Kia ora

As week 6 comes to an end and we see the Northland region moving to Alert Level 3, it provides us with some hope and positivity that Taranaki may move to Alert Level 2 in the near future. When that time comes we are looking forward to welcoming our students back at school, seeing them interact with one another in a face to face context again, and complete their learning on the school site.

In the meantime I think we really need to celebrate the magnificent work that you are doing at home to support your children’s learning. Our teachers have confirmed that the vast majority of you are keeping in contact and helping your children to participate in learning activities set by their teacher and submit work where possible. When I cast my mind back to our distance learning programme last year during lockdown, around three weeks in was when some families really started to struggle. My best advice is to do what you can. If you are having a battle with your child to complete activities, then please just give them a bit of a break. A day off from distance learning won’t hurt and encouraging them to get outside and make the most of the sunshine might be the best thing that is needed.

Another thing that we should be celebrating this week is the change of season, the move from Winter to Spring. Let’s hope we have plenty of students out there working with their prize calf, lamb, or pet for our upcoming Pet Day in Term 4.

The Ministry of Education recently sent me through some information for families who may need extra support during this uncertain time. Please see the information listed below for the contact details of the various government departments who can provide you with the support that you may need at this current time.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Ngå mihi nui

James Willson

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) have staff available and ready to support families in need.

See below a list of useful information regarding the types of support available, and how to best access this support.

To confirm availability contact MSD via:

§ Telephone: 0800 559 009

§ Website: https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/

§ MyMSD : https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/online-services/mymsd/index.html

It is important to note:

Support is available to all New Zealanders on a low income, not just those currently on a benefit. This includes support to pay for food, power, rent, mortgage and other necessities.

This includes, but is not limited to the following:

§ Support to pay for food, power, rent, mortgage, board

§ Wage Subsidy

§ Short Term Absence Payment

§ Leave Support Scheme

§ Resurgence Support Payment

§ Small Business Cashflow Scheme

Up to date information relating to alert levels and further support available may be found at: https://covid19.govt.nz/about-this-site/contact-and-support/

Housing support

MSD works closely with emergency management offices and other key regional groups to ensure emergency housing is available for those who fit MSD eligibility criteria. It’s important that anyone needing accommodation contacts MSD staff to ensure the right support is provided.

Accommodation support

Further information is available through the Contact and Support page on the Unite against Covid-19 website here:

https://covid19.govt.nz/about-this-site/contact-and-support/

Employment support

Information relating to the wage subsidy, including eligibility and application is available here:

https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/about-work-and-income/news/2021/ws-applications.html

Important: Information provided in an application must be correct and match the information held by IRD for the business or organisation to which the application refers.

The latest update on doing business at Alert Level 3 is here.

https://covid19.govt.nz/business-and-money/businesses/operating-safely/doing-business-at-alert-level-3/

NZ Superannuation queries

Phone: 0800 552 002

For Deaf, hearing impaired and speech impaired Deaf Link Free-fax: 0800 621 621

Text: 029 286 7170

Email: MSD_Deaf_Services@msd.govt.nz