Level 2 … you would think we’d all be quite used to this by now, as I think this is the 4th time we’ve been in Alert Level 2 in the last 18 months. With that said, each time we change levels, there are some changes. With that in mind I thought it would be prudent to share what we do at Alert Level 2.
As a first quick message, just reminder that tomorrow (Wednesday) we’re only open for students who have been coming in at Level 3 and staff.
Before I get into the nitty gritty though, I also want to reassure you that I have been hard at work to ensure that the approach we take at school allows people the time they need to adjust to this significant change. I am confident that we are ready to be back at school as a staff and we are all really looking forward to having the students back learning with us.
The key messages for us all at Alert Level 2 are
- to minimise risk through maintaining distance where practical
- practice safe hygiene habits
- to stay home when we are sick
- masks wearing (for those 12 and over are encouraged but not a mandatory requirement in schools)
In practice that means schools need to
- have good hygiene practices and regular cleaning are in place at school.
- have robust contact tracing
- encourage physical distancing where possible
- be open for distance learning for students who have been instructed by health officials to self isolate.
To do this we need your support. You can do this by making sure that you’re doing the following things whenever you come onto the school grounds.
- Contact tracing is a requirement when you are on site.
- If you go into a building you will need to be signed in our internal school system.
- If you come on the school grounds but not the buildings, you can use the QR codes at the office and kindergarten to sign yourself in
- Kindergarten, Class 1 and 2 need to sign in and sign out each day.
- Keep your distance from other people in public were possible
- Wash your hands regularly
- Sneeze and cough into your elbow
- Wear a face covering if you can. This is not a requirement for schools but all people over 12 are being encouraged to do so.
- Parents cannot enter any school building or classroom, for any reason. The one exception is the school office.
- Your first point of contact, outside of pick up and drop off times, on site must be the school office.
- If the office calls you to collect your child, please go to the office to sign them out, and wait there whilst the office goes to the classroom to collect your child.
- If your child has a prearranged appointment off site, notify the office of the time they need to leave. Go to the office and sign your child out. If the child is returning, then sign them back into the office.
- If you need to deliver something for your child, please take it to the office who will deliver it to your child’s teacher.
- Please do not pick up your child during lunch breaks. If your child needs a half day, please discuss the timing with your class teacher.
- For Class One and Two parents
- After we have signed you in and out, please immediately make your way off site.
- We have staggered the finish times so there is as little overlapping of parents on site as possible. School finishes at 2.45pm for Class One and Two
- For Class Three and Four parents
- As it may be congested in Hansen’s Park, we recommend using the other entrances other than the Hansen Park entrance, unless you are collecting Class Three and Four students.
- remember to collect your younger children from Kindergarten and Class One and Two first, then wait for your older child in Hansen’s Park.
- If, for any reason you need clarification or are unsure of any process, please ring the office.
- Hygiene info
- Posters are placed in each bathroom.
- Hand sanitiser will be available in each classroom.
- Washing hands with soap and drying hands before leaving toilets.
- Contactless greetings.
- No sharing of food or bottles or other touch items which go close to the mouth/nose (including phones).
- If any person on site starts to show signs of illness, they should go the office.
- Physical Distancing: There is no minimum distance requirement for schools at Alert Level 2. There are situations where physical distancing may not be possible.
- If you haven’t already, download the NZ Covid QR tracing app and use it everywhere you move to over these next two weeks.
There will be more info coming tomorrow evening from me. There may even be some additions or changes once I’ve had a chance to meet with more of the staff.
Thanks again for your continued support
Steven Mustor – Acting Principal
e: principal@ch.steiner.school.nz