28th February 2021

Good Morning parents and Whanau,

We are now at Alert Level 3. At this stage it is for seven days. We’ve had a little practise this year already about what to expect in Distance Home Learning and we look forward to seeing our learners online! 

Digital learning tasks will be set today for your children. Online lessons will begin on Tuesday. On Monday your child’s teacher will email out communication about your child’s learning for this week. Home Learning Packs will be available for pick up on Monday 9.00 -10.00. Please remember that online lessons are connected through google meets via your child’s school email. We do not connect in lessons via other emails for the safety of our staff and children. 

Please note that the swimming pool will be closed to all key holders until Alert Level 1. 

Postponed

• Online Safety Information Evening
• PTA Meeting
• Team Tui Beach Trip
• Snow Camp Parents Meeting

If you are an essential worker as defined by the Ministry of Health, we will supervise the children of essential workers only. However please try to arrange alternative care. Students are not to attend school if there is an adult in the house to look after children.

As parents and whanau you need to clearly understand that we cannot enforce physical distancing rules. With the reduction of available staff, and leading Distance Learning, we will not be organising a usual school day and we will not be ‘teaching’ a usual school programme. The size of the bubble will depend on the availability of staff and spaces. Supervising staff will be teacher aides. Students who are at school will do the Distance Learning programme or what they can manage. The priority of the teaching staff will be Distance Learning. 

Students at school will be in classes of mixed ages within a ‘School Bubble’. Siblings will stay together. Bubbles will need to stay in the rooms they are delegated. They will not be allowed in the playgrounds or to use play or sports equipment. When they have an online class they will have to join it from within their bubble environment. There will be some crossover of bubbles when using toilet facilities. If you are an essential worker, have no other alternative and need your child to be supervised, please email your request to Ms Stuart today. 

If you did not receive an email from Glenbrook School this is because we do not have your email or it is in your spam. Please email our office with your correct details: admin@glenbrook.school.nz 

We’ve got this Glenbrook School and I’ve got you! For now, take a breath, take care and enjoy Sunday. 

Nga Manaakitanga,

Ms Lysandra Stuart

14th February 2021

Good evening parents and Whanau,

This evening at 11.59pm we will once again go into Alert Level 3 for three days. For the next three days Glenbrook School will be closed. 

Students will have access to Home Learning however we ask that you do not stress about what students need to do. We are at the beginning stages of the school year and most students have been learning routines and beginning group tasks. At this stage, we are at Level 3 for only three days. Remember to check our Home Learning page on our website for other activities if you wish to use them.

This evening our teachers will email you your child’s digital usernames and passwords. They will set tasks if you want your child to do tasks. They are not compulsory at all. It is more important that your child is not stressed and feels safe.

If we are to be at Alert Level 3 for a longer period of time, we will communicate when your child’s Distant Learning pack can be picked up from the school field (As we have previously organised) and when online classes will resume. 

Tomorrow our staff who can be at school will be activating our latest covid plans and completing our Home Learning packs as a precaution.  

Please note that the school grounds and swimming pool will be closed. 

If you did not receive an email from Glenbrook School this evening this is because we do not have your email or it is in your spam. Please email our office with your correct details: admin@glenbrook.school.nz 

I sincerely hope that three days is all we need, however like we have done before, we will persevere and show our qualities: Whakawhanaungatanga, Manaakitanga, Mana and Ako.

We’ve got this Glenbrook School and I’ve got you!

For now, take a breath, take care and we will touch base again tomorrow,

Nga Manaakitanga,

Ms Lysandra Stuart

August 28th 2020

Kia ora koutou

 We’re looking forward to welcoming all our students and staff back at school on Monday 31st August following the return to Alert Level 2. Our health and safety plan is in place as it has been under every alert level, and you can be assured we’ll continue doing everything we can to keep children safe.

 At home, please continue with good hand hygiene, cough and sneeze etiquette, appropriate physical distancing when out and about and keeping your child home if they are sick.

