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Parenting Conversations with Pio. Thursday 16 December 7pm

Parenting Conversations with Pio

Please return all School Devices we loaned to you during lockdown TODAY!

Please return your school loaned devices today!  We still have a considerable amount of devices we loaned to whānau during lockdown.  We need them back urgently to update, clean and get ready for 2022.  The office will be open until 3:30pm this afternoon.  If you are unable to drop off the school’s devices please ring the school office and one of us will come and collect them.

If you know of a whānau that still has our devices please encourage them to return them to school today. 

Principal’s End OF Year Message – Tuesday 14 December 11am Live streamed on Facebook.

Join me for an interactive end of year tour of the school and updates on what we have achieved this year and what we have planned moving into 2022. I will be wandering around the school so you can see what we are talking about. I will also be taking questions from you all so if there is something that you need the answer to feel free to bing it along to the chat or email it to me in advance especially if it is tricky!). The recording will also be available on our Facebook Page.
Come along and support this new initiative that is happening for the first time here at GTS. 

END OF YEAR REPORTS – HOW YOU WILL RECEIVE THEM

Kia ora whanāu

Tomorrow (Monday) your child’s End of Year Report will be sent home.  Reports like most things at GTS have been affected by Covid, both the format and how they will be sent to you.

With so much of the year being online learning the teachers were unable to do the majority of assessments we have traditionally done.  Therefore the Reading, Writing and Maths data is based on the Teachers Overall Judgement of where your child is at, same as what we did for the Mid-Year Report in 2020.  Year 3 – 8 (Year 3 Maths Only) completed their PAT Tests online while at home.  The Learning Progress Reports will also be sent with the GTS End of Year Report.

HOW YOU WILL RECEIVE THE REPORTS

Year 0 – 2

– Reports will be uploaded to your child’s Seesaw Page

– If you would like a copy emailed to you please email your child’s teacher with the address you would like it sent to.

Year 3 – 4

– Reports and PAT Reports will be sent to your child’s email account and also the caregiver email address we have on our system.

– If you would like to add or update your email address please email your child’s teacher with the address you would like us to use.

– If we don’t have an email address for you then the reports will be uploaded to your child’s Seesaw Page.

Year 5 – 8

– Reports and PAT Reports will be sent to your child’s email account and also the caregiver email address we have on our system.

– If you would like to add or update your email address please email your child’s teacher with the address you would like us to use.

ALL REPORTS WILL BE SENT BY 4PM MONDAY

**PAT Reports will only be sent to those learners who completed them.

**If you do not receive your child’s report please contact the office so we can arrange how we get a copy to you.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your child’s report please contact me at chrish@glentaylor.school.nz 

You should all be extremely proud of what your children have achieved this year.  While we only report against Reading, Writing and Maths your children have developed in many other areas.  Resilience, independence, communication styles, FIRE, ACE, just to name a few.

Take the time to celebrate all this success with your children.

Kia Kaha

Chris

2022 Chromebooks (Year 3 – 4 and any new students)

Kia ora

Linked to this post is all the information you will need to purchase your child’s Chromebook for 2022. Please take the time to read the documents attached.

1) Different Options
2) General Information Sheet
3). Credit Sale Contract
4). WINZ Quote
5) Learner Device Bundle

We are available to answer any questions you may have.

Kia Kaha
Chris

Different Options

Learner Device Bundle

Credit Sale Agreement

General Information Sheet

WINZ Quote

2021 GTS PRIZE GIVING ROAD TRIP

GTS 2021 Prize Giving is about to get underway. We will be live streaming the event here on Facebook. Let the celebrations begin!!

SCHOOL FINISHES AT 1PM THURSDAY FOR THE GTS PRIZE GIVING

The 2021 GTS Prize Giving will betaking place Thursday afternoon.
This event will be live streamed and is certainly sure to be an amazing event.
For the fist time in history the GTS Prize Giving hits the road and will be taking place in the local community.
Be sure to tune in from around 1:30pm to see the action unfold.

YEAR 8 GRADUATION LIVESTREAM

We will be live streaming the Year 8 Graduation via the School Facebook Page. Join us at 4pmish when we will start the live stream.

