Newsletter - Week 6 Term 1
Newsletter 06 9 March 2022
Principal's Message
Dear Parents,
COVID is moving through the school and we seem to be following the pattern that happened in schools in Auckland, and now all over the country. Both yesterday and today we had 70% of our children learning at school. Children who have to isolate at home are working on our Learning@Home Programme. Packs are also being delivered to these children to support their learning.
Just a couple of things I would like to reinforce -
If your child is unwell please keep them at home even if the illness is not related to COVID.
If you or your child contracts COVID please let us know and also report it to the Ministry of Health
If your child contracts COVID they must stay home for 10 days (7 DAYS FROM FRIDAY MIDNIGHT). Day 0 is the day that symptoms appeared. They can then come back to school
If someone in your household gets COVID then your child must isolate for 10 days (7 DAYS FROM FRIDAY MIDNIGHT). Day 0 is the day that symptoms appeared. They can then come back to school.
Latest update from the Ministry of Health 9 March
- Isolation periods are being shortened. From 11:59pm Friday, people with COVID-19 and their Household Contacts must isolate for 7 days, not 10 days.
- Household Contacts will need to test on Day 3 and Day 7.
- Once you have recovered from COVID-19, you will not need to isolate again for 3 months, if someone else in your household tests positive during that time. This is an increase from 1 month
Again, Day 0 is the day that symptoms occurred for the person with COVID.
If people in your household contract COVID at different times then the child can return to school after the first 10 days in isolation has been completed (7 DAYS FROM FRIDAY MIDNIGHT). Day 0 is the day that symptoms appeared.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE ISOLATION FOR PEOPLE WITH COVID CASES OR CLOSE CONTACT IS NOW 7 DAYS AND THIS TAKES EFFECT FROM THIS FRIDAY AT MIDNIGHT.
FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH
Positive cases
The isolation period for COVID-19 cases in the community is 10 days. If you are still sick, stay home.
Start counting the 10 days from day zero (0). Day 0 is the day that your symptoms started or that you received a positive test result (if you do not have any symptoms).
Your household members will need to remain in isolation with you until your 10 days from Day 0 are complete.
If another member of your household tests positive, the rest of your household can still end their isolation when you do. However, the second positive case will need to restart their 10 days from their Day 0.
What to do when isolating
Most people with COVID-19 (particularly those who are fully vaccinated) will be fine to recover at home.
Keep in touch with friends and family over the phone or the internet, but don’t have physical contact with anyone who isn’t isolating with you.
You can exercise outdoors in your neighbourhood (but not at a swimming pool or gym). You must physically distance from other people but you do not need to wear a mask.
Get supplies of food/kai and medicine by asking your whanau and friends to shop for you, or by ordering supplies online if possible. Identify a safe drop-off point outside the house for them to leave supplies.
Please contact your care coordinator or the COVID-19 welfare support line (0800 512 337, 7 days a week) if you need help with kai or other welfare support.
Maintain a 1.5-metre distance from your household members and do not share a bed or bedroom with any member of your household if possible.
Minimise the time you spend in shared spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens and sitting rooms as much as possible and keep shared spaces well ventilated.
If you, as a family, need help with food or someone to get your food or medication, please contact us.
Other help can also be accessed from the Rotorua Multicultural Council which is giving Care packages to migrant families that are isolated. See below.
Have a blessed week.
David Macmillan,
Principal.
DRS
Message from our DRS
Last week on Ash Wednesday the students made their Lenten Promises and burnt them in order to make the Ashes. Father Thomas blessed them for us. It was wonderful to have the whole school involved in the process.
We are entering our Second Week of Lent. The readings from Sunday talked about Jesus facing temptation in the desert. ‘Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil.’
So it tells us that Jesus was actually driven into the desert by the Holy Spirit and he endured suffering while he was there. It makes us think and ask why he would do this? This was all a part of God’s big plan. Jesus showed courage and wisdom, choosing the wisest but not the easiest course.
We too are often faced with decisions everyday that require wisdom and courage, and also there can be an easy way out or a hard way through.
I have included a two sentence prayer which could be said as a family this week.
‘Thank you Jesus, for showing us how to be wise. Please help us to make good choices.’
Here is a lovely activity you might like to do as a family throughout this time of Lent too. Click on the link:Lenten Candles Family Activity
God bless, stay safe and take care of each other.
Lorna and Sara DRS St. Mary’s School
SCHOOL ABSENTEES
PTA - Our next meeting is Wednesday 30 March at 7pm in the school staffroom.
Please join us - in person - or on zoom.
SPORTS NEWS
Please note that our school website has the majority of the information needed for each sport currently being played. Here you will find out when & where games are, costs/fees, cancellations, important links and equipment required (if applicable). Please go to https://www.stmarysrotorua.school.nz/our-sports-/
027 285 7579 or 348 1701
Whaea Leanne
School Sports Coordinator