A message from the Rector

By Richard Hall | Posted: Thursday March 10, 2022

We seem to be in the middle of a surge in Covid positive or household contacts. Like much of Dunedin, this week has certainly tested our systems. Today there are more than 200 boys at home; just over a quarter of our roll.

To date, we are coping and I am very pleased that we have been able to continue with teaching and learning this week inside the school. More regularly I am hearing of colleagues, mainly in the North Island, who have been rostering home whole year levels. In one case the school finished early every day to keep up with not only the teachers being away, but also the lack of relief teachers to replace them.

Thankfully, we will get 3 teaching staff back on Monday, which will strengthen our ability to cope. The change to 7 days of isolation is a help.

Moving forward, it is our intention to continue to keep the school running as normal. Although we have had to postpone the Southland Boys' High School interschool next week, we are managing to run another Year 10 camp. You never like to let one group down, but given the times it is better than cancelling everything.

Should this spike continue or worsen, we have contingency plans in place for the continued high number of cases. Each is adapted to the number of staff and students who are infected or isolating. I will update you on these as we need to.

Basically, we are coping, but watch this space.

It is important to remind parents and students to continue to be vigilant, especially around symptoms. If you have even the slightest suspicion that you have symptoms, please remain at home. Stay home and learn online. Handwashing, mask wearing, and generally being careful do help. 

Enjoy your weekend, especially if you have recently come out of isolation, I am sure the sky will be bluer and the grass greener!