Mask Wearing for the Start of Term 3

Kia ora koutou

Mask Wearing for the Start of Term 3

In previous years we have found there is an increase in winter illnesses in schools at the start of Term 3 as students bring back infections after travelling and socialising during the holidays. This year cases of COVID-19 are increasing in most parts of the country, and we are also seeing high numbers of other winter illness

For the start of Term 3, Monday 25 July, the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health strongly recommend that all schools and kura for the first four weeks of term to require mask wearing in all indoor settings for all staff and for students in Years 4 and above.

We will be following this advice which will mean:

– All staff will wear a mask while indoors. 

– All children in Years 4, 5, and 6 will wear a mask while indoors.

– We encourage Years 0, 1, 2, and 3 to wear a mask while indoors.

– Everyone who comes into school will be required to wear a mask.

This recommendation does not include any situation where mask wearing might not be practicable, such as while eating and drinking, indoor sport, where it will have a significant impact on teaching and learning (for example, students with particular learning needs). In these situations, particular attention should be paid to ensuring there is good ventilation during the activity, and physical distancing where practicable.

Wearing masks can reduce new cases of the virus by as much as 53%. It works alongside other measures including vaccination, good ventilation, staying home when sick, and hand washing and other hygiene measures, to protect our students and staff.

Keep up healthy habits – Unite Against COVID-19

We know that some of our tamariki/ākonga are exempt from wearing a mask. If they have an exemption card or a letter from their health provider, or we have agreed that mask wearing is not practicable for them, we will support them to not wear a mask.

Apply for a face mask exemption pass – Unite Against COVID-19

Please make sure that tamariki/ākonga come to school ready to wear masks. Students should bring masks from home. If students cannot bring masks from home, our school has a supply of child size masks for them to use.

Thank you for your support in protecting our school community.

Noho ora mai

Cameron Lockie