ALL LEARNERS WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL THURSDAY

Kia ora

*. The tests of those learners who were classed as close or casual contacts have come back negative.
*. This means Rooms 8, 9 and 10 along with their siblings will be welcomed back to GTS tomorrow (Thursday)
*. Thank you to everyone for being so supportive of our decision. Once again the GTS Whanāu defeats Covid.
*. Let’s use the last 24 hours as a reminder of the need to be careful and ensure we are following all the Public health Orders.

THE YEAR 8 GRADUATION IS GOING AHEASD AS PLANNED.
We are excited to celebrate their graduation. 4pm – 7pm tonight.

Kia Kaha
Chris

URGENT COVID-19 UPDATE – PLEASE READ

Kia ora whanāu

We have had notification of a close contact and casual contacts in Rooms 8, 9 and 10.

As a precautionary measure the Board and SLT has made the decision to have Rooms 8, 9 and 10 do home learning on Wednesday while we await their test results.  Depending on how long these results take to be returned will determine how long we will run home learning for.

Once we have received the test results we will be  able to contact you with what happens next.

We strongly recommend you keep any siblings home as well.  Year 8 siblings are most welcome to still attend the Year 8 Graduation.

Teachers will be running Google Meets at 10am and 2pm.  We realise that most devices have been handed into the school so if you have other devices that can be accessed that is great.  If you require some work feel free to contact the school to arrange a Hard Learning Pack.

The Board is being overly cautious and in the best interests of our kids, staff and whanau we believe we are making the right decision.

At this stage all we are asking is for your child to stay home.

I can assure you that we will be in touch with you as soon as we have any information and/or next steps.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss further please phone Chris on 021478212.

Kia Kaha

Chris

Year 3 & new whānau Chromebook Meeting on NOW!

Meet Link

Amnesty! Please, please, please return all GTS library books for stocktake.

Please have a hunt around at home and send all GTS library books to school with your child.  Thank you 🙂

IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE REST OF 2021

Kia Ora Whanāu

Here are some important dates for the remainder of the year. Make sure you are aware of them so you don’t miss out on anything.

2021 Important Dates

Kia Kaha
Chris

AWESOME RETURN TO SCHOOL

Kia ora whanāu

Thank you to everyone who came to school today. We had 105 learners all who had big smiles on their faces. I am extremely proud of the way all kids followed our Health and Safety Requirements. It was amazing to see how they all just got on with it and were able to enjoy seeing their mates and teachers again.

Also a huge thanks to whanāu for respecting our decision to not allow you on site. I know it’s not easy but your support means a lot to us all.

Finally to the staff of GTS, you are all absolute legends for the way you have switched from months of online teaching straight back into face to face teaching without skipping a heartbeat.
Overall it’s easy to say the GTS Whanau is second to none.

We still have capacity if you would like your child to return. The more the merrier.

Looking forward to seeing what tomorrow brings.

Kia Kaha

Chris

VARIETY SCHOLARSHIPS – Giving families a hand-up I ENCOURAGE ANY FAMILY WHO QUALIFIES TO APPLY FGOR THESE AWESOME SCHOLARSHIPS.

THEY COVER: UNIFORM, STATIONERY, CHROMEBOOKS plus much much more.

WHO DOESN’T LIKE FREE MONEY??

Do you know of any children or families who could use a hand-up through the Kiwi Kid Sponsorship Programme? If so, please encourage them to apply online. Getting organised now means that Variety has enough time to process the child’s application and to find them a sponsor in time for the new school year. 

Variety’s online applications are easy to complete and all children from 4-17 who are NZ citizens or residents, are eligible. There is also no limit to the number of children from one family who can be sponsored. Siblings of children already on Kiwi Kid Sponsorship, can be signed up using the Sibling Request Form.

If you know of any children who would benefit from Kiwi Kid Sponsorship, please encourage their parents and caregivers to sign them up before the Christmas break.

HOW TO APPLY

FAQ’s

2021 Glen Taylor School Covid – 19 Health and Safety Plan: Level 3 Step 2

Kia ora whanau

2021 Glen Taylor School Covid – 19 Health and Safety Plan Level 3 Step 2

Here is our Health and Safety Plan for our return to school next Tuesday.

