Wednesday 2nd February 2022

Welcome back everyone.  What a great 2022 first day back at school! Also sending a warm welcome to all our new students and families joining us this year.

Thank you to all our parents and caregivers who have sent their children to school ready and prepared to continue their learning journeys.  Each class spent time in the pool today so here's sending a special acknowledgement to Luke and Alice Edwards for the many hours spent over the holidays getting it ready for us! THANK YOU!  Remember to send along swimming gear every day as this is an expected part of our school curriculum and not an 'optional maybe'.

As we begin the year, I want to acknowledge that we are heading into Term 1 with a lot of uncertainty. I know that through this Covid-19 pandemic, there will be things that have happened that members of our community will disagree with. There have & will also be decisions that have been made of which our community has been very supportive - so once again thank you.  At the end of the day we are following Ministry Guidelines to keep everyone safe at school.

Though there will be different perspectives about our nation's Covid response, Maihiihi School's aim is to ensure that our learning environment is safe and inclusive. The Health & Safety protocols we have put in place have been developed from guidance supplied by the Ministry of Education, guided by the Ministry of Health (and can be viewed on our school website).

There are going to be challenges as we adjust to the current response to Omicron, and these challenges effect everyone. Please know that we totally understand the concerns around wearing masks and be reassured that teachers are incorporating regular masks-breaks into their students day.  The rule for Year 4 and upwards at school is that they must wear masks indoors but do not have to wear mask outdoors. Students may also request a mask-break if they need it and can take 5 outside. 
Teachers have been making the most of the weather and moving learning outside the classroom as well.  However, if you have concerns or questions, please email, phone or meet with me. 

Our teachers are focusing on creating great learning environments, building relationships, setting routines and expectations and making the start to the year a really positive one for our tamariki - we want this to be their priority.

Though, we as adults, may carry the worries or concerns about the coming months, the challenge for us all is to remain positive for our children. Let us continue to make sure that we are being kind to one another (whatever our views) while following guidelines to keep everyone safe.
We hugely appreciate your support.
He waka eke noa - we are all in this together.
Vanessa Koroa
Principal / Tumuaki
Maihiihi School

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