Return to Alert Level 2

Tēnā koutou kātoa

As you will all know we are returning to Alert Level 2 from 6pm today until midnight Sunday 27 June. The government will be reviewing this regularly, and I will update you with any changing information relating to school.

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The media release from the Ministry of Health this afternoon lists contact tracing locations of interest for Wellington (https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-health-advice-public/contact-tracing-covid-19/covid-19-contact-tracing-locations-interest) and everyone who has been to one of these locations in the specified times or is displaying COVID-19 symptoms is being asked to self-isolate and call Healthline to arrange a test.
With the locations of interest being Wellington based, please read the list carefully and check to see if your child is a Casual or Casual plus contact. 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.
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 move tomorrow’s parent teacher interviews online: Carl Condliffe will be in contact with more information. We are also postponing the weekend Kapa Haka practices and the School Production dress rehearsal which was scheduled for Sunday.

I know that many of you will have questions about Sport. We have been provided the following information from College Sport Wellington:
Fixtures scheduled to be played this afternoon (Wednesday, 23 June). Where space on the CSW sports calendar allows for reserve weeks, we will postpone today’s fixtures so as to give everyone a bit of breathing room and time to plan appropriately. This means that the following competitions will not take place this afternoon:

- Table Tennis
- Girls Rugby
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Girls Division 2 Football (Wellington, Hutt Valley and Northern pools).

However, Girls Prem 1 and 2 Football will still proceed this afternoon. Teams should observe the Alert Level 2 requirements, irrespective of whether the game starts before or after 6pm this evening.
- The Indoor Bowls Tournament will proceed tomorrow (Thursday, 24 June)
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Decisions on our Thursday, Friday and Saturday fixtures will be advised to schools by mid-morning tomorrow (24 June), following consultation with our partner RSO’s and Council venues. This will include guidance on the presence of spectators at fixtures.

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

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 and the Minister of Health has indicated that students should also be wearing a mask while waiting for 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:

We’ve been here before, know what to do and have good systems in place. Following these practices and systems 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