RAS Partial School Closure – Home Learning for Years 9-13 Students 

Kia ora e te whānau

New Zealand’s COVID-19 response continues amid much larger numbers of daily cases. Whaingaroa is now experiencing an increasing number of positive cases and we are responding calmly and pragmatically to this situation. In our Kura, over the last 10 days, we have had a number of staff and students who are either unwell themselves or caring for whānau who are unwell. We have managed up to this point to provide cover. The situation has now escalated over the weekend to the point where we are unable to sustain this cover in the senior school onsite.

Kura Tuakana Years 9-13 Students

We have therefore made the decision for our Years 9-13 students and teachers to work from home beginning tomorrow Tuesday 1 March. They will remain working from home until Monday 14 March. This is a period of 9 school days and 4 weekend days; a total of 13 days. This will give those who are isolating a decent length of time to recover and also we hope to minimise further transmission of the virus.

Distance Learning programmes will be provided during the regular school timetable sessions over this period. We ask that students ensure that they are connected promptly at the beginning of each session – so that they can touch base with their teachers and get guidance on what is expected of them in their daily lessons and over the coming two weeks. School-owned Chromebooks are being provided for all students who do not have access to a device at home. These are available from the school office for collection – please phone 078258140.

Kura Teina Years 0-6 and Kura Tuakana Years 7&8 Students

At this point in time classes will continue onsite for all students in Years 0-8. If this situation changes we will keep you informed. For those students in Years 0-6 who are isolating at home, an updated learning portal will be available via the school website from Monday, March 7. The school buses will still operate. The school canteen remains open but our “Feed The Kids” programme is temporarily not available due to the illness of some of our volunteers. 

Keeping us informed about your Covid-19 experience

If your child/ren gets Covid-19 and/or your child/ren are self-isolating at home, it would be very much appreciated if you would continue to keep us informed. Please ring the school office on 8258140 or text the office on 027 488 9421 or email the school office – office@raglanarea.school.nz. This information is very helpful to us in monitoring the overall situation in our Kura. Please remember that if anyone in your household tests positive – all of the household members are considered to be household close contacts and need to self-isolate for ten days.

As always, if you have any concerns about sending your child to school, please do get in touch. We are here to help. Stay safe. Stay well. Stay connected.

Ngā mihi – Whaea Louisa