Kia ora whanau and caregivers,
Welcome back to a busy term 2 and I trust you all had the opportunity to get some quality family time together over the Easter break.
Any new beginning always has its share of anxiety and excitement, so it is only appropriate that I acknowledge the new students and whanau who start their learning journey with us here at OVS this term. I extend a warm welcome to you all, and it was particularly special that we could all share that welcome at our first OVS powhiri. It was a great start to the term and I would like to acknowledge Matiu Dennison who so capably supported our manuhiri (visitors) with his korero, explanation and waiata.
Welcome Mr T and Tina Cooper
A warm welcome also to Mr Peter Tuhaka, our new property manager . Mr T started this term and is already making a much needed difference. If you see him around our Kura please go up and say hi..
Tina Cooper is another talented addition to the OVS staff. Tina is our new RTLB (Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour). Tina joins our fantastic Learning support team and adds hugely to our student wrap around capability.
Illness
Unfortunately term 2 is also a winter term and illness has already started to do the rounds. We have covid and chickenpox in our kura, both are highly contagious. Please note the relevant health notifications below.
Confirmed Cases of Covid in our Kura.
We would like to inform you that we currently have 3 confirmed cases of covid in our school.
We would ask that all whanau are vigilant around the monitoring your children for any possible signs, and test promptly
The health and wellbeing of our children, staff and community is a top priority so we are closely following the Ministry of Health guidance for schools.
- Reminder: Only the person with covid is legally required to isolate.
- You must self-isolate for 7 days while you recover.
- Day 0 is the day your symptoms started or when you tested positive, whichever came first.
- Household Contacts do not need to isolate. They should test daily for 5 days. If they test positive, they need to begin 7 days of isolation as someone with COVID-19.
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 are raising student and staff awareness
- We have appropriate cleaning procedures in place.
What you need to do
- You and your whānau should be 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.
- 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.
Symptoms of COVID-19
- 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.
Chickenpox in our Kura
What Is Chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a viral infection that causes fever and an itchy rash with spots all over the body. Chickenpox often starts without the classic rash, with a fever, headache, sore throat, or stomachache. These symptoms may last for a few days, with the fever in the 101°–102°F (38.3°–38.8°C) range.
The red, itchy skin rash then usually starts on the belly or back and face. Then it spreads to almost everywhere else on the body, including the scalp, mouth, arms and legs.
The rash begins as many small red bumps that look like pimples or insect bites. They appear in waves over 2 to 4 days, then develop into thin-walled blisters filled with fluid. The blister walls break, leaving open sores, which finally crust over to become dry, brown scabs.
All three stages of the chickenpox rash (red bumps, blisters, and scabs) appear on the body at the same time. The rash may spread wider or be more severe in kids who have weak immune systems or skin disorders like eczema.
Because chickenpox is so contagious, a child who has it should stay home and rest until the rash is gone and all blisters have dried. This usually takes about 1 week. If you’re unsure about whether your child is ready to return to school, ask your doctor.
Supporting our Whanau.
Please find the below some courses that are available for interested whanau and caregivers..
Tuning into Kids – MOE parent course
- Description: Emotionally Intelligent Parenting An eight-session parenting program for parents of 5 and up (school age)
- Venue: Ministry of Education
- When: 9:15 – 11:30am Fridays (8 sessions)
- Contact: Karen Stephenson- 027 287 8974 or Julia McAllister – 027 300 7305
The Incredible Years Autism Programme
- Description: For parents of children aged 2-7 on the autism spectrum
- Start date: Wednesday 19th July (Wednesdays – 14 sessions – 2 hour workshops)
- Venue: TBC
- Dates: July – 19th, 26th, Aug – 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th, Sep – 6th, 13th, 20th, Oct – 11th, 19th, 25th, Nov – 1st
- Contact: incredibleyears.autism@education.govt.nz or Shelley Stringfellow on 0278367498
- To find out more, or visit the Ministry’s website: http://pb4l.tki.org.nz/Incredible-Years-Autism
One off Online Parent Course – Understanding ADHD & ADD
- Description: A TRK online workshop for parents of young people with a diagnosis of ADHD or ADD
- Date: Tuesday 16th May
- When: 5.30pm
- Email to enroll: TRKWHG.Referrals@northlanddhb.org.nz
Dates for your diary
BoT meeting:Wednesday 17th May
Pink Shirt Day (anti bullying) – 19th May
Storylines National Story Tour at OVS – 30th May
Year 5&6 WinterSports Day – 31st May
TAS Jazz band performance at OVS – 7th June
BoT meeting:Wednesday 21st June
Think and be Me – student health programme performance- 26th June
Matariki Community Night: Wednesday 28th of June
Kapa Haka festival: Thursday 29th of June
End of term 2: Friday 30th of June
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