Please take the time to read what it involves and for the safety of us all please follow all instructions in the plan.

Please note that Year 5 – 8 Learners are required to wear masks while inside. If you can’t supply your child with a mask the school will provide one.

KEY MESSAGES FOR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS
*. Glen Taylor School will be open to all learners from Tuesday 30 November (it is very important that you complete the Google Form letting us know if your child/ren will be returning – Returning to School Form https://forms.gle/XADoZpB1d5W2faEr5
*. NO PARENTS/CAREGIVERS are allowed to enter the school grounds without prior permission from the office. Please use the intercom at the school gate if you wish to enter. PLEASE DO NOT BE OFFENDED IF WE ASK THAT YOU STAY OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL GROUNDS.
*. Anyone who does enter the school grounds is required to scan in using our QR Code Posters and the NZ COVID Tracer App
*. We ask that Parents/Caregivers DO NOT congregate outside the school gate and wear masks as well as keeping 2 metres apart from each other.
*. School Lunches will resume on Tuesday
*. ALL DEVICES MUST BE RETURNED TO SCHOOL ON TUESDAY 30 NOVEMBER.

Students Not Returning
*. Parents who are choosing to keep their children home are able to contact the school to arrange a Hard learning Pack.

Teachers will no longer be hosting Google Meets for those learning from home.

As always please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Kia Kaha
Chris

WE ARE BACK!!

Kia Ora Whanāu

We are super excited to see as many of you as possible tomorrow here on site at GTS. Here is the full Health and Safety Plan 

HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN

A couple of reminders:
*. If you haven’t completed the Return to School Survey please do so. It’s not too late. RETURNING TO SCHOOL SURVEY
*. NO PARENTS/CAREGIVERS are allowed to enter the school grounds without prior permission from the office. Please use the intercom at the school gate if you wish to enter. PLEASE DO NOT BE OFFENDED IF WE ASK THAT YOU STAY OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL GROUNDS.
*. At the end of the day there will be a staggered finish. Individual classes will be dismissed at 2 minute intervals. Teachers will walk with the children to the front gate. Those who need to wait for younger siblings may do so in a set area.
Room 13 – 2:23pm
Room 12 – 2:25pm
Room 11 – 2:27pm
Room 6 – 2:29pm
Room 5 – 2:31pm
Room 10 – 2:33pm
Room 9 – 2:35pm
Room 8 – 2:37pm
Room 4 – 2:39pm
Room 3 – 2:41pm
Room 2 – 2:43pm
Room 1 – 2:45pm
*. School Lunches will resume on Tuesday 30 November
*. ALL DEVICES MUST BE RETURNED TO SCHOOL ON TUESDAY 30 NOVEMBER.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel freer to get in touch with me.

Kia Kaha
Chris

GTS RETURN TO SCHOOL TUESDAY 30 NOVEMBER

Kia ora whanau

We have done it!!  I am pleased to say that we will be back on site here at GTS from Tuesday 30 November.

We understand that many of you will still feel anxious about sending your children back to school which we fully understand and respect any decisions you make.  I do ask that everyone completes the Return to School Google Form so we can get an idea of how many kids will be coming back.  Thank you to the 46 people who have already completed it.  https://forms.gle/xqaiPxrJBekhAwhG8

More detailed information will be coming out tomorrow in the GTS Health and Safety Plan.

We look forward to seeing those of you who come back to school.  Those who will not be returning please contact the office to arrange a Hard Learning Pack to be sent to you.

ALL DEVICES MUST BE RETURNED ON TUESDAY 30 NOVEMBER.  

That applies to both school owned and learner owned so we can do a stocktake.  Those with learner owned devices will then have the option to have it sent home over the holidays or kepot here at school.

