FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022

Further to Mr. Healey’s email, we will be operating a ‘roster system’ for the week beginning Monday, 1 August. This is in line with the school’s Response Plan, which means rostering students home for Independent study days for the duration of Week 2.  This is due to high levels of absence affecting our staffing because of Covid, the requirement for close Covid contacts to stay at home, and other winter sicknesses.

For next week only, the following year groups must stay at home on the day indicated:
· Monday – Year 11
· Tuesday – Year 12
· Wednesday – Year 13
· Thursday – No rostered year level (4th August)
· Friday – Y9 and Y10 (previously arranged for Year 8 Day).

Students rostered home for independent study should use this time to focus on their own studies in each of their subjects in order to catch up on class content and homework. Resources in Microsoft OneNote and Teams are available to support this.

Students who are isolating at home (household contacts, those who have tested positive for Covid-19, or those who are symptomatic) will continue to study from home (if well enough to do so). These students are responsible for making contact with their teachers via Teams to check what they need to do. Teachers will provide support and feedback to all students when possible during the teaching week.

The decision to roster home has not been made lightly. However, the wellbeing of our students, staff and community must come first. Despite the obvious challenges presented, our staff have continued to work diligently to keep our school fully operational throughout the first half of the year, and we have been fortunate in that we have not needed to move to rostering until now.

Nevertheless, there continue to be many positives this year. Following ever-improving NCEA results and our record Scholarship results at the start of the year, encouraging student effort and achievements in the first two terms, and the return to a high level of participation in whole school events, co-curricular activities and educational trips, we have also been delighted to welcome our new International students over the past two weeks. These are the first new International students in high schools in New Zealand in two and a half years, and some of the group have been patiently waiting to come to Long Bay College students for the entire duration of the pandemic so far. We welcome them wholeheartedly, along with their excitement, positivity and global perspectives, and look forward to getting to know them better over the coming months.

We are also continuing to offer additional activities over the coming week to engage all our International students. Invitations have gone out in Teams for the following:

• Volunteer work at the Rosedale Park Restoration Project (Saturday 30^th July, 10am -1pm, site behind Hilton Brown)
• New Students’ Afternoon Tea (Saturday 30^th July, 3-4pm)
• Equip’d Programme (Monday 1^st August, 3.30-4.30pm, then every Monday thereafter) – an opportunity to join in some fun social games and keep active over the winter months.

Our school musical production, All Shook Up, will also be on in the evenings next week in the Auditorium.

We envisage our temporary roster system and any consequent disruption to the school will be short-lived. We thank our local host families for supporting our students to manage the situation. We look forward to the remainder of this term with optimism and positivity.

Warm regards,

Jayne Jones, Deputy Principal International

 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021

Further to Jacinda Ardern’s announcement yesterday, we are holding an online International Assembly on Teams at 1.30pm today, to make sure the students are clear about how the changes to the Alert Level 3 restrictions.

Please remind the students in your care that it is our expectation that they attend this meeting. Please also feel free to join them too.

The main changes we will clarify with them are as follows:

• We will still be in Alert Level 3 (still lockdown) but a 3-step approach will start to ease restrictions from 11.59 tonight.
• The Government is stressing the importance of getting our vaccinations as soon as possible

• Under Level 3 Transition Step 1 (from Wednesday):

–  We can meet one friend at any one time but it must be outside only

–  We are still in Level 3, so we must still wear masks & keep a 2m distance

–  We must not meet others in the supermarket, as that is inside

–  They can use public transport if they need to but must remember to use separate double seats on a bus or                              travel on their own in an  Uber

–  We can now travel within the Auckland region for exercise, sports or recreation outdoors

• They must remember to use their Covid Tracer App and scan in where they go.
• We can now bring our 2^nd vaccination forwards with one of the local doctors or pharmacies ; we only need to wait 3 weeks now and appointments are available.
• The Government’s plan is to reopen schools from the 18th October, depending on public health advice; a definite decision will be made a week earlier (next week)

We will also remind students who are due to leave us at the end of this coming term to regularly check the requirements of the country they are travelling to & the airline they are travelling with to see if they are making changes, as they will need to comply with these requirements before they travel.

Further information about our End of Year Programme and Summer Holidays Programme will be with you during the course of this break.

