Tēnā koutou katoa,
Earlier this evening our Prime Minister announced that New Zealand (outside of Auckland) will be moving to Alert Level 2 – Reduce Contact for COVID-19. This news has once again come as a shock, and understandably people within our community (student, staff and whānau) may be feeling anxious about this move. We have done this well in the past, and I have every confidence that we will proceed positively in this space again.
Our Alert Level 2 Protocols have been updated to reflect the latest guidelines and advice form the Ministry of Health. These are posted on our website for your reference. They will be shared with students first thing tomorrow morning.
Please be aware that schools are not classified as gatherings, and a range of events and activities can go ahead. For most day to day activities at schools, the rules for gatherings do not apply. Under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Order, schools are exempted from physical distancing requirements when people are there to receive, provide, or support education services. However, as soon as we hold events or activities that bring people onsite who are not there for education purposes, including students, parents and caregivers, then the rules for gatherings do apply.
Two important things to note:
- The ‘Meet the Teachers’ event for Years 7 & 8 scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed.
- Our dedicated school buses are exempt from gathering & physical distancing guidelines. Face coverings are not required. However, the public buses (e.g Route 1) require students to wear face masks and are limited to 20 passengers.
I will update you regularly over the coming days as information and guidance comes to hand. In the meantime, I wish to reiterate that our College is a safe place. We will continue to work to ensure it remains that way. Thank you for your support at this time.
Please read the updated Alert Level 2 protocols for Aquinas College here:
Aquinas College Alert Level 2 Protocols 14.02.2021[3]
Ma te Atua tātou e manaaki
Matt
Matt Dalton
Principal
