As the week draws to a close I thought I would reach out to you all with some reminders during the COVID outbreak.  While for some families it may feel like the worst is over, as their whānau have worked through the illness and returned to work and school, for others this is not the case.  Today, for example, we have over 130 students away from school - most are isolating as a result of being household contacts or being positive themselves and others are just dealing with common colds and general illness.  THANK YOU for helping to keep SWIS a safe space for children to attend by keeping your child home if they are unwell.

Please keep telling us if your child tests positive and/or if they are a household contact.

To do this, you can call or text me, Toby Stokes (Principal) on 022 536 8035 to let me know.  You can also email your child’s teacher and include me in this email (principal@swis.school.nz) if this is easier for you.

Every class has online learning for students to continue with.  We also have printed materials for students to use while they are isolating at home.  Please reach out to your child's teacher about these resources.

Follow these flow charts to determine what your steps are in relation to isolation periods.  We want students to return as soon as they are able to, so these guides will help you in making the right decisions in regards to this.

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

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.