COVID-19 Level 3 Update 31st August 2021

Kia ora koutou

I hope everyone is well and happy in their bubbles. As you are aware the Government is moving the South Island into Alert Level 3 Lockdown. They are going to revisit this on Monday 6 September. 

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 and adults. 

For more information around what Alert Level 3 looks like please go to Alert Level Three

NCEA Update and End of Year Dates for Years 11 – 13 students

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

End of Year Dates for Years 11 – 13 students

Students in years 11 – 13 will now finish on Thursday 11 November. They will be on study leave after this date. Graduation will still take place at The Piano on Friday 5 November. 

Derived Grade / Practice Exams

These were due to take place in week six of this term, but because of the lockdown, we have cancelled this exam week. Colour block classes will run as normal and our senior students will be expected to attend school this week. The new date for the derived grade / practice exam week is week ten of this term. Year 11 – 13 students will be sitting their practice/derived exams from the 27th of September until the 1st October. Brent will email out the practice/derived exam timetable to students so please encourage your children to check their school email. 

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. 

Below are the resources available to support distance learning and agencies that can assist if life is challenging in lockdown.

Please do not hesitate to be in touch if you have any concerns or queries.

Keep safe and take care

Anita

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. 

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. 

If you are unable to access food and essential supplies at the links above then go to Civil Defence and they are able to help with food parcels. Here is the link to their site 

Civil Defence Access to Food or Essential Supplies

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.