 Children do not need to wear face coverings at school or on school buses. Other public health control measures are in place including children and staff staying home if they are sick, contact tracing, and hygiene requirements. Any unwell students will be sent home. We’re continuing contact tracing by having QR code posters at our entrances, so please check in every time you come onsite. 

 Return to School Please explain to your child so they are aware of the following guidelines. Students will need to:
Stay home if they are unwell. 
Return all Distance Learning materials including those from the MOE.
Bring a named drink bottle as water fountains will not be available for use.
Not share food. 
Be aware they will need to sanitise every time they enter a room. 
Be aware that surfaces and equipment will be cleaned regularly throughout the day with bleach.

At the school gate: 8.15 – 8.55

A teacher will be at the gate to welcome you. Your child will be asked if they are unwell. If they are unwell they will be sent home. Every child will have to sanitise their hands upon entry. Students will be asked to bid their parent farewell at the gate and will then need to go to their classes to put their bags away. Please do not leave your child alone outside the school gate.

If a parent needs to go to the office you will be directed to enter from the front of the school where you will be asked to follow physical distancing rules and complete your details for contact tracing purposes. Please be mindful of other adults and students and practice physical distancing. 

 End of Day From 2.30pm – 2.45pm

Students will need to be collected from their classroom by a parent, not by another child. Each class will have a pick up monitor who will let your child know that you are there. When you arrive, your child will get their things and go. PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THE CLASSROOM This is not a meeting or chat time with teachers as we do not want teaching time interrupted. Remember if you need to have a quick chat or meeting with the teacher then please make an appointment. 

If you haven’t already downloaded the NZ COVID Tracer app the Ministry of Health’s website has information to help you do that. For more information about public health measures at Alert Level 2 you can visit the COVID-19 website, and if you have any questions about next week please get in touch.

See you on Monday! We cannot wait to see all our children. If your child is not returning under Alert Level 2 due the health reasons you must email me please.

Ngā mihi

Ms Lysandra Stuart

Your Principal

Monday August 24th 2020

Kia Ora Glenbrook Whanau,

This afternoon the government confirmed that we will stay at Alert Level 3 until 11.59pm on Sunday 30th August. At Glenbrook School we will continue with our online lessons and distant learning materials this week.

On Monday 31st August school will reopen at Alert Level 2. I will meet students at the gate and as they get off the bus. No parents or volunteers will be allowed to enter the school site until 2.30pm. At 2.30pm parents and whanau will continue to collect students from outside your child’s classroom. Please do not enter the classroom. All parents who enter Glenbrook School site will be asked to use the government’s contact tracing app. The QR code can be found at the gate. Please do not be late picking up your children, 2.45pm should be the latest time parents are arriving. There is no online teaching provision during Alert Level 2 and 1.

All students must bring a named water bottle as water fountains will be closed off. Students do not have to bring face masks to school but may wish to wear them on the school bus. Students must not share food at school. If you do not intend to send your child or children to school until Alert Level 1 please email your confirmation to Ms Stuart immediately.

Thank you to everyone for your cooperation during what is a difficult time for all. I want to acknowledge the efforts and professionalism of our amazing staff during this time in providing online teaching, learning materials both digitally and in hard copy, supervision for students at school who have needed it and additional responsibilities during Akonui Hui and PLD. Whakawhanaungatanga: At Glenbrook School we work as a community together.

If you have any questions please do hesitate to contact me.

Your Principal
Ms Lysandra Stuart

Saturday 15th August

This evening our Prime Minister has announced that Auckland will be at alert level 3. Glenbrook School will remained closed during this time. 

Kia Ora Glenbrook School,

Online Lessons

Online lessons will begin on Monday 17th August. Each student’s group will meet with their teacher at the same time each day. The current focus is literacy. Other subjects and curriculum content can be accessed on student’s digital platforms. Your child’s teacher will notify students today about their group and lesson times. 

Please ensure your child knows the times, has done the lesson preview (years 3-8) and has their learning equipment ready to start. There are no lessons on Thursday 20th August and Friday 21st August due to Akonui Hui. 

