MENPS News

Kia ora koutou,

Ahead of our return on Monday, a warm welcome back! I hope everyone has had an enjoyable break over the last 2 weeks and is looking forward to an exciting Term 2.

As per previous communications, 'Orange' traffic light settings will be in effect, which brings further incremental relaxation to our on-site arrangements. While we acknowledge there is still risk of community transmission, we will continue to take appropriate steps as required in the interests of student and staff safety, with your support.

All students are required to return to school at this stage (unless sick or isolating) and we continue to request and strongly recommend mask use during the current Alert level setting.

Please see below for a summary of our arrangements at Orange level, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back soon!

Ka kite anō au i a koutou

Alan Jackson

Principal

• Mon 2 May: Term 2 begins
• Swimming programme commences (see schedule below)
• Welcome whakatau for new students and families (Hall, 10am)
• Fri 6 May: Second hand uniform sale
  
• Thur 12 May: Magic Spells challenge begins in class

There will be a further relaxation of restrictions at orange level. Those that remain will focus on mitigating widespread indoor transmission and higher risk transmission scenarios.

The key points at Orange will be:

• a (voluntary) facemask recommendation (all years)
• natural ventilation measures and monitoring
• (possibility of temporary return to facemask requirements in the event of wider community outbreaks)
• advise school as soon as possible if your child tests positive by emailing: covidadmin@mteden.school.nz
• STAY HOME IF UNWELL

COVID 19 is known to spread via airborne aerosol transmission. The key mitigating factor to address this is to ensure a consistent air change rate, making adequate ventilation essential.

Controlled studies have shown that:

1. The most effective means of mitigating transmission (other than facemasks) in classrooms is natural ventilation of spaces, particularly where cross-ventilation can be achieved (as in almost all of our rooms)
2. Natural (cross) ventilation is the ideal for achieving the required air change rate (air purifiers are more effective in windowless rooms, or rooms that do not have opening windows)
3. In colder weather, efficiency of cross-ventilated airflow actually improves (due to temperature/pressure differential), meaning that when windows are kept open just a little, adequate ventilation and airflow can still be maintained (even if this means that our heating systems may have to be run slightly longer than usual on some days)
4. Opening windows to 'refresh' spaces during break times further mitigates risk by maximising air change rate on a regular basis
   

For classroom spaces that cannot achieve natural cross-ventilation due to the layout and arrangement of the room, CO2 monitoring and air purifiers will be utilised to achieve the required air change rate through the school day.

Mike Robson from Ray White Damerell Group is a leading agent in Mt Eden and surrounding areas . In 2021 Team Mike Robson became the Principal Sponsor of MENPS, supporting the school in its fundraising activities including the annual Food & Fun Fair.

Are you thinking about buying or selling?
As part of their sponsorship of MENPS, Team Mike Robson donates $1,000 back to the school for any property sold within the school zone for MENPS families. Feel free to call Mike (021484288) any time you’ve got a real estate query - he’s always happy to have a chat and answer your questions.

Find out more about Team Mike Robson and why they love living and working in Mt Eden.
Website - www.mikerobson.co.nz