/8VF5h77GzE2ewhJL8

Once the Ministry of Education has clarified the exact health protocols for Alert Level 3 under a Delta outbreak, I will publish these along with more detailed information regarding bus transport and the staff that will be supervising the students.

As our online learning programme is set to continue for some time here are some strategies to help our students through this process.

• Establish a daily routine - Setting up a daily timetable is essential for any student. Blocks of learning of 1 to 1.5 hours with breaks in between work well for most.
• Use a to-do list or planner – This will help in keeping track of assignments and due dates, which is important when putting together an effective study timetable. Simple to do lists can be found on any smart phone.
• Keep in touch with teachers – Teachers want the best outcomes for their students and are there to help and motivate. It is easy to feel isolated in an online learning environment, so it is essential that students reach out for support when needed.
• Keep in touch with friends and classmates – Collaborative online learning can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Setting up chats or hangouts with their peers can be a great way to gain social connection and support each other with their learning.
• Focus on what really matters - Prioritise what is the most important learning and focus your efforts on this.
  

Please continue to look after yourself and those around you. If you or anyone you know needs additional support please do not hesitate to make contact.

We are here to help and support.

He Waka Eke Noa – We are all in this together
Ngā mihi
Simon Fuller
Principal

Updated 28 August 2021

Kia ora koutou

The Prime Minister has just announced that the whole of Aotearoa New Zealand will be in Alert Level 4 lockdown until at least 11:59pm on Tuesday 24 August.

With that in mind we need to have a plan to ensure that our students can learn from home in case this lockdown is extended past Tuesday.

Attached are our Remote Learning Plans:

Remote learning - Parent help sheet

Remote learning - student help sheet

There are a few important notes to be aware of:

Online Learning:
On Monday 23 August we will be getting devices and limited resources delivered to students that have let their mentor teacher know they do not have a device. If your child has not let their mentor teacher know this then please let me know by emailing me at pattenm@kuranui-college.school.nz  We will make contact before we deliver the device so that delivery may be contactless.  Monday will also be a catch-up day for students to make sure they have completed any outstanding work for this week.

On Tuesday we will begin our 'period 3 online check ins' with the period 3 teacher.

School Events:
At this stage it is too early to say whether the school ball and winter tournament week will be postponed. Once we know more information from the Prime Minister early next week we can communicate this to you.

Lastly, I wish you all a great weekend.  In the words of our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern please be safe and be kind to one another.

Nga mihi nui
Maree Patten
Acting Principal

Updated: 20 August 2021

Kia ora koutou

As you will all be aware, we are moving into Alert Level 4 at midnight Tuesday 17 August. We will be in Alert Level 4 until midnight Friday 20 August.

SCHOOL CLOSURE
As the Prime Minister has moved the country to Covid Alert Level 4 Kuranui College will be closed from midnight Tuesday 17 August till midnight Friday 20 August for all students and staff. We will be remote learning from 8.45 am Wednesday. The Prime Minister has indicated that this is for an initial period of three days for our region. As the school is closed the Parent/Teacher interviews scheduled for Thursday 19 August are postponed. We will reschedule once we know where we are at with alert levels. At this point we are unable to make a decision regarding the School Ball. As soon as there is more clarity around where the alert levels will be, a decision will be made.

REMOTE / ONLINE LEARNING
​​​​​​​Beginning tomorrow 18 August 2021 learning will be online and via Google Classroom. Students should check their email and google classroom each morning for instructions from their teacher. I have asked staff to ensure that work is posted on their google classroom each morning by 8.45 am. For those courses where there is not a google classroom set up the teacher will email instructions to your school email address.I am aware that some students do not have access to a device suitable to allow them to continue with online learning. Should the Prime Minister extend the snap lockdown we will be in touch with details of how we can assist students to access devices and/or paper based work.I am aware that this is a very uncertain and stressful time for many of our students.

Please if you are worried about your child then please contact a member of the school guidance team. We are here to assist you. Students if you are stressed, scared and just want to talk with us please email and we will be in touch.

Guidance Counsellor - Karen McKenzie-Gibbons: mckenzie-gibbonsk@kuranui-college.school.nz 
Pou Ahi – Whaea Pania Smith: smithp@kuranui-college.school.nz
Acting Year 9 Dean - Ellie Leadbeater: leadbeatere@kuranui-college.school.nz
Year 10 Dean - Peter Beech: beechp@kuranui-college.school.nz
Year 11 Dean - Alex Gregg: gregga@kuranui-college.school.nz
Year 12 Dean - Ryan McCroskery: mccroskeryr@kuranui-college.school.nz
Year 13 Dean/Careers Advisor: Rachel Butler-Peck: butler-peckr@kuranui-college.school.nz
Acting Head of Pastoral Junior School - Nicky Simpson: simpsonn@kuranui-college.school.nz
Head of Pastoral Senior School - Antony Oliver: olivera@kuranui-college.school.nz
Acting Assistant Principal Junior School - Josh Hutchings: hutchingsj@kuranui-college.school.nz
Acting Assistant Principal Senior School - William Donaldson: donaldsonw@kuranui-college.school.nz
Acting Deputy Principal - Chelsea Fenwick: fenwickc@kuranui-college.school.nz
Acting Principal - Maree Patten: pattenm@kuranui-college.school.nz

On behalf of the college I would like to thank our community for their support during this time.I wish all of our families the very best of health and I very much look forward to the college reopening in the near future.