Akonui Hui (Parent Teacher Conferences)

Akonui Hui will proceed on Thursday 20th August and Friday 21st August. These will be held online via google meets. You need to book your interview time Bookings for school interviews are now open: Parents go to:  www.schoolinterviews.co.nz and then enter code 2pbse to make a booking. 

You will then be invited via google meets to meet with your child teacher for an online conference. This will be done via your child’s glenbrook school email. Your child will know their glenbrook email and password. 

For the online safety of our teachers we will only be conducting online conferences via students school gmail in google meets. This is the same platform online lessons are being conducted in. 

If you no longer require the interview time you have previously booked then please log into the booking sheet and cancel. Our next Akonui Hui will be held in Term 4. We will not be able to make up Akonui Hui once school reopens due to the limited timeframes as a result of alert levels. 

Thank you and be safe,

Glenbrook School

Friday 14th August: Alert Level 3 Annoucement

At Alert Level 3 we would prefer all students to be at home and to be safe. We understand that there are many of our parents who identify as essential workers, and we ask where possible to make other arrangements to restrict overlapping so many bubbles. If you are unable to, then we are here for you as much as we can be. If you are an essential worker and need your child to be supervised at school then you must email Ms Stuart by Sunday 11am. Students not registered for Alert Level 3 provision will not be able to attend. Alert level 3 guidelines will apply during this time at school. This includes specific bubbles, siblings staying together and staying in a specified space. Students will be supervised by teacher aides during this  time. Any students who are unwell will not be able to attend school. 

Parents who need to have their children at school because they are an essential worker, will need to drop off and pick up children at the school gate at the times allocated. No parents or whanau will be able to enter the school site. Ms. Stuart and Mrs. Simons will be at the gate to manage this. 

Distance Learning and Online lessons 

Teachers will begin online lessons on Monday 17th August via google meets. Tomorrow I will email out information regarding online lessons. These will be daily with a focus on literacy.

Home Learning and digital learning is available for all students. Remember to check out our Distance Learning webpage. https://glenbrookschoolnz.com/our-distance-learning/

Thank you everyone and I will update you on learning provision as soon as possible. For now enjoy your time with your whanau and Atawhai tetahi ki tetahi, Be kind to each other. We’ve got this Glenbrook School. 

Nga manaakitanga, Your Principal,

Ms Lysandra Stuart

Tuesday 12th May 2020

Confirmation of Opening at Level 2

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Whanau,

Glenbrook School will be open for teaching and learning from Monday 18th May.

If you do not intend to send your child to school under Alert Level 2 you will need to email me stuartl@glenbrook.school.nz by the end of this week. Distance Learning tasks will still be available for those children who do not return, however there will be no google meets as our teachers focus will once again be on teaching in the classroom. 

Our playgrounds will be open, students will be able to use and share equipment and all classes will be cleaned daily. All students will be expected to sanitise regularly throughout the day. Any child who is unwell will be sent home. 

Return to School Please explain to your child so they are aware of the following guidelines. Students will need to:

• Stay home if they are unwell. 
• Return all Distance Learning materials including those from the MOE.
• Bring a named drink bottle as water fountains will not be available for use.
• Not share food. 
• Be aware they will need to sanitise everytime they enter a room. 
• Be aware that surfaces and equipment will be cleaned regularly throughout the day with bleach.

At the school gate: 8.15 – 8.55

A teacher will be at the gate to welcome you. Your child will be asked if they are unwell. If they are unwell they will be sent home. Every child will have to sanitise their hands upon entry. Students will be asked to bid their parent farewell at the gate and will then need to go to their classes to put their bags away. 

If a parent needs to go to the office you will be directed to enter from the front of the school where you will be asked to follow physical distancing rules and complete your details for contact tracing purposes. Please be mindful of other adults and students and practice physical distancing. 

There are also changes in the Glenbrook School timetables, and how the start and end of day will be organised. These will begin from Monday 18th May. Purposeful Play will be at a different time daily throughout Term 2.