I hope you are well and enjoying the warmer spring weather as we adjust to the new changes in Alert Level 3 Transition Step 1. Please feel free to contact any one of us in the International Team if you have any questions.

Warm regards,

Jayne Jones, Deputy Principal International

 

 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2021

I hope you are all well and enjoying the beautiful sunny weather of the first of our weekends in Alert Level 3.

Throughout lockdown, we have been meeting with our International students twice a week in an online International Assembly to ensure they have a full understanding of our lockdown situation as it changes, the recent amendments to the NCEA and UE thresholds, and any notices we need to pass on to them.

I’d like to share with you what we have said to them regarding the changes in Alert Level 3:

• The key word with Delta Alert Level 3 is caution; we are still in lockdown.
• Contactless pick-ups are now allowed, but masks but be worn.
• Students who have their parents’ permission should get their vaccinations as soon as possible (if they haven’t done so already) and work with you to arrange this.
• The students can order delivery service (including takeaways & UberEats), so long as they talk to you first to make sure you are happy about this. They have been told they must fit in with what you decide is right for your household. If they do place an order, they know that they must not take public transport, to avoid any unnecessary risk.

• The students can go to the local supermarket / dairy, so long as they talk to you first to make sure you are happy about this. They have been told they must fit in with what you decide is right for your household. If they do place an order, they know that they must not take public transport, to avoid any unnecessary risk.
• They can order Click and Collect from other shops that are opening in Level 3, so long as they talk to you first to make sure you are happy about this and are in a position to support them with pick-up. They have been told they must fit in with what you decide is right for your household. If they do place an order, they know that they must not take public transport, to avoid any unnecessary risk.
• When they go outside for a walk or to the shop, they must keep a 2 metre distance from people; and it is still  not permitted for them to  meet up with friends. They must continue to stay within your bubble only.
• It is essential they now use the Contact Tracing App if they go into a shop.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Our main message to the students continues to be based on the need for extreme caution, both to keep themselves and your families safe, and to support Auckland’s move to Level 2 as soon as possible.

Kia kaha, arohanui, mauri tau, mauri ora.

Be safe, be kind, stay calm and good health.

Warm regards,

Jayne Jones, Deputy Principal International

 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

As we now wait in Auckland in anticipation of an announcement to move us back down the Alert Levels and ultimately out of lockdown, I’d like to acknowledge how well everyone has coped with the challenges over the past few weeks.

Our students have been working online to continue their studies as we approach the exams in term 4. We appreciate this has not been easy for many of them. We have met with them regularly through online assemblies to keep them updated about the situation, including the recent changes to Senior School Exams, NCEA and University Entrance requirements. We have also have been checking in with individual students and supporting them as needed.

Many thanks to all our caregivers for all the additional support and encouragement you have given the students in their care. Your invaluable help has made lockdown much more bearable, and we would like to acknowledge that this has often been in addition to your busy lives, with many of you also having  had to cope with your own challenges of working online and juggling the needs of the family.

To our parents overseas and agents, please be reassured that the students’ safety, wellbeing and continued progress with their studies remain our priority.  As we now have around 20 new community case each day, with vaccination rates having tripled in the past few weeks, we are happy to report that the COVID cases seem relatively contained whilst we build up New Zealand’s capacity to cope through our vaccination programme. In the meantime, we continue to work with all our students to check individual pathways and ensure their success.

Planning ahead, we are currently in the process of preparing for our End of Year Programme. Although this will primarily be aimed at our Senior students during Exam Leave, there will also be opportunities for our Junior students to join in some of the activities.

Students who will remain with us over the summer holidays will have a further full programme of activities offered to them, including celebrations over the Christmas and New Year Period. Details of this will follow shortly.

Students who are due to leave at the end of this year have been informed of the Leavers’ process. We will need to have details of their departure and the next stage of their education as soon as they have more information, so that we can make sure they have everything they need.

We would like to wish you all a happy, healthy Mid-Autumn Festival tomorrow. Students and Caregivers are invited to take part in our Kahoot Quiz Night on Teams tomorrow evening at 7pm to celebrate this special day. We hope that you will be able to join us and our Cultural Council, the organisers of the event. We will run the Quiz Night through the All International Students Team, which all students are part of.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any queries or concerns. We will keep you updated as our situation here changes.

