School Newsletter Week 4, Term 1
Kia ora koutou,
Thank you for your aroha, support and feedback this week, we truly appreciate it whānau.
PHASE 3: As of 11.59pm yesterday we are at Phase 3 of the Omicron response. With Phase 3, the key change is that it is only confirmed cases and their household contacts who need to self-isolate. Everyone else, including those who may have had close contact with the case but aren’t in the household, must continue to monitor really closely for any symptoms of COVID-19. We will be sharing more support information with you all via SeeSaw and our Facebook Page.
In relation to Ministry advice received last night, along with whānau feedback, we will be adjusting our approach to Phase 3 of the Omicron response starting this Monday the 28th of February.
Firstly, thank you for your patience in working through the recent changes to the entry/exit process. Following much reflection we have found the recent entry/exit systems have not resulted in reducing congestion. Therefore, we have made the following amendments alongside more recent Ministry advice:
Tamariki can enter the school via any gate and at any time but will need to be made aware of the importance of social distancing (minimising opportunity for direct respiratory contact)
We will be continuing with designated areas - so on entry via King Street & Alexander Ave tamariki must head directly to their class (ie. Reo Rua via Dental Clinic, Juniors via Room 19 Gate still)
We will resume Road Patrol.
The following will also apply:
School will start and end at the usual times 8.45am – 2.40pm
Effective mask-wearing inside by ALL staff and by students in Year 4 and up will continue
We will continue with staggered break times and designated areas to keep staff safe / separate as to minimize the risk off our staff getting sick
We will be re-opening the swimming pool. The library and hall will remain closed
We will also be reviewing our approach to sports, well-being activities and transition visits.
It is only natural that as cases in our community increase, they will appear in our school. We have a caring team and good systems in place to respond to this and to keep any spread of the virus – should it appear – to a minimum.
Your job remains the same whānau: please continue to keep a really close watch of your whānau for anyone with symptoms. If unwell, please stay at home and get advice about getting a COVID-19 test. If anyone in your whānau is confirmed as having COVID-19, you will be asked to notify your close contacts yourself and please get in touch with us as soon as you can if your child has tested positive for COVID-19.
If you have any concerns about sending your child to school at any time please do get in touch by contacting the school office on
(07) 30 87645 or your child’s teacher directly via SeeSaw/FB. We are here to help.
Aku mihi,
Matua Rikki
New Staff at our Kura
This week we introduce two more kaiako at our kura
Sarah Afriyie-Agyemang is in Kahikatea 4
Kia ora, I'm Whaea Sarah.
This is my first year teaching and I'm super excited to be part of the Senior Team in Room 4. The tamariki at Allandale are so energetic and kind, which makes coming to school fun and deeply rewarding. Before becoming a teacher, I worked in wildlife conservation. I'll be bringing my passion for the environment with me and connecting our learning to Whakatane's beautiful outdoors.
Rangihotuana Monaghan is our new Kaiako in Mawhitiwhiti 14.
Ko Parekohe me Pūtauaki ōku maunga
Ko Waikekereao me Ōhinemataroa ōku awa
Ko Hāmua me Ngāti Pūkeko ōku hapū
Ko Waikirikiri me Pūkeko ōku marae
Ko Tuhoe me Ngāti Awa ōku iwi
I am passionate about all things of Te Ao Māori. I strive to ensure I teach māori education and develop higher levels throughout year groups of students, particularly within the mātauranga of our customs and traditions. I am thankful for Te Kura o Motueka for giving me the opportunity to work alongside Whaea Mariana implementing Te Reo Māori me ōna Tikanga and starting total immersion Te Reo in our classroom (Māwhitiwhiti – Room 14).
Nāku noa
Whaea Hotu
School Housekeeping
School Photos are being taken Tuesday 15th of March. We have sent home envelopes that can be returned to our office with the money.
Drink bottles - please ensure that your child has their drink bottle with water every day as our fountains are still closed in Phase 3.
With the temperature being a little bit cooler in the mornings, please name all uniform as we are coming across a lot of unnamed jerseys.
We are still providing face masks to children but they are welcome to bring their own from home.
Hats are part of our school uniform for Terms 1 and 4.
School pool will be open again so it's a good idea to bring togs every day.
