20 August, 2021 

Kia ora Whānau

The news today confirmed the importance of following  health and safety guidelines to protect ourselves and those around us. Whilst this is a worrying time there is much we can do to support our children-  especially focussing on what we can do to stay well -   hand washing, coughing into our elbow, keeping a safe distance from others. I remind you of a wonderful website called Sparklers - this is filled with activities and supports CHECK THIS OUT

I would like to acknowledge the amazing team at Holy Cross, we have been working tirelessly over the past few days to ensure we are ready to continue providing quality, meaningful and manageable learning tasks for our children. Since last year we have continued to strengthen our use of Google Classroom and many of the online learning supports, this means your children and their teachers are well-placed, ready to go.  

We have revisited the requests and feedback from last year and considered these as part of our current planning; the main request was around limiting the number of zoom meetings esp as a number of families have children in multiple classes therefore having class zoom meetings at the same time each day was requested to support families to plan for these.  

Looking ahead: 

• Our focus for the first week will be to ensure everyone is secure, on board and underway. 

• Those requiring access to devices - we will contact you directly and arrange for this to happen.

• Those needing support  with passwords or accessing Google Classroom - contact your child’s teacher who will support you with this or Lyn Hough lyn.hough@hcm.school.nz  

• Each class will have a suggested timetable or learning plan which will be shared in their google classroom.  Our older children are well-used to google classroom as are many of our junior students - however be assured we will provide ongoing support and guidance for those needing that  little bit extra. 

• Each class will have a zoom link; this same link will be used for every zoom meeting.  This link will be included in their Google Classroom. 

The link will be sent to you in a separate email- for safety purposes. This Monday will be a little different as it is the start day but beyond this the zoom times will be:

              9:00 am      Rooms 11, 12 and 8

              11:00 am    Room 6  

              11:30 am    Room 3

              12:00 pm    Room 5

               2:00 pm     Rooms 1 and 2

• We will include a variety of learning activities including practical learning and outdoor fun. Even if students have a device we expect their day to include ‘non device’ activities as well.

• We look forward to connecting with you all on Monday. 

Remember, whatever you can manage, it is enough.

Our main focus will be on providing support - not pressure

• We want you to make the most of this time together as a family.  
• We want our children to be happy and calm.  
• We want to support our children to self manage their learning  ( we know that many of you are also working from home) 

 If you have any questions or need support   email administration@hcm.school.nz   text or phone 021 088 50566

Today’s reflection:

We continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers,

Holy Cross Staff