In my email a few days ago I mentioned that we have had positive cases within our community.  This continues to be the situation, but I am really pleased with how you and the staff at SWIS, are handling this situation. At Phase 3 of the Omicron response, only cases and household contacts are legally required to isolate and whānau are informing us of when this is necessary.  Please continue to do so by calling me, Toby Stokes (Principal) on 022 536 8035 if there is a positive case within your household or your child is confirmed positive.  You can also email your child’s teacher and include me in this email (principal@swis.school.nz) if this is easier for you.

The health and wellbeing of our children, staff and community continues to be a top priority so we are closely following the Ministry of Health guidance for schools.
Please continue to follow good practices when it comes to your own health and the health of your whānau.
What we’re doing

• We are staying open.  We have measures in place to ensure that face to face teaching continues.  If this is to change, then I will let you know.
• We are using public health measures to reduce the risk in our settings, including masks, physical distancing and ventilation.
• We have appropriate cleaning procedures in place.

• You and your whānau should remain very vigilant about monitoring for symptoms.
• If any symptoms develop, get tested immediately.
• Then, stay at home until you receive a negative result, AND until you or your child is symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
• Wear a face mask when out and about.
• Wash hands often with soap for 20 seconds and dry your hands completely. 
• Wash your hands if you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your face, and cough or sneeze into your elbow or cover your mouth with tissues.
• If you and your whānau haven’t been vaccinated or boosted, please do so as soon as possible. You can book online or call 0800 28 29 26. It’s free.

• A new or worsening cough
• Sneezing and runny nose.
• A fever.
• Temporary loss of smell or altered sense of taste.
• Sore throat.
• Shortness of breath.

 
Less common symptoms include diarrhoea, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, malaise, chest pain, abdominal pain, joint pain, or confusion/irritability.
For more information, go to the Unite Against COVID-19 website.

Follow this flow chart to determine what your steps are as the parent of child who is positive with COVID OR if you yourself are positive:

Remember:

- If your child is well, then they can come to school unless there is a positive household contact

- For those who are not able to attend school online learning is being provided by teachers