Flat Bush Primary School - Ōtara

Kia ora FBS whanau,

Masking up for the start of Term 3 

In previous years we have found there is an increase in winter illnesses in schools at the start of 

Term 3 as students bring back infections after travelling and socialising during the holidays. 

This year cases of COVID-19 are increasing in most parts of the country, and we are also seeing high numbers of other winter illnesses.  

For the start of Term 3, 2022, the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health strongly recommend that all students in Years 4 and above wear masks in all indoor settings, for the first four weeks of term. At FBS this involves all learners in Team Whanake and Team Panekiretanga.

This recommendation does not include any situation where mask wearing might not be practicable, such as while eating and drinking, playing certain musical instruments, indoor sport, where it will have a significant impact on teaching and learning (for example, students with particular learning needs), certain activities such as singing or drama performance on stage, and PE. In these situations, particular attentionshould be paid to ensuring there is good ventilation during the activity, and physical distancing where practicable. 

Wearing masks can reduce new cases of the virus by as much as 53%. It works alongside other measures including vaccination, good ventilation, staying home when sick, and hand washing and other hygiene measures, to protect our learners and staff.  

We know that that some of our learners are exempt from wearing a mask.  

If they have an exemption card or a letter from their health provider, or we have agreed that mask wearing is not practicable for them, we will support them to not wear a mask. 

We will have masks available for our learners at the school gates and in classrooms. If our learners want to wear a mask from home that is fine.  

Thank you for your support in protecting our school community. 

Noho ora mai  

Mr Avatea

Proud to be your Principal