Stay safe, Kia Kaha and be kind to each other.

Maree Patten
ACTING PRINCIPAL

Update: 17 August 2021

Dear Kuranui College community,

Based on current information, Kuranui College has put a hold on all after school sports and cultural activities. This takes effect immediately through until the end of term 1. It includes all trainings, trials and rehearsals. We will continue to assess the situation moving forward.  As always the health and safety of our community is our number one priority.

We also ask that any student who is feeling unwell is kept home. This is especially true for students who are exhibiting the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Difficulty breathing

If students present at school with the above symptoms or indications that they are unwell, parents and caregivers will be contacted and asked to take their child home.

This is in accordance with best practice as outlined by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education.  We would appreciate your support in this as the school and community work together to ensure good health for all.   

If you need further advice on your child’s health, please call Health Line on 0800 358 5453.

Please rest assured the college has effective pandemic management strategies as outlined in our email of 17 March.

Our pastoral care system is also available to support all students, especially those who are feeling an increased level of anxiety at this time.

Kuranui College is still considered to be at low risk of encountering an infection of COVID 19 and this situation is regularly reviewed throughout each day.

We will continue with our regular communication.  For the most up to date information please visit: https://www.kuranuicollege.school.nz/for-parents-1/covid19-pandemic-plan

We appreciate your support in these unusual times.

Update: 18th March 2020​​​​​​​

Kia ora koutou

As you will all be aware, we are moving back into Alert Level 2 at 6:00pm, Wednesday 23 June. We will be in Alert Level 2 until 11:59pm Sunday 27 June. The following is an update of key public health messages for Alert Level 2.

The key public health approach for schools at Alert Level 2 is to minimise the risk that someone gets infected in the first place, and secondly, to ensure we can identify and contact anyone who has been in close contact with a person, if someone in a school is infected.

• Physical distancing is a helpful measure to prevent the spread of disease. We do, however, know that it is challenging in schools, so good hygiene practices and regular cleaning are important here.
• Under Alert Level 2, we advise any students and staff to stay at home if they are sick and we will send anyone home immediately if they show symptoms.
• We also ask that students practice good hygiene. This includes coughing into elbows, a washing and drying hands thoroughly and frequently and using the hand sanitiser provided.
• Students and staff are not required to wear masks but are free to do so if they wish.
• Face coverings must be worn on public transport. They are NOT required on school buses or school charter buses.

Our school has safe and sensible practices to maintain the health and safety of everyone on the school site including the following:

• Students are encouraged to sanitise their hands upon entering a classroom and before using school equipment
• Students should not touch or breathe on others
• We will limit large gatherings under Alert Level 2
• Commonly touched surfaces are being cleaned with increased frequency
• All visitors to the school must sign in and provide a current address and phone number​​​​​​​

It’s important, however, that safe hygiene habits are practised by everyone, not just at school but at home as well. For more information about the public health measures at Alert Level 2, you can visit the COVID-19 website: https://covid19.govt.nz

We will share further updates when we learn more.

Ngā mihi nui

Maree Patten

Acting Principal

​​​​​​​Update: 23 June 2021

Kia ora koutou

As you will all be aware, we have moved back into Alert Level 2 as at 6:00am, Sunday 28 February. We wil be in Alert Level 2 for a period of 7 days. The following is an update of key public health messages for Alert Level 2.

The key public health approach for schools at Alert Level 2 is to minimise the risk that someone gets infected in the first place, and secondly, to ensure we can identify and contact anyone who has been in close contact with a person, if someone in a school is infected.

•       Physical distancing is a helpful measure to prevent the spread of disease. We do, however, know that it is challenging in schools, so good hygiene practices and regular cleaning are important here.

•       Under Alert Level 2, we advise any students and staff to stay at home if they are sick and we will send anyone home immediately if they show symptoms. 

•       We also ask that students practice good hygiene. This includes coughing into elbows, a washing and drying hands thoroughly and frequently and using the hand sanitiser provided.

•       Students and staff are not required to wear masks but are free to do so if they wish.

•       Face coverings must be worn on public transport. They are NOT required on school buses or school charter buses. 

