COVID 19 FAQ

In light of cases spread across NZ, our community and our school this information is to support our families 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.

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, 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 contains a large number of protections to keep your children safe.

What are we doing to keep my child safe?

  • All staff, volunteers, contractors on site are vaccinated

  • We have well-ventilated classrooms

  • Staff and students in Year 5 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.

  • We have cancelled activities and events where students across different classes mix, especially indoors

  • We are learning outdoors when and where possible

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

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

Contact: 02102954027 or principal@redwoodtown.school.nz

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

We will ensure that the positive case is isolated ASAP. We will inform the class that there was a positive case infectious while at school at ask for you to monitor them for symptoms. There is no requirement for a school contact of a positive case to isolate.

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

This will mean that your child qnd your household will need to isolate. All family members will be close contacts and also need to isolate for 10 days and get a test on days and day 10.

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 for 10 days and receive a test on day 3 and day 10.

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.

My child needs to isolate at home. What support will Redwoodtown 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.

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