Wow Wow Wow! I can't believe it has been nearly two weeks since we were told that schools would close the next day. It was Monday the 23rd March at 1.45pm when Jacinda Ardern addressed the nation. We adults stopped and listened. She told us the country would go to Alert Level 3 for two days and then into Alert Level 4 for a month, because of the Covid-19 virus. That meant school would be closed from Tuesday for at least 4 weeks.
It was a crazy rush to get everyone that was at school that day, organised with what they would need to go home and stay home. Over the next two days our school worked on how we would be in contact with all our students during this time and how we would do our online distance learning. Many parents came in to pick up the equipment needed for students who had been absent on Monday. It was a crazy busy two days for the whole country. I was very proud of New Zealand's response to this crisis that was affecting the whole world. It would be hard but was the right response I felt. Many emails were sent out through Seesaw, Skool Loop, etap, and students. If your family still haven't connected to us let us know.
Through students blogging over the last two weeks, we have heard many parents bought extra games and activities in those two days for their families, to try to make the lockdown more interesting and fun. It has been awesome reading about all the activities that students in Te Waka Ako especially, are doing to amuse themselves. So many people are doing exercise, creating art and crafts, making food, playing games with families, making music with families, connecting online with video calling, gardening and clapping for all those people who have to work in essential jobs. And more. 
My bubble has grown by one as Shannon and Catherine's baby was born on the 3rd April. They had a little girl and called her Bellamy Mary. She was born the day before Micah's birthday! So Micah had to have his birthday with just Ms Sands and his Dad, as Mum and baby were still in the hospital. We created lots of different activities for him in the garden and gave hime presents at different times over the day. We feel very lucky Bellamy was born healthy and well. Our days have been filled with the same kinds of things as everyone else, exercise, food, playing, cleaning and contacting our people. Kia atawhai kia kaha
Wow Ms Sands, you have had some wonderful lock down events happen! It's so fantastic to hear that Bellamy has been born - and into such a fun family, I'm sure Micah will love being a big brother to her. I hope he had a lovely birthday, it sounds like you and his Dad made it a special day!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to hearing more of the students post about their experiences - I've read some fabulous blog posts so far. Next week, the Year Fours will be asked to write blogs as part of their writing tasks. I wonder if some awesome Te Waka Ako students would help out by visiting the Y4 blogs and leaving comments? Our Year Threes will be asked to visit Te Waka Ako's blogs and leave comments - they are just learning about blogging so please encourage them everyone!
Everyone stay safe and well. Keep following the lock down guidelines. Remember to keep the syndicate treaty alive by respecting others during this time. Look forward to hearing from you all soon.
Talofa Ms Sands. Day 13 of lockdown and you are rocking it! I am proud of our PM Jacinda Ardern for her leadership at a time such as this! I am thankful for the teachers at Waikowhai for their tireless effort organizing online distance learning for our kids. I am enjoying time with my family. I am hopeful that we will come out of this stronger. And I am looking forward to when we can come back to school :) :) How about you?
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Micah! What a cool playcentre! I like the sandpit that you have set up - what vehicles do you like playing with in the sandpit? You must love having your nanna with you. CONGRATULATIONS Catherine & Shannon! Good to hear Ms Sands that your newborn granddaughter Bellamy is healthy and well (lovely name too).
Kia ataata tonu - Keep smiling.