Our school has safe and sensible practices to maintain the health and safety of everyone on the school site including the following:

•       Students are encouraged to sanitise their hands upon entering a classroom and before using school equipment

•       Students should not touch or breathe on others

•       We will limit large gatherings under Alert Level 2

•       Commonly touched surfaces are being cleaned with increased frequency

•       All visitors to the school must sign in and provide a current address and phone number

On the advice we have received from the Ministry of Education our Family Learning Conferences (FLC’s) can still go ahead on Thursday 4^th March. Please ensure that you have booked in an appointment with your child’s mentor teacher. You can do this by following the instructions that were sent out to all parents on 22^ndFebruary. For this event we will be following health and safety guidelines by putting in the following procedures:

•       If you or any member of your family are sick on the Thursday 4^th March then please do not attend. 

•       There will be QR codes and manual signing in registers at the entry to each block. 

•       There will be hand sanitizer available at the entry of each block. 

•       Mentor teacher will keep accurate rolls of who attends these FLC’s to assist with contact tracing should it be required. 

•       Each room will be set up to ensure there is at least 1m social distancing in place. 

It’s important, however, that safe hygiene habits are practised by everyone, not just at school but at home as well. For more information about the public health measures at Alert Level 2, you can visit the COVID-19 website: https://covid19.govt.nz

We will share further updates when we learn more.

Stay safe and be kind

Ngā mihi nui

Simon Fuller

Principal

Update: 28 February 2021

Kia ora koutou

As you will all be aware, we will move back into Alert Level 2 at 11:59pm, Sunday 14 February. This situation will be reviewed on a 24 hour basis with a further decision made by the Government on Wednesday 17 February. The following is an update of key public health messages for Alert Level 2.

The key public health approach for schools at Alert Level 2 is to minimise the risk that someone gets infected in the first place, and secondly, to ensure we can identify and contact anyone who has been in close contact with a person, if someone in a school is infected.

• Physical distancing is a helpful measure to prevent the spread of disease. We do, however, know that it is challenging in schools, so good hygiene practices and regular cleaning are important here.

• Under Alert Level 2, we advise any students and staff to stay at home if they are sick and we will send anyone home immediately if they show symptoms. 

• We also ask that students practice good hygiene. This includes coughing into elbows, a washing and drying hands thoroughly and frequently and using the hand sanitiser provided.

• Students and staff are not required to wear masks but are free to do so if they wish.

• Face coverings must be worn on public transport. They are NOT required on school buses or school charter buses. 

Our school has safe and sensible practices to maintain the health and safety of everyone on the school site including the following:

• Students are encouraged to sanitise their hands upon entering a classroom and before using school equipment

• Students should not touch or breathe on others

• We will limit large gatherings under Alert Level 2

• Commonly touched surfaces are being cleaned with increased frequency

• All visitors to the school must sign in and provide a current address and phone number

It’s important, however, that safe hygiene habits are practised by everyone, not just at school but at home as well. For more information about the public health measures at Alert Level 2, you can visit the COVID-19 website: https://covid19.govt.nz

We will share further updates when we learn more.

Stay safe and be kind

Ngā mihi nui

Simon Fuller
Principal

Update: 14 February 2021

Kia ora koutou,

As you will all be aware, we have moved back into Alert Level 2.  This situation will be reviewed at the end of this week.  The following is an update of key public health messages for Alert Level 2.

The key public health approach for schools at Alert Level 2 is to minimise the risk that someone gets infected in the first place, and secondly, to ensure we can identify and contact anyone who has been in close contact with a person, if someone in a school is infected.

• Physical distancing is a helpful measure to prevent the spread of disease. We do, however, know that it is challenging in schools, so good hygiene practices and regular cleaning are important here.
• Under Alert Level 2, we advise any students and staff to stay at home if they are sick and we will send anyone home immediately if they show symptoms.
• We also ask that students practice good hygiene. This includes coughing into elbows, a washing and drying hands thoroughly and frequently and using the hand sanitiser provided.
• Students and staff are not required to wear masks but are free to do so if they wish.

Our school has safe and sensible practices to maintain the health and safety of everyone on the school site including the following:

• Students are encouraged to sanitise their hands upon entering a classroom and before using school equipment
• Students should not touch or breathe on others
• We will limit large gatherings under Alert Level 2
• Commonly touched surfaces are being cleaned with increased frequency
• All visitors to the school must sign in and provide a current address and phone number

It’s important, however, that safe hygiene habits are practised by everyone, not just at school but at home as well. For more information about the public health measures at Alert Level 2, you can visit the COVID-19 website: https://covid19.govt.nz

We will share further updates when we learn more.

Stay safe and be kind

Ngā mihi nui

Simon Fuller
Principal

Update: 12 August 2020

​​​​​​​Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I trust this communication finds you all well in our first day of Alert Level 2. The Senior Leadership Team have been planning for our safe return to school from Monday 18 May and this letter outlines some of the main points that will guide our way of working and learning together. My apologies if this is a bit long, but there is a lot of information to share! The main areas I will cover today are:

1. Returning to School on Monday 18 May
I know I speak for the whole staff when I say that we are excited to be welcoming all students back to school on Monday morning. The key message is that school is a safe place to be and there is no reason why students should not return. We will start with a short mentor time beginning at 8.45am. At the mentor time, we will run through our Alert Level 2 processes, give students a chance to reconnect and ensure they have an opportunity to ask questions and feel confident about their return to school. I completely understand that for some students, as well as for some parents in our community, there will be a sense of anxiety as we all emerge from our bubbles for what might be the first time in almost two months. We want students and staff to use Monday to ensure we talk things through and everyone has a good understanding that school is safe and the processes are in place to keep it safe. I encourage the students throughout this transition to ask all of their teachers any questions that they may have.

