#10 Covid-19 Notice
15 March - Positive student case in Pounamu (Y2-3 syndicate)
Dear Parents, Whānau and Caregivers
We have a positive student COVID-19 case in the junior school. The student is part of Pounamu, the Y2 and 3 syndicate. The student was present at school on Monday 14 March.
In addition we have a number of students who are isolating with their families because another family member has tested positive. This currently includes students from all three syndicates.
The confidentiality of students affected by the virus is important, out of respect to them and their whānau. We ask that our community also follow this guideline. From here on, the school will let parents and whānau know about the first student case that occurs in each syndicate to help ensure parents can be extra watchful for symptoms. After that we will not be giving daily updates of student numbers, but the school will continue to provide updates as the situation for managing Omicron at school changes.
At Phase 3 of the Omicron response, only cases and household contacts are legally required to isolate. The health and wellbeing of our children, staff and community is a top priority so we are closely following the Ministry of Health guidance for schools. We are working with the Ministry to keep them informed of our current status. Please continue to follow good practices when it comes to your own health and the health of your whānau. For more information, go to the Unite Against COVID-19 website.
Key points following government announcements at the end of last week:
Day 0 = date of positive test or first symptoms (whichever is first)
If you live with someone who has Covid, household contacts should RAT test on Day 3 and Day 7
If you still have symptoms on day 7, stay home until you have had 24 hours symptom free
You do not need a negative test to finish isolating on Day 8, provided you are symptom free
Household contacts should continue to monitor for symptoms until Day 10
Recovered cases no longer need to isolate again if they become a household contact within 90 days of having the virus (provided they have no symptoms)
Keeping the school open for learning
Keeping our school open is highly dependent on the daily number of teachers/relievers we have available for the number of students who attend. We have enough staff for today, but this could change quickly.
Therefore we may join classes together or move a teacher or teachers to another syndicate to cover staff shortages.
We may need to shift to learning from home if there are too many teachers self-isolating or unwell.
WHATEVER THE PLAN – please make a plan NOW for how these changes may affect your household, especially those who are working.
What families need to do
Be vigilant about monitoring for symptoms.
If any symptoms develop, get tested immediately. If your child is being tested, STAY AT HOME UNTIL YOU GET THEIR RESULT.
Stay at home until you receive a negative result, AND until you or your child is symptom free for at least 24 hours. Keep up the outstanding hygiene measures:
Wear a face mask when out and about.
Wash your hands if you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
Wash hands often with soap for 20 seconds and dry your hands completely.
Avoid touching your face, and cough or sneeze into your elbow or cover your mouth with tissues.
If you and your whānau haven’t been vaccinated or boosted, please do so as soon as possible. You can book online or call 0800 28 29 26. It’s free.
Please contact the school if you have any queries - we are happy to help. Contact the school at principal@paparangi.school.nz or office@paparangi.school.nz or call 04 478 6617 (Mon-Friday, or leave a message after school or at the weekends).
Noho ora mai
Tracey Arthurs
Principal
Paparangi School
Contact Us
Remember that parents can use the App to send a message about a student absence. It is our preferred method of contact for non-attendance and is quick and easy to do.
Email: office@paparangi.school.nz
Website: https://paparangi.school.nz
Location: 57-59 Beazley Avenue, Paparangi, Wellington 6037, New Zealand
Phone: +64 4-478 6617