A FEW KEY POINTS
*. Students who are 12 years and over are able to attend if they are unvaccinated, however we strongly recommend you start the vaccination process if you haven’t yet done so.
*. ALL Glen Taylor School Staff are double vaccinated and will have returned a negative test prior to returning to school.
*. Glen Taylor has a clear procedure if there was to be a confirmed case in the community.
*. Year 4 – 8 Learners are required to wear a mask while inside. If you are unable to provide your child with one the school will provide them. We will encourage all Year 4 – 8 learners to wear their masks correctly at all times while inside.
*. Although at some point we will move to the Traffic Light System the Public Health Measures that are currently in place will remain for the remainder of the school year.
*. All children will be in a Bubble. That Bubble will be their class and their classroom teacher both indoors and outside.
*. There will be no mixing of Bubbles and Social Distancing of one metre inside and two metres outside will be encouraged by staff throughout the day.
*. All indoor spaces will be well ventilated by opening all windows and doors throughout the day.
*. We ask that all children are dropped off between 8:15 and 8:45am. Staff will be at the gate to ensure there is appropriate social distancing as children enter the school.
*. At the end of the day there will be a staggered finish. Individual classes will be dismissed at 2 minute intervals. Teachers will walk with the children to the front gate. Those who need to wait for younger siblings may do so in a set area.
*. NO PARENTS/CAREGIVERS are allowed to enter the school grounds without prior permission from the office. Please use the intercom at the school gate if you wish to enter. PLEASE DO NOT BE OFFENDED IF WE ASK THAT YOU STAY OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL GROUNDS.
*. Anyone who does enter the school grounds is required to scan in using our QR Code Posters and the NZ COVID Tracer App
*. We ask that Parents/Caregivers DO NOT congregate outside the school gate and wear masks as well as keeping 2 metres apart from each other.
*. The programme will be based on an Art Project and use of the following areas within the school.
Wharekai
Swimming Pool
Bike Track
Hall
Gardens
Courts
Field
*. All activities are timetabled and supervised.
*. Any learners who are not attending school are encouraged to contact the school to arrange a Hard Learning Pack to work on at home.
*. School Lunches will resume on Tuesday 30 November
*. ALL DEVICES MUST BE RETURNED TO SCHOOL ON TUESDAY 30 NOVEMBER.
*. After-school care cannot operate at this current alert level setting, as it would mean mixing of groups and household bubbles, which would put too many people at risk should someone attending the programme be confirmed with COVID-19.
*. All assemblies and prizegivings will be online.

If you have questions or concerns, you can contact me by phone or email.
chrish@glentaylor.school.nz
021478212

Kia Kaha
Chris

GTS HARD LEARNING PACKS

These are new and updated packs with a lot of excellent learning material in them.

They can be collected from the office
Monday – Friday
9am – 3pm

Kia Kaha
Chris

GTS 12+ STUDENT COVID-19 VACCINATION REGISTER

Kia ora whanau

We are collecting the vaccination status of our students who are 12 years old and over. We would appreciate it if you and your child could complete this google form.
If you have any questions please contact me at chrish@glentaylor.school.nz

**Please note you will need to sign in using your child’s GTS Email Account

Kia Kaha

Chris

GTS Student 12+ Vaccination Form

GTS Return to School Survey

Kia ora whanau

With our return to school fast approaching I have created a very short 1 question survey that I would greatly appreciate if you could complete.

The question asks: Will your child/ren be returning to school before the end of the school year – 14 December 2021? (First day being Tuesday 30 November)

https://forms.gle/oPv9ptQ1CrkENZEk7

Any questions please contact me at chrish@glentaylor.school.nz

Kia Kaha

Amnesty! Please return all GTS library books for stocktake. The office is open 9-3 each day for drop off. Thank you 🙂

Hard Learning Packs

Hard Learning Packs will be available to be collected from school today (Thursday 18 Nov) from 12:00pm – 2:30pm
Please follow the social distancing requirements and wear your masks when entering the school grounds.

Malo, 

Poto 

PARENTING THROUGH LOCKDOWN WITH PIO

Here’s a great opportunity to hear some great speakers who will be very entertaining. Thanks ATWC for this opportunity.

You will remember Pio from our whanau evening a couple of years back.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MNTbi_s4MPRJKfqO5LuK0u7Ji7IRgejr/view?usp=sharing

GTS RETURN TO SCHOOL DETAILS  After much consideration I can now let you know how GTS will be handling our return to school.

IMPORTANT DATES

Monday 15 November – Friday 26 November

Online Home Learning will continue as we have been with Google Meets at 10am and 2pm. 

Monday 29 November

Teacher Only Day to prepare for opening the school.