If you have any reason to keep your child at home from Monday 18 May, please could I ask you to contact the office either by calling 06 304 9116, or email absences@kuranui-college.school.nz Please provide us your child’s name and the reason for non-attendance. You do not need to contact us if you are sending your child to school.

Please remember that, at all times under Alert Level 2, if your child is sick KEEP THEM AT HOME. If students are at school with illness or symptoms we will be contacting parents to collect them.

2. Hygiene and Cleaning Routines
The Ministries of Health and Education have given clear guidance about expectations in schools, and the first point is there does not need to be strict physical distancing in the same way as you may still see in a supermarket, for example. Rather, the focus will be on good hygiene practices, regular cleaning, and giving everyone “breathing space”. Our classrooms will be setup so no students are touching or close enough to be in each other’s breathing space.

Every classroom will be equipped with hand sanitiser, and there are plenty of supplies in other main areas of the school, such as the canteen, library, office. Bathroom facilities will be well supplied with soap and hand towels.   
We will also be regularly cleaning shared equipment in areas such as PE and Technology, and again, students will be required to use hand sanitiser when working in these areas. Extra emphasis on hygiene, including handwashing and drying before and after activities, will be a high priority.

If you visit us at school please be prepared to spend slightly longer in the main office area as we will be asking everyone who comes onto the school site to record their details, to support contact tracing. This will be done on paper, rather than our usual digital format during Alert Level 2.

3. Learning Equipment and Chromebooks
Bring your own learning equipment and device to school.
On a daily basis teachers provide students with pens and learning materials to use. To limit the amount of equipment being shared, we ask students to bring their own learning equipment to school where possible.
If you own a device, please bring that to school to enhance your learning.
A number of students have been using school loaned devices during Alert Levels 3 and 4, and some of you will also have received chromebooks from the Ministry of Education. According to our records there are approximately 80 school owned devices that have been shipped out to students in the past two months. These devices plus the Ministry of Education issued devices will need to be returned to school on Monday 18 May. We will then clean and check these are still working well.

4. School Buses
All school buses will be running as normal from Monday 18 May. Physical distancing of 1 to 2 metres is not required, but students should expect to be instructed to sit well behind the driver and they should follow instructions at all times. It is important that the bus the student boards in the morning is the bus that they return home on. The buses will be numbered to help assist this. We will be keeping strict track of which students are on each bus both in the morning and afternoon for contact tracing purposes.

5. Interval and Lunchtime Arrangements
The first key message is that the school canteen is open as normal from Monday 18 May. A range of food and drinks will be available and the canteen staff will be following their own guidelines from MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) regarding their safe operation.

Prior to lockdown Year 13 students were able to leave the school site to go home for lunch or, more likely, to go to the Red Dairy. Year 13 students would often use their car to go and buy lunch for themselves and others. We need to work differently under Alert Level 2. I am therefore asking that no students (including Year 13) leave the school site without express permission from a parent or caregiver or a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Please can I ask that students either bring their own lunch, or they are welcome to purchase food from the canteen. 

6. Alert Level 2 Health and Safety Plan
We have created a full safety plan for Alert Level 2 which we will share with you all on Friday. This will be signposted on Facebook and you will be able to view it or download it from our school website. Any questions you have about the operation of the school under Alert Level 2 will be here.

7. Uniform Shop
Due to space limitations in the uniform shop, we cannot open the shop for regular sales under Alert level 2.  However, we can process uniform orders and payments remotely and have your child collect the order from the main office.

Email us at uniform@kuranui-college.school.nz with details of your order, referring to the product information in the enclosed attachment. Don’t forget to include your child’s name and details of your method of payment:
·         Paid $..... by internet banking to 03 0609 0080661 00 on …………… (date paid).
·         My child will pay $.... by eftpos or cash when collecting
·         Use the credit balance of my child’s trust account for payment of $....

We will process the orders daily and notify your child when their order is ready for collection.
If you do not know the sizes of the items required, please state that in your email, and we will collect your child from class and bring them over to the shop for a fitting and complete the sale.

Apologies that there is a lot of information here, but operating the school at Alert Level 2 has needed careful planning and preparation, and it is important to share this with you all. As the Prime Minister has said, Alert Level 2 is not simply business as usual, and we will all need to play it safe. I would be very happy to receive feedback, questions or any other points you wish to raise. You are most welcome to email me on principal@kuranui-college.school.nz or call me on 0276921728. Thank you for all your support over the last few weeks - it is very much appreciated by us all.

