WelCom February 2022
There are major challenges ahead for schools as Omicron spreads through our community, says Dr Kevin Shore, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Catholic Education Office (NZCEO).
In a January communication to Catholic schools, Kevin Shore writes: ‘Schools will have to respond to possible staff shortages due to illness and staff having to isolate. If schools face critical staff shortages, they may have to respond by rostering year levels home on certain days, moving to hybrid models of delivery including remote learning in conjunction with face-to-face programmes.’
He says the situation may get ‘somewhat messy – that is the nature of the issue facing our communities but [our schools] will always try and do their best to support and keep our tamariki safe.’
The NZCEO is encouraging parents in the Catholic schools’ community to have their children vaccinated against Covid-19, says Kevin Shore.
‘Vaccination is the most effective method of ensuring not only their health but that of others and, as our New Zealand bishops have stated, all of the Covid-19 vaccines recognised as clinically safe can be used in good conscience.
‘Alongside vaccination, ensuring students stay home when sick, are tested, continue using good hygiene and putting in place physical distancing mechanisms will all support a healthy school environment.’
Kevin notes that having good ventilation is another key strategy which schools are being asked to plan for. The Minister of Education Chris Hipkins has announced that 5,000 portable air cleaners have been ordered for New Zealand schools. Schools will be receiving ventilation self-assessment toolkits with a portable CO2 monitor to identify areas of concern and the right approach to improving ventilation.
‘It is a challenging time for our schools and families, but our principals and staff have proved time and again to be resilient and effective in managing these challenges,’ says Kevin Shore.