Google Meets will only be at 10am

Tuesday 30 November

GTS WILL OPEN

Details of what this will look like will follow, however we are hoping to be able to open to the whole school.

ALL Devices and chargers to be returned to school for stocktake (Learner owned and school owned)

Tuesday 14 December

Last day of school for the year

Tuesday 8 February

First day of 2022

If Online Home Learning is going to be an issue for your family, please email me at chrish@glentaylor.school.nz so we can discuss options for your children.  We are here to support your whānau anyway we can.

REASONS FOR THIS PLAN

Goal:  Give the kids the opportunity to socialise and rebuild relationships with each other and their teachers in a safe environment.  

Goal:  To farewell our Year 8’s the way they deserve to be farewelled.

We have worked very hard to get our online learning working so effectively and with the launch of our latest competition we feel it is the best way for the next 2 weeks.  During those 2 weeks we will be planning an awesome programme for all the kids when we get back onsite at GTS.  It will be full of fun, creative, engaging, team building, relationship building stuff.  There will be NO Chromebooks, NO iPads.

The swimming pool, bike track, whare kai, field and hall will all be used extensively.

We hope that by 30 November (as long as the vaccine rates are at 90%) we should be able to open to everyone without having to worry about who can and can’t attend.  If for some reason we still have restrictions then we will be prepared to ensure we follow all the safety guidelines.

The feedback we have received from you is that there is still some nervousness about Covid and kids attending school.  As a result of this feedback we truly feel this plan is the most effective and safe way to reintroduce our kids back into the school environment. 

I will continue to update you with any news and information that comes to hand.  I really appreciate your support and patience.  This has been a very difficult time for us all and if we do what is best for our tamariki then hopefully we will enjoy getting back to whatever the new normal will look like, including having our kids at school in person with their mates and teachers.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.  chrish@glentaylor.school.nz 

Kia Kaha

Chris

2022 CLASS LISTS

Kia ora whanau

We are starting to look at class lists for 2022.
If you would like to make requests or discuss your child’s placement in 2022 please email me at chrish@glentaylor.school.nz and we will organise a time to meet.

2022 Classes/Year Groups/Teachers

Rm 2     Year 1       Tania Botha
Rm 3     Year 1-2    Mandy Hu
Rm 4     Year 1-2    Dee Karl
Rm 5     Year5-6     Manpreet Dhaliwal
Rm 6     Year 5-6    Pia Sok
Rm 8     Year 3-4    Brittany Smith
Rm 9     Year 3-4    Elena Terekhina
Rm 10   Year 3-4    Karika Dormehl
Rm 11    Year 7-8   Christine Tupou Fonua
Rm 12    Year 6-7   Ronil Raj
Rm 13    Year 7-8   Mary Fonua

Look forward to hearing from you if you have anything to discuss.

Kia Kaha
Chris

Great deals at Torpedo 7. Feel free to share far and wide.

Torpedo 7 Poster

HARD LEARNING PACKS

Hard Learning Packs will be available to be collected from school today (Monday) from 12:30pm – 3:00pm

Please follow the social distancing requirements and wear your masks when entering the school grounds.

Kia Kaha
Chris

THE GREAT GTS ONLINE LEARNING CHALLENGE – starts Monday

As we announced at assembly today we are starting the Great GTS Online Learning Challenge on Monday.

All you have to do is turn up to every google meet for the next 2 weeks and each time you join you will get an entry into the Super Draw on December 10.
Check out the promo video and poster.
– $10,000 worth of prizes!!
– 40″ HD TV
– Chromebooks
– I-pads
– Vouchers for all sorts of places
– Pool Parties
– Plus much much more!!

Let’s get involved and make this the most successful two weeks of online learning we have seen yet!!

Promo Poster

Promo Video

HARD LEARNING PACKS

Hard Learning Packs will be available to be collected from school tomorrow (Friday) from 9am – 2:30pm.

Please follow the social distancing requirements and wear your masks when entering the school grounds.

Huge thanks to those who were able to make it up to school today to collect theirs.

Kia Kaha
Chris

FINANCIAL SUPPORT AVAILABLE!!

