Term 3 Changes

Tēnā koutou katoa,

With numbers of COVID increasing in the community, flu season and the lack of available relievers, we have been forward planning our approach to staffing for the beginning of this term. 

The rostering home approach has been reviewed taking into consideration the feedback families have provided. A number of concerns were raised over the impact of rostering home interrupting student’s learning. Although it does offer some flexibility, it can cause disruption at short notice which can make it difficult for whānau to make alternative arrangements. 

For the first two weeks of the term we have decided to shorten the day (Monday-Thursday). This approach allows students to attend all classes providing greater continuity of learning and the routine of regular attendance at school. Friday has not changed and school will finish at our usual time of 3.20pm

After school buses can not be changed, so students who wish to wait for the school bus will be able to do so. Sports, cultural practices, homework club, and trainings will take into account the changes to the end of the day wherever  possible.

 We will be reviewing our staffing situation during this time and update you of any changes towards the end of week 2. Details of the changes to the school day can be found at the end of this newsletter.

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Masking up for the start of Term 3

For the start of Term 3, 2022, the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health strongly recommend that all schools amend their mask policy for the first four weeks of term to require mask wearing in all indoor settings for students in Years 4 and above. Therefore WEGC will be expecting all students who do not have a mask exemption to be wearing a mask when indoors from Monday 25 July.

This recommendation does not include any situation where mask wearing might not be practicable, such as while eating and drinking, playing certain musical instruments, indoor sport, where it will have a significant impact on teaching and learning (for example, students with particular learning needs), certain activities such as singing, kapa haka, drama performance on stage, and PE. In these situations, particular attention will be paid to ensuring there is good ventilation during the activity, and physical distancing where practicable.

Wearing masks can reduce new cases of the virus by as much as 53%. It works alongside other measures including vaccination, good ventilation, staying home when sick, and hand washing and other hygiene measures, to protect our students and staff.

Adult-sized masks can generally be adjusted to fit by tying knots in the ear loops. Unite Against COVID-19 shows how to do this: How to wear a face mask safely – Unite Against COVID-19

We know that some of our students are exempt from wearing a mask. If they have an exemption card or a letter from their health provider, or we have agreed that mask wearing is not practicable for them, we will support them to not wear a mask. Apply for a face mask exemption pass – Unite Against COVID-19

Please make sure that your student comes to school on Monday, ready to wear a mask. Students should bring masks from home. If students cannot bring masks from home there will be a limited supply of masks available at the Hauora reception desk.

Changes to school day week 1 and 2 Term 3

Monday/Tuesday/Thursday 

8.45am - 9.55am Session 1

9.55am - 10.20am Interval

10.20am - 11.00am Ako

11.00am- 12.10pm Session 3

12.10pm - 1.10pm Lunch

1.10pm - 2.20pm Session 4

2.20pm Finish

Wednesday

8.45am - 9.55am Session 1

9.55am - 10.25am Interval

10.25am - 11.35am Session 2

11.35am - 12.05pm Lunch

12.05pm - 1.15pm Session 3

1.15pm Finish

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Friday 

Normal times

3.20pm Finish

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I appreciate that this is another change for students and whānau and thank you for your ongoing support. 

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Ngā mihi nui

Gael Ashworth

Principal