3 September, 2021
Kia ora Aidanfield whanau
We conclude another week of Alert Level 3. Well done for getting to this point! It is likely that, like most households you have had some really good times and moments (or longer) where it has been a real challenge this week.
Do you need your child to come to school next week?
Next week is looking very similar at this stage. I have no new information regarding alert levels so we are in Alert Level 3 until Tuesday mid-night (save for one minute!). We may be in Alert Level 2 on Wednesday but when schools open for all pupils is anyone’s guess at this stage.
If you have no other option for child care then you are welcome to send your child to school and they will join one of the two bubbles that are currently running. You must tell us before Saturday midday if you need your child to come to ACS for onsite supervision. We are not able to accommodate pupils who just turn up on the day as we have strict guidelines around the running of bubbles for the safety of both children, families and staff.
If you need your child to attend next week please go to this link Level 3 School Needs Wk2 and complete the form by Saturday at noon. You only need to complete this if you did not send your child this week but need to send them next week.
Please remember (and you have seen this next paragraph before) at Alert Level 3 on-site schooling at ACS would only be available for children whose parents must work away from home and there is no other alternative form of child care available to the family. At Alert Level 3 there are very few children on site and they are from across the age groups. The teaching programme is exactly the same as if they were working at home on the distance learning programme and the teacher will not be the usual teacher of the children. Physical distancing between pupils and staff is maintained as much as possible. The two bubbles of children are kept separate at all times with break times and lunches separate and coordinated and the playgrounds remain closed. Alert Level 3 is not school as we know it.
Work packages and the weekend
Staff will be on their weekend from 5pm Friday through to Monday so please do not expect them to respond to questions or comment on pupils work over this time. They will send out a full weeks work package for next week on Sunday night or Monday morning working on the assumption that school will be closed for most, if not all of next week.
Finally from me
As I write this the sun is shining and it is a stunning day! I know that everyone has different ways of coping in demanding spaces. What I find rejuvenating is taking a moment, longer if possible, going outside, walking or just standing with the sun on my face and breathing, listening, relaxing and letting my mind wonder to my creator and sustainer. He brings perspective when we allow space for the whisper of His voice to filter into our moment. We can sense His peace that he has given to us when we pause long enough to remember – He has given us His peace.
Grace and peace
Mark Richardson
Principal standing in the sun
The Ministry of Education has provided a couple of pieces of information you may find useful – I have included them below
Safe TV viewing for students in Alert Levels 3 and 4
More time at home can see young people watching more TV, and potentially watching outside their normal viewing hours – which can increase the risk they will encounter unsuitable viewing. Tools are available to help parents protect students from TV content that may harm them.
A practical guide to the latest tools (including parental locks, classifications, advisories, warnings and timebands) plus an informative video from Jordan ‘How to DAD’ Watson is available at www.safeviewing.co.nz.
These tools are overseen by the Broadcasting Standards Authority, which provides further useful information HERE.
Vaccine consents: messaging for parents
A number of parents and whānau are asking about who should give consent for their 12 to 15-years-olds to be vaccinated. Here is some messaging from the Ministry of Health:
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect each of us and our whānau. The more of us who are vaccinated in our community, the greater our immunity.
The Government approved a vaccine to immunise and protect 12 to 15-year-olds. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has been approved by our Medsafe experts. This vaccine is also used for 12 to 15-year-olds in other countries such as Canada, USA, Europe and Japan.
Here is a video you can watch to explain how the vaccine works.
Many parents and whānau would like to provide informed consent on behalf of their young person. The easiest way to do this is for a parent or caregiver to be present during vaccination and provide verbal consent. You can book your young person in for vaccination at the same time as your vaccination or accompany them to their appointment.
You can book through your GP or through vaccination centres:
• Book online through Book My Vaccine
• For a group booking, call the COVID Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 (8am–8pm, seven days a week).