Financial support for struggling families. If times are tough as they are for so many of us, this is a great opportunity to get some support. Please make the most of it if you need.

#noshameinaskingforhelp

It’s been a tough year for many: we know that as a result of alert level restrictions, many families have had either no work or reduced work and have therefore had a significant drop in income.

If you know any families needing help with putting food or kai on the table or paying an overdue bill, support may be available from the Ministry of Social Development.

Understanding this is an expensive time of year for families, income limits for hardship assistance have been increased from 1 November 2021 until 28 February 2022.

If you know of any families finding things tough financially, Work and Income have an online check what you might get guide. https://check.msd.govt.nz/

You’ll need to answer some simple questions about your situation, then Work and Income will let you know if there are any payments you can get. It only takes about five minutes to check what you might get, and you don’t need to be getting a benefit to be eligible.

Your answers are completely confidential, and they won’t be saved or used in any way. Alternatively, call 0800 559 009.

WEEK 4 ASSEMBLY – FRIDAY 11AM

Week 4 Assembly: Friday 11am. Hosted by none other but the remarkable Room 2.

Use the following link to access the assembly.

http://meet.google.com/fwt-nmpi-auf

RETURNING TO SCHOOL AT GTS

Kia ora whanau

Many of you will have seen the announcement that schools can re-open from November 15.  It is unlikely GTS will be opening on this date.

As you know at GTS we are all about what is best for our kids, staff and community.  We are currently working with many different agencies to ensure that any decision we make is in the best interest of us all.  This will take time and we appreciate your understanding and support.

Home Learning (that we have been doing with such great success) will continue while we develop our plan.  I will update you as soon as possible with confirmed dates and plans and processes.  I hope to be able to confirm this with you by Monday at the latest.

If any of your circumstances have changed and more support for your child is needed please contact me on chrish@glentaylor.school.nz to discuss some options.

Kia Kaha

Chris

NEW AND UPDATED HARD LEARNING PACKS

Kia Ora Whanau

We now have stock of new and improved hard learning packs. These will be available for collection today (Thursday) from 12:30pm – 3:30pm.
It will be a contactless pick up. Please come with your child’s name (hopefully you know that!), Room Number and Year Group.
Please keep 2m apart from anyone while lining up to receive your pack/s.

Kia Kaha
Chris

Covid: Returning to School Survey

Kia ora whanau
With the government making a decision next week about when we will return to school it dawned on me that nobody has consulted directly with whanau about their concerns and what supports are needed.
I am working with DHB and MOE and have created a short survey where you can express your concerns and let us know what supports you need.
Please take some time to completed the survey below. It would be great if you could have it done by Wednesday.
Also feel free to share with others outside the GTS Community. The more voices we hear from the better prepared we will be to make informed decisions about opening of schools.
Kia Kaha
Chris

https://forms.gle/J1DrN9LhMvjQsDoA7

GTS Assembly Link: Week 3

Week 3 GTS Assembly
This weeks assembly is being hosted by none other than Room 8
11am Friday 5 November
Use the following link:

View

Week 3 GTS Assembly

This weeks assembly is being hosted by none other than Room 8
11am Friday 5 November
Use the following link:
meet.google.com/fwt-nmpi-auf

Tamaki College are holding a 2 day Vaccination Drive. 11 – 12 November. Details in the links below.

A great opportunity to get vaccinated. 11 – 12 November at Tamaki College.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lNrdowXEn0UvSmqM5u9GsxtCzj7LCH4C/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tyAjuXcDWJJAfQIqE-mrK56zk6Z9jb8G/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bmsRoourEmehlyb6VARbo4TqDQPsUJtM/view?usp=sharing

PASIFIKA FONO ON COVID AND CHILD WELLBEING – Tuesday 2 November, 7pm – 8pm. See the poster below for details.

Here is an amazing opportunity to hear from some of our Pasifika Leaders aboput Covid and Child Wellbeing. I strongly urge you all to make some trime to join the zoom meeting. That includes our non-pasifika whanau.
Pasifika Fono Poster

Covid Drive Through Event – Friday and Saturday. Check out the poster below

Why wouldn’t you go get jabbed?? Cash prizes!!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pjil62IaYT2o0AeFt1asRbZFTnPx5kyx/view?usp=sharing

CAN YOU HELP THIS AWESOME INITIATIVE?