Warm regards,

Jayne Jones, Deputy Principal International

 

 

MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2021 2/2

Vaccine Permission letter

Dear Parents

The New Zealand Government has made COVID vaccinations (Pfizer) available now to:

• All 12-15 year olds who are accompanying their parents / caregivers to get their vaccinations (this must be a pre-booked appointment)
• All students over the age of 16 independently from the 1^st September (this must also be a pre-booked appointment).

As a result, please respond below and return your reply to us as soon as possible to let us know if you are happy for your son / daughter to proceed and get the vaccine.

Please note that we are requesting that all homestay parents take students to their pre-booked vaccine appointments. For their own health and safety, students should not go to any drop-in centres, where students may need to wait around with other people, or take public transport. It is essential that we minimise any potential risk of exposure, and these measures are consistent with the message we are also giving all homestay parents whilst we are still in Alert Level 4 in New Zealand.

Students will be responsible for booking their own appointment to have the vaccine (on the phone or online) with the support of their homestay parents. We will assist where needed.

Kia kaha, arohanui, mauri tau, mauri ora.

Be safe, be kind, stay calm and good health.

Kindest regards,

Jayne

JAYNE JONES
Deputy Principal International

——————————————————————————————————————————————–

Please tick or circle and complete your preferred option:

• Yes, I give permission for _______________________ (student’s name) to have the COVID vaccine.
• No, I do not give permission for _____________________ (student’s name) to have the COVID vaccine.

Parent’s name: _____________________________

Relationship: Mum  /  Dad            (Please tick / circle / delete as appropriate.)

Parent’s signature:___________________________

Date: _____________________________________

 

MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2021 1/2

As we now all settle into our lockdown routines, I’d like to give you a few updates to keep you in the loop about the support we are offering.

Firstly, EAP teachers and International staff are working together to make sure our International students are coping and you have any additional support you may need for them. Carol and Tian will be calling you all over the next few days to touch base with you and make sure that the students are in good health and keeping positive, coping with their studies, and fitting in well with the rest of the family in these challenging times. Others in the team have joined forces to check in regularly with the students themselves. Where there are concerns, we are working with caregivers, students themselves, agents, parents and any external agencies necessary to make sure they stay well and positive. Please contact us immediately if you do have any concerns.

We  are meeting daily to discuss any concerns as they arise, to make sure we can act fast to provide you with any support that you or the students may need.

We have stressed the importance to them of creating a strong routine, where they come out of the rooms to get fresh air and physical activity and engage with you as a family, joining in with family activities and doing their share of household chores. Please let us know if they are staying in their rooms all the time or not engaging with you as a family, so that we can speak to them and intervene early if there is a wellbeing concern.

Carol is also creating a WhatsApp chat group to offer you chance to share ideas with other caregivers. If you haven’t yet replied to her email, she does need to have permission from you before she can add you into the group.

If lockdown continues, we will have two online assemblies a week (Tuesdays & Fridays, 1.30pm, on Teams) to update the students, give them challenges to keep them active, check in on their wellbeing, and keep the support network going with them.

Whilst we are encouraging them to go out for a local walk either on their own or with the family, we have asked them to speak to you about any essential items they may need, so that these items can be added to your shopping list when you next go to the supermarket for the family shopping. We have told them that they should not be going to the supermarket or taking public transport themselves, to limit any potential exposure to COVID that both you and your family may have.

We have also sent a permission form today to all their natural parents, as the parents will need to give the school written consent before the students go for their vaccinations. As you are no doubt aware, the Ministry has made COVID vaccinations available now to:

• All 12-15 year olds who are accompanying their parents / caregivers to get their vaccinations (pre-booked appointments only: our younger students need to be booked in alongside you when you go for your vaccination)
• All students over the age of 16 independently from the 1^st September (we are emphasising with them that this must also be a pre-booked appointment).

We request that you take your student(s) to their vaccine appointments. For their own health and safety, students should not go to any drop-in centres, where students may need to wait around with other people, or take public transport, either on their own or with a friend. It is essential both for them and for you that we all work to minimise any potential risk of exposure, and these measures are consistent with the message we are also giving all students and their parents whilst we are still in Alert Level 4 in New Zealand. Students will be responsible for booking their own appointment to have the vaccine (on the phone or online), with your support. We will assist where needed – just let us know.