With every best wish,

Simon Fuller
Principal

​​​​​​​Update: 14 May 2020

Kia ora koutou,

Dear Kuranui College Families

With the announcement of our nation's transition to Alert Level 2, we are really looking forward to welcoming our students back to school on Monday 18 May.

To ensure our staff are ready to go, they will be coming into school on Friday 15 May to prepare classrooms and resources.  As a consequence, there will be no new online work or virtual catchups occurring on that day. Students are to use this day to ensure they are up to date with all work posted so far.

We will be providing more information in the coming days regarding this transition.

Kind regards,

Simon Fuller
PRINCIPAL

Update: 12 May 2020

Kia ora koutou,

Dear Kuranui College Families

Today marks day 13 of distance learning across New Zealand. While it’s new territory for all of us, I hope that the transition to distance learning for your teen has gone as smoothly as possible and that all is well with you and your bubbles.

Last week we transitioned to Alert Level 3. The key principles of Alert Level 3 for schools are:

• Year 11-13 students continue their distance learning programmes from home.

• Year 9 and 10 students, where possible, are to stay at home and continue with their distance learning.

Onsite Student Supervision

From Wednesday 29 April, parents and caregivers of Year 9 and 10 students were able to send students to school for onsite supervision if alternative arrangements could not be made. We welcomed three students back last week and have started this week with no students attending.

We understand that in these uncertain times, parents’ work commitments and child-care arrangements are subject to change. If your circumstances have changed and you can no longer support your teen to continue their distance learning from home, please be sure to contact me so that we can make the necessary arrangements such as transport to and from school.  My email address is fullers@kuranui-college.school.nz or phone (027) 6921728. We are following very strict Health and Safety guidelines so prior notice is essential - thank you in advance for your help with this.

Strategies to Make Online Distance Learning Successful 

Completing schoolwork from home can be a challenge, especially for secondary students with multiple subjects to juggle. Now that we are a couple of weeks into online distance learning and the newness and novelty of it is starting to wear off, some students are feeling distance-learning fatigue. I encourage you to talk openly about this with your teen and help them plan for sustainability and success. How students manage their time will vary depending on their individual needs and the needs of their families. Below are some key tips for setting up a successful distance learning strategy:

• Establish a daily routine - Setting up a daily timetable is essential for any student. Blocks of learning of 1 to 1.5 hours with breaks in between work well for most.

• Use a to-do list or planner – This will help in keeping track of assignments and due dates, which is important when putting together an effective study timetable. Simple to do lists can be found on any smart phone.

• Keep in touch with teachers – Teachers want the best outcomes for their students and are there to help and motivate. It is easy to feel isolated in an online learning environment, so it is essential that students reach out for support when needed.

• Keep in touch with friends and classmates – Collaborative online learning can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Setting up chats or hangouts with their peers can be a great way to gain social connection and support each other with their learning.

• Focus on what really matters - Prioritise what is the most important learning and focus your efforts on this.

Student and Whanau Support

As always we are here to support students and their families. Below are the key people that make up the Kuranui College Guidance Team. We are available to listen, chat, support and problem solve. We have access to many support services in the community that can assist families in a wide range of areas. Please do not hesitate to make reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Kuranui College Guidance Team
Year 9 Dean: Mrs Simpson - simpsonn@kuranui-college.school.nz/
Year 10 Dean: Mr Hutchings - hutchingsj@kuranui-college.school.nz
Year 11 Dean: Mr Aitofi - aitofip@kuranui-college.school.nz
Year 12/13 Dean: Mr Oliver - olivera@kuranui-college.school.nz
Guidance Counsellor: Mrs Coltham - colthamp@kuranui-college.school.nz
Assistant Principal Years 9-10: Mr Donaldson - donaldsonw@kuranui-college.school.nz
Assistant Principal Years 11-13: Mrs Fenwick - fenwickc@kuranui-college.school.nz
Deputy Principal: Mrs Patten - pattenm@kuranui-college.school.nz
Principal: Mr Fuller - fullers@kuranui-college.school.nz or 0276921728

Alert Level 2

As you know the Prime Minister will announce the Government’s decision on transitioning to Level 2 on Monday 11 May. Later this week we hope to be provided with key health and educational advice about what school will look like under Level 2. Once we have processed this information we will update you as quickly as possible.

He Waka Eke Noa – We are all in this together

Ngā mihi nui

Simon Fuller
Principal

Update: 4 May 2020

Kia ora koutou

Dear Kuranui College Families

Thank you for the ongoing support of your young people as they undertake online / distance learning. 

The feedback has been very positive with a high level of engagement from students. However this is still a stressful time and we are here to help.  Please do not hesitate to make contact if you are at all concerned about your young person's learning or wellbeing.  You can contact me on 027 6921728 or email principal@kuranui-college.school.nz.

