MNS Overview information for Miramar North School at Alert Level 2 We have worked our way through another transition, well done to our MNS Community. School opens on Monday 18 May. We will continue to follow the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education rules and guidelines to manage all of the areas

identified below. While we know many of you will be anxious at this time, we will ensure that school is the safest possible place for your children to be outside of your family bubbles. Principal’s Letter May 11 regarding Alert Level 2.

Classrooms  At Pick up and Drop Off  Managing Attendance & Contact Tracing   

Letter From Syndicate Leaders: Alert Level 2 Under Alert Level 2,

● All students need to be washing their hands regularly.

● All students will use soap and wash their hands on arrival to school, before intervals and after intervals.

● Hand sanitiser stations will be set up at the designated points for each classroom. and everyone will use this hand sanitiser as they enter and exit the rooms. This will be supervised by staff.

● Our cleaners are following the Ministry of Health Guidelines.

● Many students have their own stationery, supplies and will be encouraged not to share these.

● School devices will be sanitised and charged at school each night. This includes toys, games, and commonly used resources.

● Children will be required to bring their own named water bottle to school each day.

To save congestion, if possible, we prefer that parents say their goodbyes at the school gate. We know parents of young children and/or children who may be feeling reluctant to return to school, will want to walk them to the verandah outside their class and this is fine. Everyone (except students) entering school grounds must complete

contact tracing requirements.

Arrival at school from 8:30 am Our support staff will be at 3 entry points to welcome children back. These points are Weka St Main driveway entrance, Miramar North Road- step entry to school, and the Northern gate entry pathway further along Weka St. Teachers will be waiting for children on their verandahs.

Departure from school from 2:45 pm We understand there are pre-school & Intermediate pickups so we will be staggering departure times to accommodate this. Children may be collected from 2:45 pm.

● The remaining children will leave school as normal at 3:00 pm ● We ask that all families leave the school grounds after collecting their

children, please do not stay and play on the school grounds

★ Students and Staff will not attend if they are unwell. ★ Students and Staff who become unwell with symptoms of Covid-19 virus during the school

day will be sent home and a Covid-19 swab and result will be required before they return to school (this is in line with National Guidelines).

Absences: As per usual, please advise the office of any absences by using the school app (this is our preferred method) or by ringing the absence line - 04 388 6657. It is important to state the reason for your child's absence so the correct coding can be used. If you already know that you are going to keep your child/children at home for any length of time during level 2 please let Belinda know at reception@mns.school.nz as soon as possible to ease the rush on Monday morning. Contact Tracing instructions The Covid-19 contact tracing records (collected via MNS app) will provide vital information to public health authorities if they need to contact people that might be considered a close contact of a confirmed case and determine whether they will need to self-isolate

Staffroom Bubble  In the playground  Syndicate Bubbles 

● Staff are expected to maintain a minimum of 1m physical distance at all times including in the staffroom.

● Cups, spoons etc. to be personally handled into the dishwasher or staff keep their own items.

● Person emptying the dishwasher wears a mask and a fresh set of gloves.

● Soap and sanitiser will be provided in the staffroom. Disinfectant/wipes available to be used on shared keypads (e.g. photocopier and alarm).

● Break time activities can include access to sports equipment including playgrounds but hygiene practice should be observed before and after playing with equipment. Each class will have their own equipment.

● Drinking fountains will remain turned off. Students will need a named drink bottle at school.

● At the beginning and end of the interval and lunch breaks, Students will wash their hands.

● Students will have their morning tea and lunch outside weather permitting. Teachers will supervise eating as per usual.

● Lunch boxes will be stored in student bags.

.There is no bubble concept at Alert Level 2 so there are no restrictions on groups of students mixing with others on site. However, we would like to manage all the things that are within our control during this Alert Level. Physical Distancing – Physical distancing is a good precaution to prevent the spread of disease. Children, young people and staff should be far enough away from each other so that they are not breathing on or touching each other, coupled with good hygiene practices and regular cleaning of commonly touched surfaces. There does not need to be a specific measurement but where practicable, 1 metre should be used as a guide, particularly between adults.

Watch this video for a fun student-friendly summary.

Cleaning and Hygiene  Extra Activities  Reporting to Parents in Term 2 

● Cleaners will complete daily cleans in line with the Ministry of Health guidelines.

● We will continue to model good hygiene practices (coughing

into your elbow, sneezing into a tissue, handwashing and drying) and regular cleaning of commonly touched surfaces.

We have chosen to continue to limit all non-essential curriculum activity.

● No syndicate or school huis for the remainder of Alert Level 2. ● No Kapa Haka for the remainder of Alert Level 2. ● We will assess how music programmes can operate with distancing.

Music and the Arts are an important part of children’s well- being.

When students return to school in Alert Level 2 their well-being will be our number one priority before any academic learning and assessment takes place. We will update you on our decision in this area once we have settled back into school.