Finally, many, many thanks for all you are doing to keep the students going. We have been supporting a number of students with inevitable homesickness in recent weeks. These are not easy times, but it is thanks to your care that the students will get through this as positively as possible.

Kia kaha, arohanui, mauri tau, mauri ora.

Be safe, be kind, stay calm and good health.

Warm regards,

Jayne Jones, Deputy Principal International

 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2021

(Below message sent to all Students and Caregivers in New Zealand)

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are all OK on our second day of lockdown.

As we said in Assembly yesterday, we will keep you updated as we receive further information:

• There are now 10 community cases of the Delta variant.
• More COVID cases are expected today, particularly amongst household members of the identified cases so far.
• It is possible that the Delta variant may have been in the New Zealand community for two weeks already.
• There are now 69 locations of interest, the earliest of which goes back to the 3^rd August.
• There are huge queues at Auckland Test Centres, as people go for Test Centres if they are showing symptoms or may have been exposed.
• It is now compulsory to wear a mask in supermarkets, petrol stations and medical centres.

The main focus today is around the places of interest list, as this has grown rapidly overnight. For the latest list, please check out  COVID-19: Contact tracing locations of interest | Ministry of Health NZ

If you have been at any of these locations of interest during the relevant time, please self-isolate and call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice on what to do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This is free and you can call any time – it is open all day every day. It is highly likely that you will be advised to go for COVID testing.

It is a Ministry requirement that those who have visited a location of interest meet public health requirements and self-isolate immediately.

If you are a household member of a person who has been at a location of interest, please isolate at home until the person who was at the location receives a negative test (you do not need to be tested unless you are asked to be).

The nearest place of interest for us is:

Albany Westfield Mall

Friday 13 Auust

5.10 pm – 6.30 pm

Please note the times – you need to have been in the mall between 5.10pm & 6.30pm last Friday to have been potentially exposed. You will not have been exposed to the virus if you were in the mall outside of these times.

If you feel you need to go for testing, please talk to your host parents, and let us know too. Your host parents will arrange to take you down to one of the test centres. No-one else is allowed to take you down. Please do not go on your own or with someone outside of your bubble, as this would put others at risk.

For those of you who are 16 and over, please remember what we said in Assembly yesterday: booking online through Book My Vaccine is the quickest way to make your vaccination appointments. Although you are not eligible for your vaccination until the 1st September, you can register now.  They will then let you know when its your time to book.  It will take around 5 minuets to book online.

Please remember our next Assembly will be at 1.30pm tomorrow on Teams. Look forward to seeing you there!

In the meantime, take care and stay safe.

Warm regards,

Jayne Jones, Deputy Principal International

 

 

 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2021

As you are all no doubt well aware, following our Prime Minister’s announcement tonight that there is one case of COVID in the Auckland community, New Zealand is moving immediately into Alert Level 4 from 11.59pm to prevent any spread. Lockdown will continue at this level for a period of 7 days in the Auckland area; the situation will then be reviewed.

As per the Principal’s email, online classes will start from Thursday morning, periods 1-4 only. Tomorrow will provide students with the opportunity to check they have Teams working well and to notify their teachers if they foresee they will need additional support. No staff or students are allowed on the school site at Alert Level 4 to pick up materials. Students should keep checking Teams and emails for updates from their teachers. Students must remain in their ‘bubbles’ at all times and stay at home.

We will be holding an online International Assembly for students on Teams at 1.30pm tomorrow. Students should note that they must attend this Assembly, as we will be sharing important information with them. We will then be calling students individually over the coming week to touch base with them on a more personal level.

To all our caregivers and parents living locally, we really appreciate your extra special care for the students at this time. Carol and Tian will be phoning you over the next few days to check that everything is all right.

To all our parents overseas and agents, please be reassured that the safety and wellbeing of our community remains our top priority at all times. We will remind students of what is expected in Alert Level 4 in Assembly tomorrow, so that they know what to do to stay safe, and we will keep you updated throughout this more challenging period.

We will be putting further information out as the situation evolves.

Take care and stay safe.

Warm regards,

Jayne Jones, Deputy Principal International

 

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2021

Now that the Auckland region is in lockdown again at Alert Level 3 for the next 7 days, to prevent the spread of COVID after the discovery of two further cases in South Auckland, we are ready to roll out our practised protocols immediately in terms of our online learning and our additional support for our International students.

