Tamatea High School

COVID UPDATE Friday 4^th March – Moving to Mirumiru (Bubbles)

Tēnā koutou e te whānau

Can I start by giving a big mihi to all in our community who are communicating with us about when one of our tamariki test positive or are close contacts. This information is confidential and not shared. At this stage we have had 9 positive cases reported in our school community and there are a number of close household contacts who are self-isolating. Please continue to contact the office on 844 6600 or enquiries@tamatea.school.nz

Mirumiru (Bubbles) timetable starts Tuesday 8th March.

Yesterday we trialled our Mirumiru alternative timetable. This was very successful and we were pleased with the reponse of our ākonga.

This Monday 7th March all students will be required to stay at home for self-directed learning. Based on feedback from our trial yesterday, our staff and teachers will be implementing changes on Monday to the Mirumiru timetable. We understand having students at home for the day will be an inconveniece for some, but we ask for your support and understanding as we transition to the next phase of our COVID response.

From Tuesday 8th of March we will change to our Mirumiru timetable. We will review this each week and keep in communication about when we will revert to our Standard timetable.

The new timetable means:

• School starts at 10am and finishes at 2pm
• Students are in the same class with the same teacher learning online
• Learning from home is an option for students – especially when isolating

Devices

There are plenty of devices available for student use when they are at school. Many students reported that they actually have access to a device and the internet at home. Those few who do not have a device and are learning from home can contact Whaea Josie to organise a chromebook collection – please email her at josieb@tamatea.school.nz  We can also arrange contactless drop off for those who can not send anyone.

Reporting Positive Rapid Antigen Tests

A message from Michaela, our Public Health Nurse, is make sure you report positive Rapid Antigen Test on the Ministry of Health website. Care packages, food parcels and health supports are all triggered by your notification. The link for this is:

https://covid19.govt.nz/testing-and-tracing/covid-19-testing/report-your-rat-with-my-covid-record/

Reminders about Phase 3

At phase 3 of the Omicron response, only cases and household contacts are legally required to isolate. Please continue to follow good practices when it comes to your own health and the health of your whānau.

What we’re doing

• We are staying open.
• We are using public health measures to reduce the risk in our settings, including masks, physical distancing and ventilation.
• We have appropriate cleaning procedures in place.

What you need to do

• You and your whānau should be very vigilant about monitoring for symptoms.
• If any symptoms develop, get tested immediately.
• Then, stay at home until you receive a negative result, AND until you or your child is symptom free for at least 48 hours.
• Wear a face mask when out and about.
• Wash hands often with soap for 20 seconds and dry your hands completely. 
• Wash your hands if you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your face, and cough or sneeze into your elbow or cover your mouth with tissues.
• If you and your whānau haven’t been vaccinated or boosted, please do so as soon as possible. You can book online or call 0800 28 29 26. It’s free.

Symptoms of COVID-19

• A new or worsening cough.
• Sneezing and runny nose.
• A fever.
• Temporary loss of smell or altered sense of taste.
• Sore throat.
• Shortness of breath.

Less common symptoms include diarrhoea, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, malaise, chest pain, abdominal pain, joint pain, or confusion/irritability. For more information, go to the Unite Against COVID-19 website.

Thank you once again for everyone’s co-operation, patience, manaakitanga and aroha as we work through this together.

Nāku iti noa, nā

Matua Robin