Thousands back to school
Social distancing, hand sanitisers and a different approach to play will be the new normal when Devon Intermediate reopens on Monday for the first time in seven weeks.
‘‘All classes have sanitisers and soaps, and bathrooms will be a one-in, one-out process - the same for students who are coming to the office,’’ said Jenny Gellen, principal of the New Plymouth school.
The playground has been divided into allocated sections, where students will play in groups so it is easy to contact trace if necessary.
Physical distancing protocols will be in place, and parents have been advised not to come on to the grounds to collect their child unless it is for medical reasons.
‘‘Luckily, the students are of an age they can walk themselves out of the playground, and staff will be visible to reinforce the physical distancing.’’
Gellen said only 14 students, out of nearly 400 year 7 and 8 children, were physically at school on a regular basis during level 3.
A school survey showed about 80 per cent of students would be returning from Monday, while those unable to attend would continue working from home.
‘‘The school will be up and running fully at level 2 and we are really looking forward to welcoming our students back,’’ Gellen said.
All schools and centres will alert level 2, with early childhood open under strict safety rules and physical distancing measures that include regular hand washing and students staying home if they show any sign of illness.
The Ministry of Education said physical distancing at school meant children, young people and staff did not touch or breathe on each other.
If a school had a case of coronavirus, it would close for 72 hours and then potentially for a further 14 days.
Parent Sharon Betts said she had no issues sending her 12-yearold son Charlie, who attends Highlands Intermediate, and
10-year-old Dylan, who attends Fitzroy School, back on Monday.
The boys were ‘‘surprisingly’’ thrilled at the thought of returning to the classroom.
‘‘I feel that the schools will be well versed in the rules they need to follow, and I have complete confidence in our school setup, so I’m quite happy,’’ Betts said.
On Tuesday, Ministry of Education figures showed only two per cent of students attended school in the Taranaki, Whanganui and Manawatu¯ regions, with only 89 schools having one or more students on site.
Sacred Heart Girls’ College principal Paula Wells made the call to keep the school closed during level 3 but would be reopening for all 710 students.
Staff would be having a hui (meeting) this morning to plan for the return of students, but Wells said the wellbeing of students would come before learning.
There would also be no school assemblies, additional activities or meetings involving students, she said.