Kia ora koutou,

You will recall that Minister of Education Chris Hipkins announced the move to Covid-19 Orange setting from Wednesday 13 April.  

Since then it was no longer compulsory for schools to require mask-wearing. Schools were tasked with making sure they continued to review the health and safety conditions for their students and staff and monitor the number of COVID cases in the school community.  It was expected that, if the need arose, then Boards of Trustees would decide if mandating masks use for a short period of time was warranted.
 

We believe, that after tracking the number of COVID cases in our student and staff population, it is appropriate to mandate the use of masks at South Wellington Intermediate School for the next two weeks.  

From the start of the school day tomorrow all students and staff who are able to do so will be required to wear masks while inside the buildings.

Visitors to the school will also need to be compliant with our current mask-wearing requirement.  
 

The data I refer to above is detailed on the graph below (also found by clicking here).  We are seeing a rise in case numbers and also in the number of students self-isolating.  These are current as of Friday and over the weekend further students have tested positive.

There may be students who are exempt from wearing a mask and I am happy for you to email me directly to confirm these details.  My email address is principal@swis.school.nz

The school’s leadership team along with the Board of Trustees will reassess the situation on Monday, June 20th then communicate this decision to you.

Thank you for your ongoing support during these changing times. 
Ngā mihi nui,
Toby Stokes (he/him/his)
Principal / Tumuaki
South Wellington Intermediate School
Our Mission: Challenge – Engage – Inquire – Inspire