I share extracts from a bulletin I received from the MoE today:
You’ll be aware that this afternoon the Government announced that New Zealand is moving into Phase 3 of our response to Omicron from 11:59pm tonight Thursday 24 February.
In Phase 3, only household contacts of confirmed cases are required to self-isolate. The isolation period will be 10 days. All other contacts of COVID-positive people are not required to isolate, but they will need to monitor for symptoms. Rapid antigen tests will become the primary testing method.
This is a decision that has been made based on public health advice – the high vaccination rate across the country will do its job in protecting us from transmission during the next surge of cases. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to get your booster.
So your child may come to school provided:
they are not showing COVID symptoms and
they are not household contacts and
they have not tested positive for COVID-19.
While we have a rising number of cases among the student body, they are still relatively low and school is still a safe place for our students provided we all remain vigilant and follow the guidelines we have outlined so often:
please keep children at home if they are showing symptoms and get them tested ASAP – this was done by the cases reported to us which has helped to slow the spread of the virus;
keep supplying your child with a mask (and a spare one), this is one of the best ways to keep them safe;
seriously consider vaccinating your child against the virus if you have not done so.
Once again your patience, support and cooperation is really appreciated.
Today we were informed that two of our students have returned positive results for COVID-19. They were both away from school today however I wish to inform you as a courtesy of these, our first reported cases.
A letter has been sent to all parents/caregivers and I can state that at this stage we have not identified any close contacts.
School will be open as normal on Friday (tomorrow the school is closed for Student Led Conferences which are being done online this term).
This month on SchoolTV – Understanding Adolescence
Adolescence is the transitional stage of development that is usually associated with the teenage years. In 2018, the Australian Curriculum Assessment Authority, redefined adolescence as affecting young people aged between 10-24 years. During this time, they experience rapid physical, cognitive and psychosocial growth which affects how teenagers feel, think, make decisions and interact with the world around them.
During adolescence, a child’s brain can be considered as being “under-construction”. The rate at which this progresses will vary depending on the individual and also their gender. As a result, some parents may view adolescence as stressful or difficult. However, it does not need to be. Setting boundaries, implementing consistent monitoring and maintaining a strong and loving connection will help families adjust during this time.
It is also an important time to keep the communication lines open through clear and age appropriate conversations. Speak openly about changes that they are experiencing and be conscious of their mental health as many of the conditions people confront in adulthood, can begin to manifest in adolescence.
In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers can learn how to guide and best support their young person as they transition through adolescence. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
A reminder to families and students that registration for Academic Competitions close this Sunday at 8pm. Registration emails were sent home last week containing a google form for sign-ups.
As we move into phase 2 of the Omicron response plan a quick update may be helpful.
So far we have been fortunate not to have any positive cases at MHJC. This is likely to change given the rising numbers of cases in the wider community but I would like to thank the MHJC community for its tremendous efforts to help minimise the risk of the virus spreading.
Our students have been fantastic as have parents with clear and timely communication if members of their family have been identified as close contacts.
The best advice at this stage is that owing to our extensive use of masks indoors, well-ventilated classrooms, movement of students every hour and a thorough cleaning programme, the number of close contacts will be kept to a minimum.
You will be contacted if there is a positive case in a class however it is likely that if your child is in that class they will still be able to come to school.
Please continue to reinforce our safety measures with your children so we can maintain as safe an environment as possible.
Introducing MHJC’s New 2022 Staff From left to right, top to bottom:
Pauli Roodt – Coast Whānau, Technology Maryke Cordier – Learning Assistant Ria Jacobs – Forest Whānau, SENCO and Maths Johan Fourie – Water Whānau, Hākinakina/Head of Sport and PEH Eilidh McGregor – Mountains Whānau, Performing Arts Anna Vuksanlekaj – Coast Whānau, Science Amanda Carter – Coast Whānau, English and Global Studies Suellen Scales – Learning Assistant (absent from photo) Rustom Dubash – Technology Assistant (absent from photo)
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