Kia ora Parents and Caregivers,

Following this afternoon's Government announcement it is no real surprise that Auckland will continue to remain in Alert Level 4 for another 2 weeks.

As we embark on another week of distance learning we wanted to share how proud we are of the wide range of rich learning experiences that are taking place Here you can see a small sample of what’s been going on - there is everything from outdoor obstacle courses to writing about rocket launches, designing maps and working out angles, creating perspective photos, singing performances and baking (that’s if you can purchase flour!)

It has been wonderful to see the uptake this week from our year 7 and 8 parents, sharing their expertise about a range of different careers. From architects to scientists, designers to business owners, the learners have lots of rich learning ahead of them! This is linked to our Term 3 concept of community, as the learners have been exploring what job opportunities are out there in their community and what their community might need in the future. The year 7 and 8 team are overwhelmed with the response from whānau!

Our attendance rates continue to remain incredibly high. Last week we saw three days of reaching almost 93%. Today we are tracking above 92% which is fantastic.

In talking to a number of teachers from other schools around NZ, what has become apparent is the quality of distance learning we are able to deliver to our children. It is not hit and miss at Stonefields School, rather we are able to strategically deliver learning that is related to your child's next steps through SchoolTalk, and the learning continues. We should all feel proud!

We are all in this together | Te whakakotahi i ngā mea papai katoa

Sarah and Team

During these uncertain times it is important to be mindful of your own and your children’s wellbeing. We continue to update the Wellbeing page on the COVID site for whānau | families. The Wellbeing section has had a bit of a refresh and we've added lots of contact details for support agencies, along with some great ideas to support your whole family's wellbeing. Click here to access.

Hard-copy Resource Packs for years 0 - 2

Hard packs for learners of years 0-2 will start being deployed from tomorrow. There are 9 MOE and MOH guidelines that must be followed to ensure contactless collection. Please refer to the separate email to book your pick up time.

Knowledge Builders | Tupu Mātauranga Card Packs Years 0-8

These are currently being printed and may not arrive until early next week. The guidelines for contactless pickup that must be adhered to make it too challenging to deploy a single pack of cards.

Instead we have created further activity ideas for the digital copies of the packs to be used at home. These have now been added to the COVID resource site for Whānau | families.

A site has also been created for children to test themselves on the times tables and division facts. It has group and individual challenges and leader boards to add to the fun!

Other Learning Opportunities Blog

Our team has been developing further learning experiences to add to the Other Learning Opportunities Blog. These experiences are designed for the 3/3 (afternoon) of the day. They can be found by clicking here. Please return to the site regularly as new content will be added regularly. Our specialist teachers also continue to share the music, PE and Visual Art experiences through this blog.

Device Issues or Partial Access

If your child/children still do not have access, or have only ‘partial access’ to a device, or if your device has stopped working, please get in touch with the relevant Hub teacher as soon as possible so we can help you to find a solution.

NetSafe Cyber Session

A timely information session given we are currently learning online - Netsafe will share the opportunities and challenges of digital technology and the practical steps you can take to minimise the chance of harm and help tamariki stay safe online.

The cybersafety session presented by NetSafe will go ahead this Wednesday 1st September as an online session via Zoom https://netsafe-org-nz.zoom.us/j/84633192571 - Meeting ID: 846 3319 2571.

We have moved the time forward to 4pm, and a recording of the session will be made available to those who are unable to attend.

Whānau Hui

The whānau hui scheduled for tomorrow night has been postponed. We will keep you informed of the rescheduled date.