In light of recent cases, this information is to support our families and whānau with any Covid-19 queries, and what you need to do.

In advance, we know that this will end up in disruptions to your lives and work, and thank you for your understanding and support.

Please note that we are not the “health experts”, but do know that the Ministry of Health may be delayed in providing advice/guidance to you.

Please also note that this information is subject to change, based on any updated guidelines from the Ministry of Education & Health.

Who do we advise if my child tests positive for Covid-19?

Please contact Aunty Winnie as soon as possible after you have been informed of a positive test result.

Contact: 021 960 562 or winnie@rhodestreet.school.nz

What actions does the school take when there is a positive case?

We follow a response plan based on guidance from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health.

This involves:

• Seeking confirmation of the positive case, and when the infectious period was

• If this was on a school day, we then work through contact tracing

• We will advise classes that are close contacts, via text/email initially, and then a follow-up phone call.

• We will ask parents and whānau to monitor close contacts for any COVID-19 signs and to keep at home and get tested if there are, otherwise please send them to school.

How do we work out who is a Close Contact?

There is detailed guidance around this and a range of criteria. Without going into detail, because our students spend a long time in the same classroom (bubble), this then fits the criteria for being a Close Contact in the ILE and Room 10 classes because they are not wearing face coverings.

My child is a close contact. What does this mean?

This means your child has had contact with a positive case at our school.

They can still come to school if they are showing no symptoms.

Do I need to provide anything before my child is able to return to school if they are a positive case?

No, as long as they isolate at home for seven days.

If my child is a close contact, does the rest of our household also need to isolate?

No, not for our region. We have received official direction from the Waikato District Health Board & Ministry of Education that this no longer applies to the Waikato region.

A member of our household is a close contact. Can my child still attend school?

Yes, as above. Your child is able to attend school.

We received the letter saying that my child is NOT a close contact. What do I need to do?

Most importantly, your child is still able to attend school

• You and your whānau should watch for symptoms

• If any develop, get tested immediately

• Then, stay at home until you receive the result

• Please keep an eye out for school communications

• If your whānau hasn’t been vaccinated, please consider doing so as soon as possible.

My child has tested positive for Covid-19. What does this mean?

This will mean that your child will need to isolate. All family members will be close contacts and also need to isolate for seven days.

Ministry of Health will provide more guidance.

A member of our household has tested positive. What does this mean?

This will mean that your child will be a close contact and also needs to isolate. Ministry of Health will provide more guidance.

My child is feeling unwell (e.g. cough, headache, sore throat etc) Can I still send them to school?

Because these are all symptoms of Covid, please do not send your child to school. While these may be the normal bugs/sniffles that occur, we encourage you to get your child tested.

Is it safe to send my child to school?

Our processes involve working through a detailed contact tracing assessment. If your child is not a close contact in a family who has a positive case living in the same household, then school is still open for them and we encourage you to send them to school as much as you can.

As you know, our students have missed a lot of teaching and learning over the past 2 years, and we really want to see them at school as much as possible.

Our school health and safety plan for Red does contain a large number of protections.

What are you doing to keep my child safe?

All staff, volunteers, contractors on site are vaccinated

We have tested all learning areas with a Co2 monitor and assured the Board that with cross ventilation (doors and windows left open at all times) they are safe.

Staff and students in Year 3 and above are wearing masks

We have staggered break times and areas to assist with contact tracing and minimising contact between large groups of students.

My child is anxious or scared. What advice do you have?

Our onsite team are working hard to make school fun, safe and a place of learning. We encourage you to focus on the things that they can do to help - mask-wearing, washing hands, getting a test (if required)

This website has some useful tips - https://www.kidshealth.org.nz

My child needs to isolate at home. What support will school provide around teaching and learning?

Our support and response will also depend on whether class teachers are also isolating at home. If our teachers are also isolating, they will be in touch to offer our remote learning support (virtual connections, activities etc)

If our teachers are still at school, they will look to connect with you, and we will also arrange for hard packs & some other learning ideas.

Thank you