This week we have surveyed our Year 9 and 10 families regarding their attendance requirements during Alert Level 3.  Our community has overwhelmingly chosen to keep their young people inside of their existing bubbles and remain at home.
The Senior Leadership team will be supervising the very small group of students that need to attend school.  The remainder of our staff will continue to work from home and support online distance learning throughout Alert Level 3.  Rest assured we are working hard to minimise the impact of Covid 19 on your young person's learning programme.We will continue learning under these arrangements for Alert Level 3 until the government makes its next announcement on 11 May.

Tuesday 28th has been designated as a Teacher Only Day by the government.  Our staff will be using this day for planning and preparation.  There will be no online work set or virtual catchups on this day.

I would again like to thank those essential workers in our community who continue to go out of their way to serve our community at this time.Anzac Day is a special day to commemorate those who have served our country at other times of great need.  Please join us by standing at your gate at 6am to recognise those who have served our country to provide us all with the life and opportunities we enjoy today.

Stand apart but together as one - Lest we forget.

Kind regards

Simon Fuller
​​​​​​​Principal

Update: 24 April 2020

This remains a challenging situation for all of us. We are grateful for your ongoing support of Kuranui College and for your care of those in our school community during this time.

Do look out for the brief Alert Level 3 survey which you will receive via email, website and social media links this week. As you have been doing, please keep connecting with teachers and mentors with any questions you might have and feel free to direct any questions to me at fullers@kuranui-college.school.nz

Yours sincerely,

Simon Fuller
Principal  

Update: 21 April 2020                                                                                        

​​​​​​​Dear Parents and Whānau,

Kia ora koutou

Novel-Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Preparing for Online Learning from Home

Our thoughts have been with our students and families during the New Zealand-wide lockdown. I would particularly like to acknowledge the essential service workers in our community who have been steadfastly continuing their important work while New Zealand is taking shelter. To each of our essential service mums and dads and members of the community, thank you for all you have done and continue to do!

We have commenced a new phase of New Zealand’s response to COVID-19 and it is very different to anything most of us have ever experienced. Our school staff and Board of Trustees will continue to be available to support your teen’s learning and wellbeing in the next weeks. The team at Kuranui College have been busy preparing for online learning and teaching.  We are well placed as a school to ensure that learning continues for our 556 young people.

Below you will find our Parent and Student Guides to “Learning from Home''. These have been adapted over the school holidays so please read carefully. At the end of last term, we contacted students and families regarding their home internet connection and availability of devices for students to use to access online learning. We distributed more than 30 chrome books to students and families that required these.

If your circumstances have changed and your teen does not have access to a device please contact me via email, text or phone on fullers@kuranui-college.school.nz or 027 6921728. We will endeavour to provide you with a device. If you know of others who do not have access, please contact me.

Government Learning from Home Package

The Minister of Education has announced details of a package of support and resources for learning from home. Details of this package can be found on the Beehive website - https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/covid19-government-moving-quickly-roll-out-learning-home

This package includes support to increase the number of students who have access to the internet and devices, the funding of two television channels to broadcast education-related content and a commitment to providing online resources for parents that will be available through the Learning from Home website - https://learningfromhome.govt.nz/

Our teachers will include this material in our programmes of learning where appropriate. 

Communication

Due to the lockdown, our main school telephone switchboard is currently unmanned.  However you can phone and leave a voicemail message.  These messages are checked at least daily and referred to the appropriate person to respond to your query.

We are working with our school telecommunications provider to allow a phone diversion to a receptionist once Term 2 resumes. We will provide updates on this once it is established. We will also continue to monitor emails and the Kuranui College Facebook page. Please email if you need support or require further information.

If teachers become ill, they will contact their classes and alternative arrangements will be made to allow students to continue with online distance learning. Important updates and information will be shared via parent email, the school website, Facebook and the Kuranui College App. Please keep up to date with developments across the country at https://covid19.govt.nz/

Wellbeing & Student Support

Along with the teaching resources that will be made available, we want to ensure that students are well supported in terms of their wellbeing during this difficult time. Our Guidance Team is also available to provide support. Students or families can email directly to arrange further contact.

Our Parent Learning from Home Guide has the email details for our Guidance Team and some useful websites to help support student and parent wellbeing.

Planning for Reopening Schools

While there is a lot of work happening to manage and respond to the COVID-19 alert levels in the current lockdown, the Ministry of Education continues to provide regular briefings to schools. They have indicated that they are working with other agencies and groups to plan for potential changes in the alert levels and the appropriate time to re-open schools. We will share more about this planning with you when details become clear.

COVID-19 and the impacts of our collective efforts to combat it have added a layer of stress in the fabric of our communities and in each of us and our families. I know that some families are experiencing loss of employment; many are experiencing the stress of the whole family being underfoot day-after-day; and most are simply struggling with the challenge of a changed world of isolation and uncertainty. We are a community who knows how to come together in the face of adversity. We are resilient and we will get through this together.

