Pupils oppose running race
A school is defending its decision to hold a cross-country running race, despite concerns from students about the risk of spreading coronavirus.
Macleans College, in southeast Auckland, will hold the competition on Friday.
It will involve more than 2000 students.
The event has sparked concerns from a large group of students, who claim it is irresponsible of the school to hold the event, and it could put their wellbeing at risk.
The school was ‘‘gambling with the safety of its students for the sake of prestige and competition’’ and students were not going to stand for it, they said.
‘‘It’s put many students on edge,’’ a student said.
‘‘By allowing cross-country to go forward, Macleans’ administrators are putting us at a higher risk of becoming ill with Covid-19.’’
The students questioned how physical distancing would be managed at the beginning and during the race.
‘‘We are left to assume that students will be corralled at the starting line and made to run in close quarters, with all the coughing, wheezing and sweating associated with cross-country.’’
The school had kept assemblies small to help stop the possible spread of the virus, but was going through with the crosscountry race and it didn’t make sense, the student said.
‘‘My fellow students are extremely uneasy at the idea of an entire school running down one path over the course of two hours.
‘‘Students are being unnecessarily put at risk, especially those who experience asthma and other respiratory problems, and this is not acceptable.’’ Macleans College principal Steven Hargreaves said schools are exempt from social gathering restrictions in alert level two and, unlike assemblies, which are held in the hall with limited space, the crosscountry event will be out on an open field.
Hargreaves said the school had considered the event, looking at health and safety guidelines, before giving the green light.
‘‘Cross-country will be held across several acres of park, equivalent to the size of three rugby fields.’’
He called on any parent or student to speak to him on any concerns about the cross-country.