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OVxgUPClGaEtnNwKvmByAbiu8nsaVw2FtWLbayWk-KQ/edit

PLANNING FOR A RETURN TO SCHOOL

Kia ora whanau

I am writing to you following the Government’s announcement that plans are underway to support the return to onsite learning for our schools who are in Alert Level 3 areas and to do this in a way that is as safe as possible.

The restrictions of Alert Level 3 and 4 have been a real challenge to the wellbeing of our tamariki and whānau and we have heard from many of you that your tamariki are keen to see their friends and teachers kanohi ki te kanohi.

You can be reassured that any decisions about bringing more children and staff on-site will be done in accordance with strict public health guidance – so what on-site learning will look like will be different than Alert Level 2 or Alert Level 1 settings.

The earliest a return to school will happen is 15 November, and we will provide more information about this closer to the time. I can assure you that all our decisions will be in the best interests of the kids. As updates come to hand I will continue to update you with the details.

In the meantime, vaccination and testing remains the best thing we can do to keep whānau and our community as safe as possible. COVID-19 is finding those who are unvaccinated in this outbreak.

For this current outbreak (as at 25 October), 224 people have been hospitalised with only 6 (<3%) of these people fully vaccinated. Of the 2,681 cases in the outbreak, 1,984 (74%) had not received one dose of the vaccine (541 were not eligible for vaccination as they were under 12).

We need to look after our most vulnerable people, and it is great to see our community vaccination rates continue to go up. There are also now three million New Zealanders fully vaccinated – which is fantastic news!

Please do encourage your friends and whānau who might be worried about the vaccine to seek good information from health practitioners, so they can make a well-informed decision.

Ngā mihi

Kia Kaha
Chris

Link for tonights Q&A with Chris

https://meet.google.com/umj-fpzk-vkp?authuser=0

REMINDER: It’s Tonight at 6pm GTS Q&A with Chris Wednesday 27 October 6pm

This is an opportunity to meet with Chris and ask any questions you may have about what school will look like for the rest of the year. We can discuss things like assessments, reports, end of year events, will we back at school etc.
Use this link to access the meet
meet.google.com/umj-fpzk-vkp

GTS Q&A with Chris – 6pm Wednesday 27October

This is an opportunity to meet with Chris and ask any questions you may have about what school will look like for the rest of the year. We can discuss things like assessments, reports, end of year events, will we back at school etc.

Use this link to access the meet

meet.google.com/umj-fpzk-vkp

GTS UPDATE – Please read the updates below.

Good Evening GTS WhanauTrust you all had a relaxing weekend and have enjoyed your day off today.

Just wanted to touch base with you all and update you with how things are going at GTS.

*. I want to thank all of our staff who have been amazing in getting online learning back up and running last week, especially as we were all hoping to be back at school. Please support all this hard work by ensuring your child attends both Google Meets 10am and 2pm daily (no Friday afternoon Meets)

*. As you would have heard in the media we will continue to do online learning until 90% of Auckland has been double vaccinated. I urge you to get your vaccinations if you haven’t done so already. Those who have I thank you.

*. Many of you may have some questions about school and what is happening for the remainder of the year. Questions around assessments, reports, will we be back etc. So on Wednesday at 6pm I will host a Q&A via Google Meets where you can come along and ask anything you may have questions about. I will send another post with the link to the meet.

*. This Friday 29 October there will be no Google Meets or Assembly as all our staff will be attending the Manaiakalani Wananga (Online). This is where we get to look at our data for the year, hear from our Innovative Teachers and start to plan for 2022. Each class will have work on their site that your child can carry on with.

*. We have blocked off all entrances to the school. You are not allowed to come onto the school grounds without prior permission from the principal. This is for the safety of the whole community. Please understand and respect this decision.

*. Finally a reminder that what we are going through is a first. Remember to look after yourselves, get outside and enjoy the fresh air, talk with your whanau and remember all you can do is your best. You will have good days and bad days. You are not the only one that has this range of feelings and emotions. Everyone is in the same boat. If you need support ASK FOR IT!!!

Kia Kaha
Chris