To all our Dairy Flat School families

We have been working hard to prepare for our school to be open for students who need to attend on the 29th April.  The main message from the government is that everyone should stay home in their bubble if possible. Anyone with compromised immunity, living with vulnerable people in their bubble or who have signs of fever, flu or other illnesses must stay at home. Students should not be returning to school if they are able to stay home. Distance learning will continue as it is currently. 

I know you have probably heard a lot of confusing and possibly negative things about schools opening. At this time I think we need to trust the leadership of our country and the chief executive of the Ministry of Health who is confident that there is low risk of an outbreak at a school now. 

We need you to let us know as soon as possible if your child/ren needs to attend.  – Once you have indicated that your child needs to attend we will ask you to fill in a form that will include;

• Students Full Name.
• Students Class.
• Your best contact phone number.
• The people in the student’s bubble 
• Confirmation that they have been self isolating 
• Declaration that the child does not/has not;
• Is not a vulnerable person (has compromised health concerns) 
• Live with vulnerable people
• Had contact with people recently arrived from overseas
• Had contact with any cases or close contact with someone with COVID-19
• Does not have any symptoms of fever, sore throat or cold 

Our staff will be ready to welcome your students if they need to come to school. We are currently working on our health and safety plan and will inform you of the details of this on Friday. School will be different than usual for students attending at Alert Level 3. They will be in a bubble of 10 – 9 students and a staff member. This means students may not necessarily be with their usual teacher but we will ensure that they are with a familiar face. Students will mainly continue their distance learning when in school.

Starting times and breaks will be staggered. The playground, library, drinking fountains and hall will remain closed. The gate by the hall will be open for students to enter the school grounds. The office doors will be locked; any communication with office staff must be via email or phone; this includes bus organisation if the buses run. 

BUS – We still cannot give details of the availability of buses at this time. This is still in progress with the Ministry of Education. 

Before/After School Care – There is no before or after school care. 

Arrival and Departure times – These will be staggered and supervised to maintain distancing requirements. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher, Susan Thompson or myself with questions. 

Kia Kaha 

Debbie Marshall