Principal's Welcome 

17 September 2021 (Friday)

Kia Ora Tātou

Continuation of Level 4

The continuation of lockdown at Level 4 is disappointing but expected given the risk to the community. I understand the concern among parents and students, particularly those at Year 12 and 13, about exam preparation and entry to tertiary institutions. There has been considerable discussion involving Auckland Principals, the Ministry of Education and NZQA. Changes have already been made to University Entrance requirements and the provision of Learning Recognition Credits for those students that need them. Further details about these are on the college website on the Covid 19 update page.

The situation we are in is not unique to Glendowie College and is being experienced by all schools in Auckland. We have been through this last year and student results in NCEA were at their usual high level. On top of the changes made by NZQA we have systems in place that will help senior students prioritise their assessment requirements.

I want to thank you for the commitment in supporting your children’s learning. Online learning is less effective than face to face learning. Some students have effective self management strategies while others need a lot more direction and support. Within this context teachers are working very hard to keep students engaged and interested while ensuring that the student workload is manageable.

We are all looking forward to Level 2 when we can all be back at school.

Move to Level 3

At the time of writing this newsletter, the plan is for Auckland to move to level 3 at 11.59pm on Tuesday 21 September. The implications of this on Glendowie College are as follows:

• The college will not be open for instruction, however, Year 9 or 10 students who are children of essential workers can attend school if their parents do not have any other childcare arrangements. Students would be undertaking online learning but based at school. If you need to send your Year 9 or 10 child to school, can you please phone or email reception so that supervision can be organised.
• People who wish to drop off 2022 enrolment forms or cups and trophies to be returned for the Awards ceremonies can do so in the Reception foyer between the hours of 9.00am and 3.00pm.
• If staff wish to distribute classroom resources they will contact students directly. Students will be required to come into school at pre-arranged times, wear masks and maintain social distancing. Essential resources only will be distributed.

Return to Level 2

Further information will be sent out by email and posted on the website and social media prior to a move to Covid Level 2. Ministry of Health guidelines will be adhered to and the wearing of masks strongly recommended.

As Level 2 limits the size of groups that can congregate events such as the Senior Prizegiving, Arts Awards and Sports Awards will follow different formats with only a limited number of parents able to be invited. It will also mean that the Graduation Dinner for 2021 will have to be cancelled.

2021 Graduation Dinner Cancelled

It is with regret that I have made the decision to cancel the Graduation Dinner. I know that this is an important occasion for both Year 13 students and their parents as it is a celebration that symbolises the end of thirteen years of schooling. Families will be very disappointed that the event will not take place. The Graduation Dinner was scheduled for 9 November and due to the NCEA exams being delayed for two weeks it is not possible for this to be moved to a later date.

The Delta strain of Covid 19 has major health risks and it is necessary to minimise the risk to students. Under Level 2 gathering sizes are limited and it is unlikely that by early November an indoor gathering of approximately 500 people will be possible. I thought it appropriate to inform you of this decision as early as possible rather than at the last moment.

Changes to 2022 Out of Zone Enrolment Deadlines

The deadline for 2022 out of zone enrolments has been extended to Wednesday 29 September 2021. The ballot will now take place on Friday 1 October 2021. If in-zone and out of zone enrolments are able to be submitted electronically, can this please be undertaken as soon as possible. When Auckland moves to level 3 restrictions although the college will be closed for instruction, enrolment forms will be able to be dropped off.

Ngā mihi nui

Gordon Robertson

Principal

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