Dear Parents/Caregivers

Following on from yesterday’s communication, we have further information that is of importance to you.

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge all Glenfield College staff, students and you as part of our parent community, for your support in the last week. We have navigated this most unprecedented time well and have no doubt we will continue to do so collectively.

One of my most important messages is that Glenfield College has planned well and is prepared in many areas moving forward.

Important Information Moving Forward

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS BROUGHT FORWARD

School holidays are being brought forward so that they are completed within the four week period. Holidays will now begin from Monday, 30 March to Tuesday, 14 April inclusive (a reminder that the Tuesday after Easter Monday is always a closed day for schools).

At the end of the school holidays, schools will be open for distance learning, but not physically open for staff to work at the schools.

Please note the instruction to stay home (Alert Level 4) will continue beyond the new school holiday period but schools will be technically open for distance instruction. Teachers will be working offsite.

SUPPORTING LEARNING FROM HOME

Online learning has been a focus for both staff and students. Glenfield College has deliberately focussed on one platform which is Google Classroom. All students should know how to access this and the code required. If they have any queries, they can email their teachers.  A set of instructions for accessing Google Classroom can be found here: Google Classroom – Introduction instructions

We encourage all parents and caregivers to use the Parent Portal which is accessible through our website and through the school app. This portal provides access to a range of information such as:
Student Timetables
Attendance
Results
School Reports
Financial

Please take the opportunity to check the contact details that we have in our system by logging into the Parent Portal. If your child has a mobile number please add that number to the details. To correct any information please use the Change Details tab from the Student Details page.

If you require information about accessing the Parent Portal – please contact [email protected].

NCEA

In this time of flux , many organisations are pulling together to support those in need. If your child is studying NCEA Levels 1, 2 or 3, we would encourage them to visit https://learncoach.co.nz.

DEVICES

Early last week Glenfield College surveyed all students to gauge access to devices. We currently have a number of desktops, monitors, keyboards and mice available to be loaned out to families in this interim period. The expectation is that they would be used for educational purposes and be well looked after. If your family would like to take up this offer, they will be available to be collected between 9am and 3pm tomorrow.

In conclusion, as Principal I can categorically state that the staff have been excellent in preparing for this event. They are professional and will be in contact with your children to assist in their learning until the school holidays commence on Monday 30th March. At this stage, common sense and a proactive approach to learning and studying should be undertaken as in all honesty, we are entering unchartered waters. The strategies and way of learning will continue to evolve and we will continue to inform you and adapt.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate in contacting me at [email protected] and I hope you all stay safe and care for each other moving forward.

Yours sincerely

Paul McKinley
Principal