To our students:

we will hold an online Assembly on Teams at 2pm tomorrow, after you finish classes, so that we can update you and check that you know what to do. Contactless pick-up of Art and Technology materials will be from 3pm tomorrow.

To our parents and agents:

please be reassured that your children’s safety and wellbeing remains our top priority at all times. Please contact me or any one of our staff directly if you have any concerns.

To our caregivers:

many thanks again for the ongoing support you offer the students in your care. Please encourage them to stay active and engaged in family life when they are not studying. Tian and Carol will check in with you over the coming week to make sure you have everything you need to support them. We will also need to postpone our Caregivers & Accommodation Information Evening this coming Wednesday and will notify you of a revised date as soon as we move back to Alert Level 1. If students have cold or flu symptoms, please call your doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice about getting tested, accompany them to the test centre, and notify Tian or Carol straight away. Please also assist students to pick up Art and Technology materials from 3pm tomorrow by driving them into school.

For all students living in Weka House:

we have robust plans in place to manage the situation, in partnership with Massey University, eg. common areas for the different bubbles, staggering meal-times, assigning bathrooms to specific groups and of course cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces regularly, including between uses by different groups. All staff will remain onsite at all times to support the students with their wellbeing and their studies.

To summarise our fundamental public health measures:

• Physical distancing  of 2 metres outside at Alert Level 3
• Hand hygiene
• Cough and sneeze etiquette
• Regularly cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces (daily at Alert Level 3)
• Stay at home unless going out for a walk near your home.

As always, take care and stay safe. We will update you all again shortly.

Warm regards,

Jayne Jones, Deputy Principal International

 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

Auckland will move to Alert Level 2  at midnight tonight.

We look forward to welcoming all our students back at school tomorrow morning.

Many thanks to you all for your support with our prompt move to Level 3 on Sunday night. Students transitioned quickly and smoothly to their online learning. However, we also know they will be glad now to move quickly back to a learning environment where they can see their friends and move around more freely again.

Students at Weka House have done exceptionally well in their extended bubble, as we quickly created routines to support their all-round  health and their academic studies. It was awesome to see how everyone worked together to accept and make the most of the situation.

Our appreciation goes out too to our local caregivers who quickly adapted and helped the students in their care. We look forward to working with you over the coming months to make sure we have all the necessary support networks in place, should the need arise again.

As always, the wellbeing and safety of all our community members continue to be of paramount importance to us. We are now ready with the necessary protocols for Level 2 at school,  and we will again be following the guidelines provided by both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Warm regards,

Jayne Jones, Deputy Principal International

 

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

Dear Weka House Parents and Agents,

Since lockdown was announced in Auckland at 7pm last night, we have been working with Weka House management and staff, with teachers, and with students to ensure that all systems are in place at Weka House in line with our COVID Management Plan.

We are now living within our own ‘bubble’ in Weka House. COVID management protocols are in place and the structure of the day has been adapted. We have met with all students to discuss the changes, and they all understand the importance of following the new guidelines to maintain everyone’s safety.

Four staff will remain in residence, including myself, at all times during lockdown. We are here to support the students both personally and academically and to ensure they remain safe.

As of tomorrow, Tuesday 16^th February, all teachers at Long Bay College will be able to deliver our digital online learning programme for our students via the Microsoft Teams platform.

After the success of our online learning programme, as reflected in our 2020 NCEA results, we have reviewed our processes and outcomes and have made changes to the timetable framework during the current lockdown to consider further the greater wellbeing of our students.

The most significant change to the day is the class after lunch will become an Independent Study time rather than a timetabled lesson. This will allow our students the opportunity to review the day’s work, continue and consolidate their learning and prepare for lessons to come.

At Weka House, this will also provide us with a further opportunity to monitor students’ work, track their progress, and support them as required.

As we observe the Level 3 status, there will be no extra-curricular practices, auditions, trials, fixtures or games undertaken at school. However, we will ensure that all students at Weka House participate in some kind of supervised physical and social activity of their own choice, to ensure they stay fit, healthy and active. We aim to prioritise their general wellbeing, so they can engage positively during this lockdown period and focus effectively on their studies.

