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As of 12pm Wednesday 12th August we have returned to Alert Level 2 until Friday midnight. This email is a reminder of the practices at Alert Level 2 at Wellington East Girls’ College.

Attendance onsite:

It is safe for students and staff to be onsite. Although there is no requirement for social distancing within schools, students are advised to keep outside of each other's “moist breath zone” wherever possible. We will be continuing to reinforce good hygiene practices and cleaning protocols to maintain a safe environment for everyone.

There is no requirement for students to wear masks at school, however, they may choose to wear one if it makes them feel more comfortable.

Anyone who is sick or waiting for the result of a COVID-19 test result must stay at home until they receive the result. 

If your child has symptoms whilst at school they will be taken to Hauora and you will be contacted to come and collect them.

Some children who are vulnerable to illness may choose to stay at home.  If you are unsure of your child's health status and how this may be impacted then please consult with your GP.

For any student not attending school, please let us know as soon as possible on the day of absence by either emailing absence@wegc.school.nz, using the school app, or by calling the absence  line (04)385 8514.

Contact tracing is a priority and all staff and students are encouraged to use the government COVID-19 Tracer App. QR codes are displayed at reception for all parents and visitors to our site.

Online learning:

Teachers will be updating their Google Classroom with resources from their classes to allow students who are unable to attend to stay engaged with their learning. However, as staff will primarily be teaching face to face, online learning will not be as comprehensive as during lockdown.

We want to ensure that every student has a device for learning in case there should be a change in Alert Levels. Could you please contact Ms Masoe vienna.masoe@wegc.school.nz if you have returned a device or modem to the school.

Limits to gatherings:

There are no limits to the size of gatherings within the school community (students and staff) at this level. There are limits to events that involve the wider school community and these are limited to 100 people. 

College Sport Wellington have posted an update regarding sports for the next few days. This information can be found here

School Buses:

Under Alert Level 2 Metlink’s school services will run to the usual timetable and routes.

Students may sit together and all seats can be filled. Standing, however, is not permitted.

Students will be expected to use on board hand sanitiser when boarding. 

With no standing allowed, there will be a reduction in capacity on the bus so students should have a Plan B in place for their school travel. More information can be found here

There is no requirement for students to wear masks on school buses but they may be expected to wear them on public buses. 

Health and Safety practices:

Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the school, however, students may wish to bring their own hand sanitiser/wipes to school. However, the best way to prevent contraction or transmission of infectious diseases is through:

  • Regularly washing hands (for at least 20 seconds) with warm water and soap and drying thoroughly. You should do this before and after eating as well as after using the toilet
  • Covering your coughs and sneezes with clean tissues or your elbow
  • Putting used tissues in the bin
  • Avoid touching your face with your hands
  • Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms
  • If you feel unwell or display any cold or flu-like symptoms you must stay at home. If staff observe that students are unwell they will be taken to Hauora, and parents contacted to collect their child and take them home.

These are the most effective ways of keeping healthy and it is important to remind students of these practices too:

This is something we have managed well together as a community in the past. I know that there will be some emerging anxiety for our young people, however, our school community is resilient and sensible. We are prepared and we will be fine. Please be in touch if you have any questions or concerns.

Ngā mihi nui

Gael Ashworth

Principal

12 August 2020