Thanks in advance for your support as we enter this new phase together. We’ve got this!

Warm regards,

Simon Fuller

Principal

Update: 13 April 2020

Dear Kuranui College Community

I hope you are all safe and well.

Today is the first day of the school holidays. The school holidays are running through until 14 April, Easter Tuesday. Term 2 will begin on Wednesday 15 April.

Online learning will take place through until 22 April, when the current lockdown is scheduled to end. We will, of course, let you know the arrangements for getting school open and
underway again just as soon as we know exactly how this is going to work.

Students will hopefully have had a taster of the online learning programmes last Thursday and Friday. If your whanau experienced any issues that we can help with, please contact me directly on fullers@kuranui-college.school.nz or text 027 6921728. Our online learning guides also contain some key contacts. Please don’t hesitate to make contact.

There are a number of resources that you can access in order to support wellbeing and to support learning at home.
The Ministry of Education has developed a resource for parents, caregivers, whānau and family - Talking to children about covid-19 coronavirus  

The Ministry of Health’s website includes: Top ways to look after your mental wellbeing during the Covid-19 lockdown.

https://www.iamhope.org.nz/ - I AM HOPE is the youth and community focused support group run by The Key to Life Charitable Trust, started by Mike King.

https://www.facebook.com/nathanwallisxfactoreducation/ - Nathan Wallis has some helpful videos on his Facebook page for parents and whānau

https://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/get-help/covid-19/ - tips on looking after mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19 from the Mental Health foundation

https://depression.org.nz/covid-19/ - a website by the Health Promotion Agency to help New Zealanders recognise and understand depression and anxiety. `

In addition, the school Guidance Counsellor, Pam Coltham, is available throughout the lockdown period. She can be contacted through my email listed above.

If you are into social media, please follow our Facebook pages and our Instagram @kuranuicollege. During the course of the lockdown our student leaders are posting some challenges for house points on Instagram and our Kuranui Sports Page is posting some great ways to stay active.

We continue to keep you updated and advised as we navigate this period of change.

Remember, be kind to yourself and others.

Stay safe
Arohanui

Simon Fuller
Principal

Update: 30 March 2020

Kia ora koutou

Thank you for your support over the last 24 hours as we move to close the face to face operations of Kuranui College.

Below you will find a parents’ and students’ guide outlining what you can expect our online learning experience to look like. Your young person will be very familiar with the platforms being used. 

I recommend, in the first instance, using them as a resource to answer your questions.  If they cannot, there are key contacts in the guides provided.

Online learning will begin on Thursday 26th March at 8:45am. Please have your student check their emails daily during term time as they will receive advice and instruction from individual teachers.

Term 1 school holidays will commence on Monday 30 March through until Tuesday 14 April inclusive.From Wednesday 15 April, online learning will resume for Term 2.

We will endeavour to provide the best learning experience we can under the circumstances. NCEA students can rest assured that we are working hard with NZQA to make sure their qualifications are not affected by the lockdown.

I encourage all our students to play their part – we all have a clear role here to slow the spread of COVID-19.

I very much look forward to the college reopening in the near future and life returning to a new kind of normal.

Kia Kaha

Simon Fuller
Principal

Update: 24 March 2020

Dear Parents and Caregivers

You will now be aware of the Prime Minister’s message to the country this afternoon.

School Closure

As of tomorrow, school will be closed for all students other than those who are children of essential service workers such as:

• medical personnel

• service station staff

• supermarket staff

• pharmacy staff

• banking staff

• police and other emergency services

Kuranui College will remain open on Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th for these students.  As of midnight on Wednesday, our school site will be closed to all students.  If you work in one of the above services and would like your children to attend school on Tuesday and Wednesday, please email crimpj@kuranui-college.school.nz or phone 06 3049116 Ext 702 so that we can make the necessary arrangements for them.

Remote / Online Learning

Today we have compiled the most up to date list of students who have access to the internet and a device to undertake remote / online learning.  We will endeavor to provide a device to families that we have identified as not having one, either by delivering one to your home or making other arrangements.  This will occur before midnight on Wednesday. We will also attempt to provide hard copy work, but ONLY to those students who have no internet connection. Our remote / online learning opportunities will begin from Thursday 26 March at 8:45am.  More detail to follow over the next two days.

On behalf of the college I would like to thank our community for their support during this time. 

I wish all of our families the very best of health and I very much look forward to the college reopening in the near future.

Stay safe,
Kia Kaha

Simon Fuller
Principal

Update: 23 March 2020

Dear Parents and Caregivers

You will all be aware of the developments of the COVID-19 situation in the Wairarapa over the last 48 hours. I, along with the Senior Leadership Team, have been working with the Ministry of Education and Regional Public Health to ascertain the current risk to our Kuranui College community. Currently, when you analyse all of the conditions, our risk level according to Regional Public Health and Ministry of Education is still classed as low. This means we carry on with school as normal implementing effective pandemic processes.

