Schools ready to open gates
After weeks of homeschooling, online lessons and isolation from their mates and teachers, Manawatu¯ children are ready to return to the classroom.
Schools open fully on Monday after closing almost two months ago, although some pupils returned at the onset of level 3.
It will almost be business as usual, but strict emphasis will be placed on hygiene and cleaning, contact tracing and minimising contact. People showing signs of illness will be sent home.
Children and teachers are itching to return to the classroom and schools want to reconnect with their pupils.
Nick Rate, principal of Russell Street School in Palmerston North, said staff were in good spirits about starting again.
Rate ran a safety briefing on Thursday to make sure the school was safe. He said health and safety, learning and people’s wellbeing were priorities.
‘‘We sent out a quick survey to the parent community just to get an indication of who is coming back and by far the great majority were all keen to be here on Monday to the extent we’ve got new entrants starting for the first time.
‘‘People are ready to come back to that sense of normality and getting back into a steady routine.’’
Palmerston North Girls’ High School principal Tracy Walker said the school was developing a safety and management plan for its reopening under level 2.
The school will observe social distancing and have precautions in place. Bell times will be staggered to avoid large numbers of students in the same place.
The school will be cleaned regularly and students are encouraged to bring their own wipes. Students can use an app to pay for lunch, rather than queueing.
Walker said she wanted to welcome students back and for everyone to be safe, calm and connected.
‘‘We’re focused on mental health and wellbeing. Everyone is looking forward to coming back, but also there’s a heightened level of anxiety for some.
‘‘We’re taking those first few days to work on everyone’s wellbeing.’’
Bunnythorpe School principal Sheree Kilpatrick, a sole-charge principal, will be cleaning as well as teaching.
She has a release teacher and a caretaker to help.
‘‘It is pretty much going to be normal, but just with the extra precautions, hand washing and sanitising.
‘‘Everyone seems to be really excited to be heading back, but they understand there are a few restrictions in place.’’
Only one of the school’s 18 pupils is likely to stay at home initially.
Palmerston North Boys’ High School rector David Bovey said he was looking forward to having the students back at school, but people needed to be mindful of new safety regulations.
He said the boys were keen to reunite with friends and get involved in extracurricular activities.
Routine and social interaction were important for the boys and there was no substitute for face-toface learning, Bovey said.
Ruahine Kindergarten Association has 25 kindergartens and early learning centres across Manawatu¯ and chief executive Alison Rudzki expected most children and staff back.
Rudzki said she wanted to ensure the centres were welcoming places and the children were comfortable.
The association has updated its safety plans.
Adults in the centres will have to practise social distancing where possible, there won’t be excursions or community meetings, and there will be strict contact tracing.
‘‘Our hygiene practice is really, really high. [Cleaning] will continue and that’s inside and out.
‘‘All the toys and resources will be back, but we will be very vigilant, doing extra cleaning on a daily basis.’’