For all COVID-19 Updates see the school website: https://www.middleton.school.nz/latest-news/
Middleton Grange School COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update for students
20 March 2020
Form Teachers – please read the following information to your form classes TODAY (during form time)
Middleton Grange School COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update for students
The NZ government has recently announced that New Zealand is stepping up its pandemic influenza response plans. New Zealand’s borders have been tightened in an attempt to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 and the government are restricting mass gatherings and many activities around NZ.
As a school we are in regular communications with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education officials and we have been advised that there is no reason for alarm. Middleton Grange School will remain open until further notice or instructed otherwise by the Ministry of Health. We want to reassure you that school is a safe place to be and it is important for you to keep attending and continue with your learning. Our own pandemic plan means that we have systems in place to help us cope if anything changes. However, we are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of all our staff and students.
As a school we have undertaken the following measures:
- We have decided to cancel ALL assemblies until further notice.
- The PPTCs scheduled for weeks 10 & 11 are cancelled. We will arrange alternative ways of communicating with parents about this and will update parents soon about the changes.
- Other events involving large crowds or gatherings of students will also be cancelled or postponed.
- Overseas school trips will be cancelled until at least the start of term 3. This includes the Tonga missions’ trip.
- The Senior Formal has been postponed until at least the end of term 3.
- All School sport is cancelled until further notice.
- We are increasing the cleaning of our school facilities to ensure health and safety is a priority.
- Posters around the school regarding “good” hygiene practices are visible.
- Please follow these guidelines!
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- covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues
- washing hands for at least 20 seconds with water and soap and drying them thoroughly:
- before eating or handling food
- after using the toilet
- after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
- after caring for sick people.
- Please avoid hugs, handshakes, hongi until further notice to reduce the risk of spreading infection.
- If you are feeling unwell or sick, DO NOT come to school. This includes senior students coming in specifically for assessments.
- If you are displaying symptoms during the school day that indicate you are unwell, we will require you to go home.
For Y11-13 Students only:
- The school will be following the guidance from NZQA regarding assessments for Senior students. In the meantime, continue to do your work and complete assessments as per normal until you are instructed otherwise. If you are feeling sick or unwell – DO NOT come into school for an assessment!
In the event of a possible School Closure:
As already mentioned, the NZ government are keen for schools to remain open as long as possible to ensure teaching and learning continues in the best possible way. This will continue as long as there is no risk to the health and safety of staff and students in schools.
In the event of our school closing for a period of time, Middleton Grange School staff have identified flexible ways to provide remote Teaching and Learning for you – our students. This will involve a combination of the following:
- Using Microsoft Teams and/or OneNote.
- Curriculum based software e.g. Education Perfect.
- Resource Packs.
- Workbooks and/or Textbooks.
- Email and/or phone calls.
Teachers are expected to communicate with students in their classes a minimum of once per week and any live contact (video/chat/etc) would be during your scheduled timetabled period for that subject.
Staff are currently preparing for this possibility.
Communications around school closure, assessment regulations / protocols, and emergency responses will be placed on the school website and sent via email, Facebook or our School App as necessary.
Your Safety and Waiora are our priority and we are doing everything possible to ensure this during this unprecedented time.
Thank you for your understanding and support with this matter. Please continue to pray for those affected and for those managing and co-ordinating our nation-wide response.
John 16: 33
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Then, please PRAY
Mike Vannoort
Principal