Overseas Returners

Many thanks to those families who have been in touch to let us know that you or your child is in isolation having returned from an overseas trip. If you are keeping your son or daughter at home for this reason and you have not yet been in touch with us, please give the school office a call so that we can update our records.

Absences

If you decide to keep your young person at home for any reason please continue to notify the college of the reason for their absence. At this time it is extremely important that we are fully aware of the reason for any absence.

Inspire Time

Our comprehensive Inspire programme will continue as normal as these are a core part of our school curriculum and the normal school day. If students are involved in physical activities we will be taking additional precautions to promote hygiene, zero contact and physical distancing.

Remote / Online Learning

On Monday we will send out details of our remote learning procedures. We have guides for both students and parents about what you can expect this learning to look like.All staff have begun preparing material as a precaution against sudden closure. Please let the office know if your son or daughter does not have access to a device at home. By a device I refer to a Chromebook, tablet, laptop, PC or similar.  A smartphone will not work well in this situation. If you do not have access to a device, or to the internet, please be sure to let the office know so that we can try and help.

How will you know if Kuranui College needs to close? The Ministry of Health will contact me if, for any reason, there is a need to close the school. I will then be in touch with you to let you know about this, and the length of time involved. For example, if there were to be a confirmed case in this school, then the school would be closed for 48-72 hours to allow for contact tracing and a deep clean.

When is sick, sick?

The messaging remains clear. If your child is feeling unwell please ask them to stay home. However, at the tail end of a cold there will be runny noses and possibly coughing and this might be worrying for some who are being vigilant about their own and others’ health. I have attached a diagram that might be helpful, as it outlines the symptoms of COVID-19, flu and a common cold.  As you will have seen in various media releases, if you are concerned that symptoms may be those of COVID-19, self isolate and contact Healthline immediately on 0800 358 5453, as well as the school.

High-risk Individuals

While the majority of people who are confirmed with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms, some individuals are at risk of more severe symptoms.Older people, particularly those with pre-existing health problems are more likely to get severe illness and are therefore considered at risk. High risk individuals also include people with underlying medical conditions, such as:

• a compromised immune system
• liver disease
• cancer
• kidney disease
• heart disease
• diabetes mellitus.

If you believe your son/daughter needs to stay at home as they are considered high-risk, please let us know at school. We have plans to ensure we are able to continue supporting their learning at home. In addition, this impacts on our own staff and persons connected to Kuranui. For example, there are some bus routes that are no longer running due to the unavailability of drivers (I have communicated this to affected families)

Cleaning and Sanitisation

We are continuing with increased frequency of cleaning and sanitisation of key areas. Maintaining good personal hygiene practices is extremely important in keeping people safe. Your support in emphasising this to your children is much appreciated.

Further advice and support

You will most likely have seen the Prime Minister release the COVID-19 Alert Levels and at the time of writing New Zealand remains at Level 2: Reduce. Please see below a copy of the alert levels for your reference and I would point you to www.covid19.govt.nz for all the information you are likely to need. We will be keeping a careful eye on our students and we can provide advice and support to those who may be feeling anxious as well as general reassurance to all.

I will continue to provide updates and I thank you all most sincerely for your continued support. Do look after yourselves and let me know if there is anything further you think we can do to support you or your child in the coming days and weeks.

Yours sincerely,

Simon Fuller
Principal

Update: 22nd March 2020

​​​​​​​Dear Parents and Caregivers

I would like to update you on the College's pandemic procedures following on from the information contained in the Korero sent out last Friday.

Currently we are working on the advice from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and our own pandemic plan.

Preventative management is largely focussed on the continued promotion of healthy effective hygiene practices, especially around hand washing, coughing and sneezing.  These messages will hopefully support what parents and families are doing at home.We have held a specific lesson on the virus and healthy hygiene behaviours with all students in mentoring time. In assembly on March 4th these messages were reinforced with the entire college. 

As of yesterday we have introduced hand washing and hand sanitisation to areas where the students will be sharing resources such as the library, computer rooms, music rooms and arts suite.We have also stepped up the frequency of the cleaning of all the student and staff bathrooms.

If a student is identified with symptoms at school, we have a process in place with multiple isolation areas available and appropriate protective gear for the people treating the student.These processes also include recording possible contacts, informing the Ministry of Health, cleaning the isolation room and other areas etc.The student will be removed from the school site as quickly as possible and we have a hand out sheet for whanau to help them get the correct care.

Students who are currently overseas or returned as of today are being communicated with and monitored to ensure effective self isolation occurs.Our pandemic plan covers everything from risk management, cluster control, pandemic management and recovery.I believe it is prudent to point out that currently the best practice is for each family, student and staff member to be using effective personal hygiene behaviours.The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health provide us with daily advice that also helps inform our responses.

We appreciate your support in these unprecedented times.

Simon Fuller
​​​​​​​Principal

Update: 17th March 2020