Tēnā koutou kātoa

As you will all know we have returned to Alert Level 2 from today Sunday 28 February for up to 7 days. The government will be reviewing this regularly, and I will update you with any changing information relating to school.

This email is a further 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. It is important for students to be wearing masks if they are using any form of public transport and this holds true at Level 1 too.

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 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.

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.  As a consequence we have decided to postpone tomorrow’s Leadership Assembly and also the New Settler’s Parents’ and Pasifika Parents’ meetings that were due to be held this week.

School Cafe:

This will be operating a contactless service from Monday. Drinking fountains will be operational for bottle filling only. Please remind your child to bring their water bottle to school.

I know that many of you will have questions about Sport. We will be in touch with more details when we are aware of how WEGC Sport will be impacted.

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. Students will also be permitted to stand.

Students will be expected to use hand sanitiser when boarding. 

There is no requirement for students to wear masks on school buses, however, they must wear masks on any public transport.

Health and Safety practices:

Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the school. 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:

I know that it is frustrating to be returning to Level 2 so soon. However, following the good practices and systems we have in place will ensure that we can return as quickly as possible to Level 1. Please be in touch if you have any questions or concerns.

Ngā mihi nui

Gael Ashworth

Principal