Kia ora koutou,
 
You’ll be aware that Minister of Education Chris Hipkins announced the move to Covid-19 Orange setting from Wednesday 13 April.
 
I want to give you an update on what the move to Orange means for our school before our students return to start Term 2 on Monday.  
 
The Board of Trustees met on Wednesday (27 April) and resolved to continue to support face mask-wearing at SWIS. But in line with the current guidance from the Ministry of Education, we will no longer require the use of masks.
 
This also follows the current public health advice which is that at Orange, face masks are no longer required at school but should continue to be strongly encouraged when indoors.
 
The Board discussion heard members’ opinions and considered all available information, before the Board passed the resolution.
 
From Monday, children are welcome to bring masks to school (if they are choosing to continue to wear them) and we will continue to supply masks to adults and children as we have done in the past.
 
Just a reminder too that at Orange, students aged 12 and above are still required to wear a face mask on school or public transport.
 
At school, we will continue to keep other measures in place including ensuring our indoor spaces are well-ventilated, encouraging good hand hygiene and cough and sneeze etiquette, and, most importantly, encouraging students and staff to stay home if they are sick. 
 
We are looking forward to seeing you all again on Monday after what I hope has been a nice term break.
 
You are always welcome to contact me or Arlene Smyth, Presiding Member of the Board of Trustees.
 
Ngā mihi,
 
Toby Stokes,
Principal
and
Arlene Smyth 
Presiding Member of South Wellington Intermediate School