A ROUTINE FOR REMOTE LEARNING

The latest COVID-19 lockdown has shaken up our regular routines again. It’s very important for us all to have a routine for us all to structure our time. Routines are reassuring and promote health and physical wellbeing. The timetable below (targeted at the students) will be the schedule adopted at Weka House to help students to adapt to our latest lockdown period. The weekends will also involve some structure, though will allow for more free time and flexible study.

Daily Schedule

7.30am	Wake up	Prepare and eat breakfast, make your bed, get dressed, put any dirty clothes in the laundry, brush your teeth and do your hair.
8:00-8.20am	Outdoor exercise	Brief walk, fitness, basketball
8:45-9:45am	PERIOD 1 ONLINE Learning at home	Check in to your Class Team. See what the work is and then use the posts / chats area to ask for help. Join the class video conference when they are on.
9:50-10:50am	PERIOD 2 ONLINE Learning at home	Check in to your Class Team, see what the work is and then use the posts / chats area to ask for help. Join the class video conference when they are on.
10:50-11.20am	INTERVAL – Connect with your Weka House friends without devices, get yourself a drink and a snack
11:20-12:20pm	PERIOD 3 online Learning at home	Check in to your Class Team, see what the work is and then use the posts / chats area to ask for help. Join the class video conference when they are on.
12:25-1:25pm	PERIOD 4 online Learning at home	Check in to your Class Team, see what the work is and then use the posts / chats area to ask for help. Join the class video conference when they are on.
1:25- 2:15pm	LUNCHTIME – Eat lunch with your friends, exercise/move about, get yourself a drink, basketball / badminton / brief walk
2:15-4.15pm	Supervised, independent study, support provided as necessary	Independent Study – students to use this time to complete school work, review and prepare for future lessons. Additional support will be given as a need is identified. Academic tracking will also be a focus point, in particular with our Senior students
4:30-5:30pm	All students choose a House  activity to stay active, process learning, and refresh the brain	Basketball / badminton / bush walk/ fitness workout/ orienteering
5.45-6.45pm	Dinner time, followed by House meeting	Remember to help to get ready for the meal and help with cleaning up afterwards.
7-9pm	Optional House movie / board game or independent study or socialising with friends, followed by a snack for supper	Chance to mix and socialise as a House family, or complete any outstanding studies.
9pm – 9.30pm	Social Hubs tidy-up	Check the roster your wing leader has set up.
9.30 – 11pm	Preparation for bed-time and lights out (times depending on Junior/Senior status)	Getting regular sleep is very important, no devices once lights are out.

Laundry, cleaning, catering and shopping rosters are also being adapted to ensure that we can prioritise student safety whilst maintaining our high quality care and boarding provision.

On behalf of us all at Weka House, thank you for your support. Further updates will follow shortly.

Warm regards,

Jayne Jones, Deputy Principal International

 

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

Good evening to all our parents, students, agents and caregivers,

Now that the New Zealand Government has reinstated Alert Level 3 for all Auckland residents from 11.59pm tonight (Sunday 14 February) until at least 11.59pm Wednesday 17 February, we would like to take this opportunity to reassure you that our COVID Management Plan will come into place immediately for the safety of all our community.

Like all students in Auckland, our International students will remain at home for the next three days as a precautionary measure following the discovery of three COVID cases in South Auckland.

We will arrange an online Assembly with our International students at 2pm tomorrow to make sure they fully understand what is happening. Online lessons will then start up on Tuesday on Microsoft Teams, and students will follow their normal timetable.

Please be reassured that our students’ safety is our top priority at all times. We will work with you to support their wellbeing and to enable them to continue their studies.

All students in Weka House will follow a robust COVID Management Plan put together by Massey University in line with Government guidelines. We will remain together in our own ‘bubble’. We are also well prepared for the current situation in terms of catering, cleaning and provisions. All Weka House staff, including myself, will remain in residence 24/7 during this time to look after the students, keep them engaged, and support them with their online learning.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any queries.

We will continue to keep you updated as we find out more about the current situation.

