Returning to School for Level 2
for Thursday 9 September 2021
Alert Level 2
Kia ora
You’ll be aware that all of New Zealand (with the exception of Auckland) is moving to Alert Level 2 from midnight tonight. Our thoughts and positive wishes are with everyone in Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland.
Extensive wastewater testing and the numbers of people getting tested across the country has given the Government confidence that it is safe to allow a shift down to Alert Level 2 across most of New Zealand.
We are really looking forward to welcoming everyone back onsite on Thursday morning. Tomorrow (Wednesday) we will be continuing to support the ākonga who have been onsite at Alert Level 3 while we prepare for re-opening to all on Thursday.
At Alert Level 2 there is low risk of community transmission and it provides us with a lot more opportunities to engage and connect with others. However, there are still a number of public health requirements we all need to follow. Please do continue to monitor your health and do not send your children to school if they are not well (and please seek advice about getting a COVID test).
Safety Precautions
For us, all the required safety precautions for Alert Level 2 will be in place which include following all the recommendations from the public health experts. This means we will regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, encourage everyone to frequently wash their hands and cough and sneeze into their elbow.
Physical Distancing
While physical distancing is not a requirement in schools, we will be doing our best to keep students from congregating in very large numbers and keeping spaces well-ventilated. At the moment we will not be holding assemblies and liturgies as a whole school. For visitors, parents and whanau, please adhere to 2 metre distancing when waiting to collect your child from school.
Coming on to the School Grounds
Parents/caregivers are able to come onsite to drop off and pick up children. Please use the QR code at the entrance way to scan in. We ask that wherever possible, please do not enter the classroom areas (unless this is prearranged or you need to go into the class for a particular reason.) If you do enter the classroom, you MUST sign in at the office. If you are picking up your child throughout the school day, please come to the school office and we will organise to collect your child for you.
Face Coverings
Face coverings are not required to be worn in school. The Director General of Health has recommended that children 12 years+ wear a face covering at school – just as older children are required to wear face coverings in some other places. The decision to wear a face covering is up to you and your whānau, whatever your decision it will be respected. Our students are not required to wear facemasks on the school buses. This is for public transport only.
Additional Information
If you are not sure what all the rules are for alert level 2 when you are out and about, then the following information may be useful to you:
Help and Support
Please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s kaiako or me if there is something you need assistance with. We also have a form that you can fill in if you feel there is something that our school can support with. Support form
Contact Us
Email: admin@stjoes.school.nz
Website: https://www.stjoes.school.nz/
Location: St Joseph's Catholic School - Morrinsville 11 Linden Street, Morrinsville, New Zealand
Phone: +64 7 8895306
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StJosephsMorrinsville/