Kia ora koutou
I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend.
At present our school hasn’t been informed of any confirmed COVID cases at Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery. Under Phase Three we are no longer being contacted by the Public Health Unit or Ministry of Education. Instead we are reliant on families contacting us directly to let us know that a student has COVID. We will inform our wider school community that we have a confirmed case. Under Phase Three only household contacts of a confirmed case have to isolate and get tested. Everyone else is able to continue to attend school while monitoring themselves for symptoms. Mask wearing and vaccination continue to be the best tools we have to protect ourselves and each other from the spread of COVID.
Here is the latest advice from the Ministry of Health Phase 3 Ministry of Health Advice
There was an article in The Press in the weekend that detailed some of the actions that schools are undertaking as a response to COVID. At present we have very few staff absences and no confirmed cases so we are operating as normal with onsite learning. We have a range of contingency plans if the situation changes and we are unable to maintain safe staffing levels or if we have a high number of cases. We will continue to keep you updated.
I would like to acknowledge the work done by staff, students and whānau encouraging mask wearing, good hygiene and sensible practices that slow the spread of COVID and help keep us all safe. Thank you to all the whānau who are keeping their unwell children at home. Remember that online learning is available through Google Classroom and See Saw. Liaise with your child’s Home Base Learning Advisor.
Opportunities this week:
Jon Jeet is our new Art kaiako. He is also a renowned carver and is bringing his studio (in a truck) to Ao Tawhiti on Monday from 10am. Students are welcome to go down to the truck in their SDL blocks and try whakairo. The Years 1 – 6 students will also have opportunities to try whakairo during their workshops after lunch. Here is a link to more information about Jon’s mahi Jon Jeet Overview
Whānau are also welcome to say kia ora and have a look at the mobile studio on Monday. Please wear a mask.
Megan Gould has done an incredible job of organising within-school sporting opportunities in the three weeks she has been working at Ao Tawhiti. The basketball tournament starts this week on Monday Home Base. Well done to all the students who have never played competitive sport before and have signed up for this tournament. If your child is playing on Monday then please remind them to check in with their Home Base Learning Advisor, then head straight down to the front desk as all the sports’ players are going to walk together to the courts at Margaret Mahy.
Please continue to talk to your Home Base Learning Advisors and the school if you have any concerns or questions. I will continue to update you as the situation changes.
There are some community messages below.
Ngā Mihi
Anita
Message from Tūranga
Come along with your whānau to a free drop in session of Family Makerspace!
Every Saturday 10.30-11.30am
Have fun, create, craft and make cool stuff.
Free, no bookings required.
Please note: Under 12 year-olds must be accompanied by an adult. Guardians and children over 12 will need to wear a face mask and show their My Vaccine Pass on arrival at our libraries. Room capacity is limited.
Come and have fun at Hapori Level 1 | Tūranga!
Every Wednesday 4-5pm during term time.
Join us for a variety of activities including technology, crafts and games in a fun learning environment.
Suitable for ages 5 and up.
Free, no bookings required.
Please note: Under 12 year olds must be accompanied by an adult. Guardians and children over 12 will need to wear a face mask and show their My Vaccine Pass on arrival at our libraries. Room capacity is limited.
| Guy FieldTeam LeaderHapori Community Level 1Tūranga |
More support for people who are affected by COVID-19
Dealing with children with anxiety – https://www.triplep-parenting.net.nz/nz-uken/triple-p/
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)
· 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.
