Covid-19 Update: Level 4
Well, it’s not the news most of us wanted to hear (or maybe you’re loving bubble life in which case you’ve been granted a slight extension) but at least it sounds like we’re moving closer to normal.
The decision to remain at Level 4 until 11.59pm Tuesday 31 August means that we’ll continue to operate as we have this week. If you have any needs, worries or ideas remember to share them with your child’s teacher.
The positive news is that from Wednesday next week, we’ll be moving to Alert Level 3.
I’ve been working with the coordinators to establish what learning might look like at Level 3. I’ll share this with everyone on Sunday evening as it will give me the weekend to finalise aspects with the teachers and staff.
There are a few differences between Alert Level 3 this time and last time. For schools there is one really important one. At Alert Level 3 school is only open for students who parents / caregivers are essential workers and cannot make alternative arrangements. This means that you cannot just send your child to school. Instead, you’ll need to arrange this with me prior to arriving to school. Doing so will ensure that I have enough teachers on site to manage the students who need to come in. I’ll provide you details on how to do this when I put out the message regarding learning at Alert Level 3 on Sunday.
Of most importance right now though is a reminder that at Alert Level 4, it’s important to put your family’s needs first. There is learning available for all students, but the teachers are fully aware that the needs of each family at this time are different. Keep communicating your needs with your child’s teacher. They’ll be understanding, kind and supportive of your unique circumstances.
I’ll be back in touch on Sunday.
Steven Mustor – Acting Principal
e: principal@ch.steiner.school.nz
Message from Maxine: NZQA Update
Kia ora Parents, Caregivers and Students,
I hope you are all well and settling in to hopefully, a short period of lockdown.
As the Principal Nominee (NZQA Representative for the school) I will be connecting over the coming weeks to update you with any news received from NZQA, relating to our current lockdown. The correspondence I have received to date relates to teacher resources.
However, NZQA has stated that NCEA’s flexibility is its strength. They believe that ‘Schools can adapt how they deliver NCEA to reflect their environment – including distance learning where necessary’. The resources and information NZQA have previously provided to support assessment and the gathering of valid, standard-specific evidence has been further developed to help schools through the present lockdown.
NZQA has informed us that with the situation still developing rapidly, it is too early to make decisions on any changes to NCEA (or University Entrance). However, they are continuing to work with the Ministry of Education, the Minister’s Professional Advisory Group and schools to make sure any advice to Ministers on possible interventions – if they are required – would be fair and proportionate.
Mathematics Common Assessment Task (MCAT)
NZQA is reviewing the situation to see if the dates for MCAT (14 & 16 September) should be changed. We will let you know when we have more clarity.
At present teachers have been working hard to set up systems to support remote learning and ensuring students have the resources they need to continue their course of study at home. Teachers will start connecting with students on Monday if they have not already done so.
I am happy to answer any questions or concerns which relate to NZQA or NCEA programmes and will forward updates from NZQA as I receive them.
Ngā mihi nui
Maxine Ude Shankar – Principal Nominee