Warm regards,

Jayne Jones, Deputy Principal International

 

祝所有父母，学生，中介和监护人晚上好，

新西兰政府已决定从今晚（2月14日星期日）11：59至2月17日星期三11：59奥克兰进入疫情3级警报，我们想借此机会向您保证我们会立即实施我们的疫情管理计划，以确保我们整个学校社区的安全。

这是在奥克兰南部发现三例COVID病例后，新西兰政府出于谨慎考虑所采取的预防措施。与奥克兰的所有学生一样，我们的国际学生将在接下来的三天留在家里，

我们将在明天下午2点召开国际生远程会议，以确保他们完全了解正在发生的事情。之后，在线课程将于周二在Microsoft Teams上开始，学生将按照正常的课程表进行学习。

请放心，我们始终将学生的安全放在首位。我们将与您合作，以支持他们健康安全地继续学习。

Weka House的所有学生将遵循梅西大学和政府制定的有效的COVID管理计划。所有在宿舍的学生现在属于一个大家庭的“泡泡”。我们已在饮食，清洁和各种措施方面，为当前形势做好了充分的准备。在此期间，所有Weka House员工（包括我本人）都将留在住所中，以方便7天24小时照顾学生，保证他们的积极参与到远程的学习中去。

如有任何疑问，请随时与我们联系。

Jayne Jones

国际部副校长

 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2020

Good evening to our students, parents, caregivers and agents,

We’re looking forward to welcoming all our International students back at school tomorrow as all staff and students return following the news that we are moving back to Alert Level 2.

Our school health and safety plan is in place, and please be reassured that we’ll continue to do everything we can to keep everyone safe.

We have already reminded our International students in our online Assemblies to continue with good hand hygiene, cough and sneeze etiquette, appropriate physical distancing when out and about, and staying at home if they are sick.

The Prime Minister has announced that face coverings will be required on public transport from tomorrow, at Alert Level 2 and above. This does not apply to school transport (we have good systems in place to manage safety on school transport).

Students do not need to wear face masks at school. Other public health control measures are in place, including students and staff staying at home if they are sick, contact tracing, and hygiene requirements. However, if students prefer to wear face masks, that’s fine.

We will continue to hold online Assemblies through EAP with our International students, to make sure they are fully informed and understand what is happening.

As we now get ready for welcoming our students back in school, we’d also like to give our thanks to our host families for all the extra support they have given the students during this latest period of lockdown.

Warm regards,

Jayne Jones, Deputy Principal International

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020

The New Zealand Government has decided today that the country will remain in the current alert levels for twelve more days until the end of the 26^th August, with Auckland remaining in Alert Level 3 for a full two weeks.

Thirty active cases of COVID-19 have now been linked to the one community outbreak identified this week in Auckland. The Government acted fast to stem the spread when cases were discovered; there are already signs the latest cluster was found early in its life.

We have reiterated to all students that it is important to be vigilant but remain calm. Testing is only needed and permitted if there has been close contact with an active case or if symptoms are present. None of our students are in this situation.

Online learning has now been re-established in all classes, and resources have been effectively distributed. Teachers will continue to support students on our digital platform.

So far, we have held two online Assemblies for our International students over the past two days to ensure that they are fully informed of the current situation and understand what they need to so to keep themselves and others safe. The main points we have highlighted are as follows:

• Stay at home unless you are going out for a walk or getting essential goods from the supermarket.
• Do not meet up with friends.
• Only go to the supermarket if it’s absolutely essential. Ask your host family.
• Remember social distancing – 2 metres apart.
• Use hand sanitiser, and wash and dry your hands regularly.
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
• Wear a face mask if you go outside where possible.
• Enjoy time with your host family. Join them for activities and help out with chores.
• Avoid public transport.
• Keep to your normal routines where possible.
• Keep active, and stay calm and positive. 
• Get regular sleep.

We will hold a further online International Assembly at 1.30pm on Monday, to provide them with the latest updates and answer any questions they may have.

On Monday, we will also set up check-in groups again, where International staff and EAP teachers will start to phone round to check on the wellbeing of all our International students. Please be reassured that additional support will be provided where needed.

Huge thanks to all our caregivers who are working hard to make sure the transition to Alert Level 3 has gone smoothly and safely.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any concerns or queries. As always, our top priority is the safety, good health and wellbeing of our students.

Warm regards,

Jayne Jones, Deputy Principal International

 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020

Further to my notice in Assembly this morning about the collection of resources, please note that this is only for a small number of students and only if a teacher has notified you today that you are allowed to come in to pick items up in a particular subject.

