Looking ahead to term 2 ...

Check out the awesome animal art this term, in Art Play with Cindy :)

Hi everyone,

Welcome to week 6 - only two more weeks of our term to go.

We've had a wonderful start to our year. As we go along through the term, the Covid 19 (Coronavirus) situation begins to affect us all, with notices of changes to after school activities, possible school closures and policies around public gatherings.
It's becoming more likely to affect us all in some way.

While we need to make some decisions around what we do in term 2, it's important for families to feel safe now, and keep things running as smoothly as possible in term 1. There is very real fear present for a lot of children as they try to work out what this means for them, and we want to continue providing the fun environment you all have helped to create on Thursdays.

There's a few things to be reminded of:

Hand washing - we'll have extra antiseptic hand washing containers available in all bathrooms at the YMCA. This is in addition to the hand wash provided by the Council. Please note that hand sanitizer is available for everyone to use at the main YMCA reception desk.

Please remind children to bring their own drink bottles, and discourage sharing. Only disposable cups will be available to use at our tea/coffee station. If families can bring their own travel cups to use, that would be great.

If you have been overseas, or live with ANYONE who has been overseas we ask that you remember the self isolation policy of 14 days. This includes your children! If you or your children are unwell, please keep them at home.

If you have any concerns, or questions, please let me know know. I am always contactable and love to hear from you. Phone or text me on 0272209949. Email address is: thehomeschoolgroup@gmail.com

Or see me on Thursdays!

Rae :)

CORONAVIRUS - COVID 19

I would like to ask you all how you feel about the Coronavirus issue as it applies to going forward into term 2.

I know that there is a wide range of opinion and varying degrees of concern about the virus, and how it affects families.

Some of you have talked to me about social distancing and community health concerns - other families are keen to carry on. Some families are already taking time off from Thursdays. I totally understand that families will need to work out what feels right for them on an individual basis.

In thinking ahead to term 2, I would love to know how you feel about attending The Homeschool Group on Thursdays - whether you're considering taking a term off, or you would consider going ahead with classes anyway.

Some of the concerns around continuing might mean that:

we have a reduced timetable and reduced numbers
payment would need to be at time of booking
there will possibly be cancellations with classes and activities (refunds required)

Term 2 runs from 7 May to 25 June. I know that at this stage, it is very difficult to know what will be happening when the new term starts. However, we are already experiencing absences with many families choosing to stay away, and indications are that this may increase in term 2.

Monday morning Jacinda Ardern said the government would be putting out further guidelines and requirements for gatherings early this week.

"The basis of those decisions will be if those gatherings have large numbers of people where they are in close contact with one another, where they for instance aren't in things like allocated seating where it's hard for us to trace them, those gatherings won't be going ahead," she said.

While we are far from having large numbers of people gathering, I'm aware that these comments and restrictions may naturally eventually have a flow on effect as to how people view smaller gatherings also.

Anyway, would love to hear what you think!

You can respond in a number of ways:

Use the survey link below (this an be anonymous or you can put your name into the notes section at the end)

Use the email link to email me directly

Call or text me on 0272209949

Or come and chat to me on Thurday. Whichever option you use, I really would value your feedback, and would appreciate it very much.

Thanks,
Rae :)

Take our quick survey here

EMAIL your response here

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The Homeschool Group is administered by Rae, a homeschooling parent and volunteer. It's run on a break even basis to provide a range of affordable classes for homeschooling families. Contact Rae on 0272 209949 for queries, feedback, discussion (always welcome) or email: thehomeschoolgroup@gmail.com