Wellington East
Girls' College
Girls' College
Te Kura Kōhine o te Rāwhiti o Te Upoko o Te Ika
To minimise the potential spread of the disease at school we are continuing to reinforce essential messages with students and staff about basic hygiene - including hand washing, and reducing physical contact. We have large supplies of soap in all of our bathrooms. These are refilled whenever necessary. Can I please ask that you keep your child at home if they are unwell.
We are taking a conservative approach to trips and gatherings, even though we do not have community spread at this stage, so that we can continue to provide education and support for our students.
This week, we cancelled our overseas trip which was scheduled for the July school holidays. We have agreed to cancel all overnight trips and trips outside of the Greater Wellington region. Summer sports exchanges with schools from other areas of New Zealand have also been cancelled. A number of national summer tournament fixtures have already been cancelled (Waterpolo, Waka Ama and Rowing). As a school we have made a decision not to send students to events even if they are still scheduled to run. We have also decided to suspend school assemblies in light of the Government’s recommendations about large gatherings.
There is now a 14 day self-isolation requirement for anyone arriving in New Zealand from other countries (with the exception of some areas of the Pacific). If you have any plans for your child to be overseas in the April holidays or prior to this, please email me immediately - principal@wegc.school.nz. In line with Government expectations we would ask that you consider postponing these trips if possible. Although we will try to provide work for students who are not able to attend classes, maintaining this for 14 days may be a challenge for staff.
The Ministry of Education has signalled that if a student or staff member is confirmed with COVID-19, the Ministry of Health may require a school to close for a day or two, to undertake tracking and tracing of close contacts. To ensure our readiness for a potential school closure we are in the process of reviewing and testing our digital distance learning teaching and learning practices. Staff are currently preparing resources to support distance learning. With this in mind, we have cancelled the Learning Conferences due to be held on Thursday 26th from 1pm onwards and Friday 27th March.
We will use this time instead to trial learning from home. Early next week teachers will be confirming with classes the digital platforms they will be using to work with their students. We will also provide you with a help sheet with information on how you can support your child adapting to this online learning environment. If you are unable to provide appropriate supervision for your child on Friday 27th March (especially for those under 14), we will have supervision available at school. Please email Deputy Principal Vienna Masoe if you require supervision for your child on that day - vienna.masoe@wegc.school.nz.
If your child is feeling anxious or concerned about any aspects of this situation please feel to contact the Ako teacher, Dean or Guidance Team via Ms Masoe for further advice and support.
Thank you for your continued support.
Ngā mihi
Gael Ashworth