It is mainly for specific practical subjects with portfolio work where teachers have identified an urgent need for certain items to be collected.

It is not for a general collection of resources, due to Health and Safety concerns.

Only come in to collect resources if your teacher has emailed you to do so, and make sure you follow the safety precautions we went over on the Powerpoint in Assembly (now in Teams).

Online lessons will only be operating in Periods 3-5 again tomorrow, so that teachers can prepare their classes, given the relative shortness of preparation time that has been available to them.

Warm regards,

Jayne Jones, Deputy Principal International

 

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2020 3 of 3

Further to Mr. Healey’s email to you, the school is now physically closed until further notice due to the current Level 3 Auckland response to COVID-19.

Please note the following points as regards your classes:

• Online learning will recommence on Microsoft Teams tomorrow at 11.20am (Thursday, Day 1 of the rotational cycle, Period 3)
• From this point and until further notice, we will continue following the normal daily timetable.
• All key resources and information for accessing our online learning can be found at https://www.longbaycollege.com/remote-learning/
• It is really important at this time that you keep up with your learning and making progress.
• Log on to your Class Team at normal lesson times to be supported by your teachers.
• If you are unable to join the Team please email your classroom teacher.
• You must not come into school for any reason during Alert Level 3.
• Regularly check your school emails for additional communication from us.

In general during Level 3:

• Stay at home unless you are going out for a walk. Do not meet up with friends.
• Only go out if it’s absolutely essential to get something you need from the supermarket.

• Avoid public transport.
• Remember social distancing – 1 metre apart.
• Use hand sanitiser, and wash and dry your hands regularly.
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
• Wear a face mask if you go outside where possible.
• Enjoy time with your host family – join them for activities and help out with chores.
• Keep to your normal routines where possible.
• It is important to remember to stay at home now but keep active.
• Get regular sleep.

There will be a brief online International Assembly tomorrow at 1.30pm on Teams. You will be sent an invitation shortly.

We understand your concerns, confusion and nervousness about the current situation, as well as your wanting to see your friends and go out. However, you must take no risks, for everyone’s safety. Stay calm and follow the instructions from the Government. Talk to your host families if you are unsure.

Feel free contact any one of us in the International Department whenever you need to, or if you have any questions. We will keep you updated. If you want to talk to me about something urgently , my cellphone is 0274732555.

If you have any specific concerns about COVID-19, contact your GP or the 24-hour COVID-19 health line number – 0800 358 5453.  You can also visit the COVID-19 pages at https://www.health.govt.nz/

All COVID-19 notifications will also be posted under the COVID-19 tab on our school website, along with the Remote Learning information and guidelines.

The Government will give us all more information tomorrow. Remember – we will get through this together! 😊

Warm regards,

Jayne Jones, Deputy Principal International

 

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2020 2 of 3

Further to Mr. Healey’s email, we would like to reiterate the following points for you to check that our International students have fully understood what is happening now that we are in Alert Level 3:

• Online learning will recommence on Microsoft Teams tomorrow at 11.20am (Thursday, Day 1 of the rotational cycle, Period 3)
• They must not come into school for any reason during Alert Level 3.

We’d really appreciate your support to help students to pick up their online learning again. Please encourage them to keep to their routines and remind them that they should regularly check their school emails for additional communication from us. An email will follow to them shortly to inform them that there will be a brief online International Assembly tomorrow at 1.30pm.

All COVID-19 notifications will also be posted under the COVID-19 tab on our website, along with Remote Learning information and guidelines.

Please remind the students the importance of staying at home now but keeping active. We will also reinforce this message with them. We all understand their concerns and nervousness about the current situation and their desire to see their friends and go out, but they must take no risks, for everyone’s safety.

Feel free contact any one of us in the International Department if you have any questions. We will keep you updated.

Warm regards,

Jayne Jones, Deputy Principal International

 

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2020 1 of 3

Our Government has just announced that Auckland is going into Lockdown (Level 3 Alert) from 12:00 today (12/08/2020) following the discovery of 4 cases of COVID-19 in a family in South Auckland.

The school will be closed with immediate effect.

Please be reassured that our students’ safety and wellbeing remain our top priority as always.

We will update you as soon as we have more information.

Warm regards,

Jayne Jones, Deputy Principal International