Kia ora Parents and Caregivers,

This edition of The Voice comes to you slightly later than normal, as we waited on the Government’s decision regarding the country’s Alert Levels, following a new community cluster of Covid-19.

We now know, following the 5.30pm press conference, that we are staying at Alert Level 3 for a probable further 12 days. The past couple of days have been a flurry of planning and preparation in anticipation of this outcome, and I feel confident that after the week end, our school will continue to assist our students to achieve academically, while ensuring their physical and mental wellbeing is a top priority.

As a school, we undertook robust analysis of our previous lockdown, noting things that worked well for both students and teachers. These learnings are guiding us forward, including placing a greater emphasis on students working in their own time, while having regular Google Meets to keep connected with teachers and classmates.

You will have received an email from me earlier this evening outlining the next steps, and we will be in touch over the next week with any new information and developments.

This edition of The Voice is full of sporting success and other activities where our students have recently shone. It is testament to how well our school adjusted back to life post-lockdown, and the resilience and determination to make the most of this year – despite the challenges. I know that attitude will see us through the rest of 2020.

I particularly want to mention all of the students who will be affected by cancellations and postponements of events and sports. We had a lot on our school calendar over the next two weeks and it is upsetting that much of what was planned won’t happen.

I know it’s difficult to balance work with teens and young children in the house, and I don’t underestimate the trying situations some of you will be in. Job losses, uncertainty and pandemic fear are realities. Our teachers and counsellors are here to assist, and together we want to help our students not just survive, but thrive though this time.

Jane Stanley