We are into week 8 of our ten week term. The weather has cooled slightly in the mornings so it is time for jackets and jumpers. We have a stack of school jerseys (and some jackets) in our second hand uniform area. Make sure you take a look, if you need one.

The last two weeks have been pretty busy with many guest teachers in our classes. This has helped cover teacher absences for sick leave, bereavement leave and release time. We welcome Shelley O'Connor, Kim Callis and Asher Stander who have spent some days in our school and teaching classes. Maree Nicholson and Debra Lautenslager have been simply amazing and have supported our staff and students in so many ways, making sure that class programmes continue to operate smoothly. We want to say a special thank you to our tamariki. It is definitely a proud moment to hear how wonderful and settled our children are in our school. Our guest teachers have raved about the respect and beautiful manners they have been shown. We are very proud, letting our light shine.

Our year 5 and 6 students are off to camp tomorrow until Friday. They are staying at Finlay Park and we know they will have so much fun. Camp is important for a host of reasons, one being that it gives new experiences for the children and adults. A special thank you to the parent helpers, many whom have taken time off work to attend. We couldn't do this without your support and appreciate your time and commitment.

We currently have three new covid confirmed cases over the weekend. All three have been from Whakatipu Hub. Our other cases in the others classes have since recovered.

Our RE programmes have been focused on Lent and how important Lent is in our Catholic Faith. At the end of the term, we celebrate Easter and the importance of what it means to us. The school term finishes on Wednesday 13 April for the children and Thursday 14 April for the teachers. Friday 15 April is Good Friday.

Have a happy and safe week. God bless you and your families.

Andrea Colebourn

Principal

As you know, last week the Prime Minister announced some significant changes in the way that we respond to COVID-19. We understand that much of this was based on advice they received from epidemiologists that COVID-19 had peaked (or soon would).

One of the key changes is that the vaccine mandates will be removed. With the very high total population vaccination rates, the need for the mandates could be said to have served their purpose.

From 11.59pm 4 April 2022 the vaccine mandates will be removed for education.
Whilst we can no longer rely on a legal requirement for our staff to be vaccinated, we do still have the ability to put in place conditions which is something that is as priority being worked through.

The last part of our update is around our COVID Protection Framework – Red protocols. Although there is no need to scan in anymore, if you need to enter the classroom for any reason, you must still sign in at the school office. This has always been our procedure (not just for covid times). We do still ask that social distancing continues, and that time in classrooms is still limited. By maintaining some of these protection policies will ensure we continue to help manage the spread of COVID.

Mask are still required to be worn within the Centre for visitors, staff, and students from year 4-8.

• full dress uniform is to be worn to and from school (there are times when it is PE gear but that is for events/other activities)
• footwear must be worn to school and leaving the school grounds at all times
• hair that is past the shoulders is to be tied back with hair ties (maroon, blue, white, black, natural hair colour ties, tie that is the school uniform colour)
• hair is to be natural hair colour, no extreme styles
• earring/s should be either a small hoop, stud or a cross
• a simple chain necklace, cross necklace or toanga can be worn.
• no nail polish on fingers or toes
• PE gear is school PE shirt, school PE shorts (navy blue with the logo) or plain black shorts/bike pants

If an exemption is required for a period of time, please contact the classroom teacher or the principal. We do know there are times when this is needed for various reasons.

Thank you for your support.