This is a good time for us all to check our systems for coping with the aftermath of a large earthquake / Tsunami. 

Over the next week, your child(ren) will bring home a print out of the Student Profile Update Form - showing the details we currently have on file. 

Please:

• • check the form carefully

  • update the form - adding or updating emergency contacts who have permission to collect your child in an emergency evacuation. 

  • Please write their name(s), contact number, and address in the space provided. 

  • Update any other relevant details (eg allergies, medical conditions)

  • sign the form

  • send the form back to school (even if no changes) by: Thursday 7 November 

It is important that you understand that in the case of an emergency, your child(ren) would only be released to adults who are on their emergency contact list (not to other family, friends or neighbours who are not on their emergency contact list). 

• Please choose emergency contacts who live (or work) nearby, as access to the city may be restricted after a large earthquake.

• No children would be allowed to walk, bike, bus or make their own way home in an emergency.

Thankfully most of SFDS School is within the Tsunami Safe Zone (the bottom courts are in the yellow zone): https://www.wremo.nz/assets/Tsunami-Maps/Wellington-/032-Owhiro-Island-Bay-Taputeranga.pdf 

So that you know...

• All classrooms, the library and the office have (orange) grab-bags of important items that are taken to the assembly area when the school is evacuated. 

• Emergency supplies are kept in the PE shed and the water is changed annually. We also have water purification tablets, and other necessary supplies. 

• In the case of an emergency at school, it is very unlikely that you would be able to get through to us via phone or email - all staff would be busy keeping the children calm and safe, and the phones may not be in service. But we would take very good care of your child(ren). 

Here are the Tsunami zones in our area of Wellington. Most of the St Francis de Sales School property is in the safe zone (apart from the bottom courts). 

Our assembly / reunification area is on the 'Top Turf' - up at the back of our school. It is from this area that you would be asked to collect your child(ren).

Fortunately the Island Bay Community Hub is located just up the road at Island Bay School. This is where we would accompany remaining children once access is safe.  Several staff would remain with the children while at the Community Hub. The Hub has Civil Defence VHF radio for urgent communications, and is well stocked for managing the hours or days of isolation following a large earthquake. 

Movember 

This term Tom, Michael and Ronan will be growing fabulous moustaches for Movember to raise awareness and funds for men's physical health, mental health and suicide prevention.  Last year our team raised $730 for this worthy cause.  If you would like to contribute, please go to following  link https://nz.movember.com/team/2428531 Last year we raised a whopping $750 which exceeded our expectations! Every little bit helps for this amazing cause!