Kia ora koutou
Alert Level 3
The government has announced that, barring no cases in the South Island, we are moving into lockdown Alert Level Three at 11:59pm on Tuesday 31 August. Under Alert Level Three schools are open for children of workers who are required to work and there are no other options available for supervision. Otherwise, schools remain closed for on-site learning and we will continue to support all other learners to engage in off-site learning.
If you are an essential worker and unable to supervise your child then please fill in this form supervision required during level three lockdown. We will organise supervised distance learning on site at Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery. Please do note that we will have limited staff working on site, so your child will not be engaging in their normal learning program. They will be encouraged to do their distance learning. They will also need to remain in small bubbles at school and stay one metre apart from other children.
For more information around what Alert Level 3 looks like please go to Alert Level Three
Resources for Distance Learning
We would like to take this opportunity to encourage students and whānau to participate in distance learning as much, or as little, as suits you and your individual circumstances. If you are concerned about the learning, or have any questions then please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s Home Base Learning Advisor or Community Leader.
The Ministry of Education has developed a couple of websites that include online teaching and learning resources (with guidance for parents). The websites are Learning From Home and the Māori medium site Ki te Ao Marama The Ministry has also reinstated Papa Kaīnga TV – the learning from home television programmes. The list of programmes will be published on the Learning From Home website (link above) so everyone can plan ahead. For the first two weeks there’ll be a mix of brand new content and some familiar content, such as Karen’s House.
The programmes are available on Duke+1, Freeview 18, Sky Channel 504. Online episodes will also be available on TVNZ on Demand.
NCEA Update
End of Year External Exams
External examinations have been pushed back two weeks. This means that the first external exams will take place on Monday November 22nd. The updated external examination timetable is External Examination Timetable 2021
The date for Art Folios to be completed has also been pushed back to allow learners more time to work with the Learning Advisor and have access to on-site resources. Holly will be in touch with the Visual Art students around deadlines for folios.
Derived Grade Exams
These were due to take place in week six of this term, but because of the lockdown we have cancelled this exam week. Color block classes will run as normal and our senior students will be expected to attend school this week. We will let students and families know the new date for our prelim exams.
If you have any questions about your NCEA, please talk to your HBLA or subject teachers. You can also email brent.silby@aotawhiti.school.nz if you need advice.
Finally, do keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram. Students and staff are sharing videos of their online learning and lockdown activities, which shows there is a lot of talent in our community.
Keep safe and take care
Anita
Agencies you can contact for assistance
Many families may find it tough going back into Alert Level 3 and 4. It can be challenging having children at home, being cut off from family and friends and trying to make ends meet. Here are a number of agencies and resources that might be helpful.
The Ministry of Education has a number of resources to support the wellbeing of children and young adults during a lockdown. Here is a link to their website helping children and young people while they are learning at home.
The Ministry of Health website outlines the different alert levels and how to keep yourself and your family safe and well. Ministry of Health Latest COVID information
Supporting families who are struggling with access to food and essential items
If families are struggling to get access to food and essential items then here is a link to a fact sheet that will provide information around how to get access to these items. Fact Sheet for getting access to food and essential items Here is a link to a directory that will link families to the supports that are available in our area. Directory of Support
The City Mission Foodbank is also open for contactless pickups. The number to call is 0800 787 855.
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Explore 0800 000421 is a phone service available to provide advice and support for people with disabilities or autism. This includes advice or support around challenging behaviours. This service is available Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Women’s Refuge 0800REFUGE or 0800 733 843
Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797
Narcotics Anonymous 0800 628 632
Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 229 6757
Oranga Tamariki Call Centre 0508FAMILY
Lifeline 0800 543 354 or free text 4357
Youthline 0800 376 633 or free text 234
Samaritans 0800 726 666
Outline (LGBTQI+) 0800 688 5463
Inside OUT(LGBTQI+) 027 331 4507
Mana Ake https://manaake.health.nz/
Healthline for COVID-19 advice 0800 358 5453
Work and Income services centres are closed. However, you can apply for assistance via MyMSD or phone the contact centre on 0800 559 009.