Kia ora e te whānau,

What a big couple of weeks it has been for us all. As you will already know we have many students, families and teachers affected by Covid. We have approximately 100 of our 250 students at school this week. Due to the staff also being affected this has meant we have had to ask our Totara Hub to learn from home and change teachers and rooms for some students who are at school.

Early on in the term I presented to the Board of Trustees the plan for learning as the Omicron Wave moved through our community. This was based on teachers and learning support staff being affected as this naturally limits our ability to provide onsite learning. We currently have 7 staff either in Isolation or Covid positive. The constant changing is challenging but we are doing the best we can given the current circumstances.

We also have staff challenges in Hinau Rua and Hinau Toru along with isolating and Covid challenges:

Mrs Zerzouri (Hinau Toru) has unexpectedly returned to Melbourne. She was on sick leave for the week prior to leaving NZ. We were upset at the sudden departure. I am currently working to reorganise staffing for this class.

Ms Rasmussen was due to start with us next Monday however her start is delayed due to Covid complications in her current school. She is due to start with Hinau Rua on Monday 21 March. We are looking forward to her finally joining us.

A reminder that if your child is sick PLEASE KEEP THEM HOME- if they have Covid symptoms – PLEASE GET THEM TESTED and let us know the result. This is important to ensure the safety of our students and staff at school.

We know that as a team we can get through this time and come out stronger and ready to get into our learning again together.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of our families and staff affected by Covid.

Ngā mihi nui

Sue Jury

Principal

May we, who are experiencing the effects of the COVID-19, remember the words of Scripture: “Be still and know that I God”.

May we, who as adults struggling to process what is happening, remember children who are fearful of a reality they cannot comprehend

May we, who complain about the scarcity of commodities, remember those who are working to maintain the supply chain.

May we, who observe the long queues of those seeking support, remember those for whom there is no government assistance or financial aid.

May we, who work to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity, remember those living and working in vulnerable communities.

May we, who are working from home, remember those who have no employment or home from which to work.

May we, who have access to medical facilities and services, remember those do not have basic health care.

May we, who are experiencing border restrictions, remember refugees who cannot return home.

May we give thanks for those who are working to help or bring some kindness, joy or humour to others, showing us that the light of Christ shines.

During this time, and if we must close our school doors, may we continue to keep our hearts open to our families, friends, local and global communities.

We asked this in the name of Jesus. Amen

It is important to celebrate the little wins of the week so our wins of the week are …..

Movin’ March

The students have been walking, biking and scootering to school each day and their cards are filling up fast. A few students have received their special prize already - way to go!!

Our beautiful weather

It has been great to see the students enjoying being outdoors in the sunshine. They have had lots of fun at break times and some even worked on service tasks around the school.

Different times means different roles

It has been wonderful to see how well our Year 5 and 6 students have risen to the opportunity to be our leaders this week. To our Movin’ March stampers, lunch monitors and maintenance crew - you have been Amazing.

Term One - Wednesday 2 February- Thursday 14 April

Term Two- Monday 2 May- Friday 8 July ( Teacher Only day Monday 27 June)

Term Three- Monday 25 July- Friday 30 September

Term Four- Monday 17 October- Thursday 15 December