Start of Day From 8.15am – 8.55am

All students will be dropped off at the school gate (Not the staff carpark gate).  A reminder that students cannot be at school prior to 8.15am. If students arrive before this time they will be asked to return to their car. Classes start at 9.00am which means students must be at school by 8.55am at the latest so that they are ready for the 9:00am start.

End of Day From 2.30pm – 2.50pm

Students will need to be collected from their classroom by a parent, not by another child. Each class will have a pick up monitor who will let your child know that you are there. When you arrive, your child will get their things and go. We will no longer be packing up whole classes and waiting for collection on the courts. This is not a meeting or chat time with teachers as we do not want teaching time interrupted. Remember if you need to have a quick chat or meeting with the teacher then please make an appointment. 

BUSES: If your child is taking the bus, the latest we must know is 1:00pm that day. 

Due to the increased numbers of students on the buses, we were due to implement bus changes. The bus for Glenbrook Beach will now leave school at 2.30pm. There is only one bus. We will no longer have a teacher on the bus run. If a student displays behaviours which break the rules and are found to be unacceptable they will not be able to use the bus. We have not received any information on how buses will be organised during Level 2. Once we know we will update parents.

Why are we making these changes?: 

We are making these changes as a response to pandemic re-entry, traffic congestion and to reduce wait time for families and students. With wet weather and winter settling in, we do not have the space for all our students to sit under the multi-purpose shed shelter. Other bus students will wait in their classes and continue with class learning tasks until their bus arrives. This also ensures we know where every child is at the end of the day quickly. 

School Breaks

Again due to the increased students numbers and limited spaces (with fields and playground not being able to be used on wet days, and no hall available as it is being used as a classroom) we will be having staggered breaks. 

Block 1: 

9.00 – 11.00 Teams Tui and Kereru

9.00 – 10.30 Teams Piwakawaka and Haast.

Interval 10.30 – 11.00 Teams Piwakawaka and Haast.

Interval 11.00 – 11.30 Teams Kereru and Tui

Block 2: 

11.00 – 12.20 Teams Piwakawaka and Haast

11.30 – 1.00 Teams Tui and Kereru

Lunch 12.20 – 1.00 Teams Haast and Piwakawaka

Lunch 1.00 – 1.40 Teams Kereru and Tui

Block 3: 

1.00 – 2.30 Teams Piwakawaka and Haast

1.40 – 2.30 Teams Kereru and Tui

Teams Tui and Kereru will continue to have their Brain Break in the morning. Teams Haast and Piwakawaka will have their Brain Break in the afternoon .

Term 2 Curriculum Delivery

For Term 2 we will have a deliberately focused curriculum response to the teaching, learning and wellbeing of our students as they re-enter school from the international pandemic. We will be balancing core curriculum with fitness and play. It is essential our students are engaged in routine. Core curriculum learning in Reading, Mathematics and Writing which is then specifically balanced with physical fitness and key competency activities in Purposeful Play. 

It is essential our students are able to reconnect with their peers, reestablish relationships where fun, negotiation, conflict, active listening and questioning, self management, connections, collaboration and humour are practiced. This wellbeing approach will be carefully monitored and led by each class teacher throughout Term 2. 

On Fridays our students in Teams Tui, Kereru and Piwakawaka will have a STEAM day. Team Haast will have their STEAM day on Wednesdays to align to Technology days. We will inform our parents and whanau of when Technology starts as soon as we know.

NO Assemblies

There will be no team, class or school assemblies in Term 2. 

Assessment and Reporting

We will begin assessment later in the term. A reminder Glenbrook School does not write reports. Instead your child’s Achievement Report will be available at the end of this term in your Parent Portal. We will begin updating you on your child’s progressions in Reading, Writing and Mathematics in Spotlight from week 8. 

Akonui Hui

There will be no Akonui Hui this term as we support parents and whanau returning to work. Instead these will be held early in Term 3 and again in Term 4. However if you have already made plans for our previous Akonui Hui dates then we will support your leave plans. 

Kelly Club

Kelly Club after school will be available from Monday 18th May. There is no before school option. You need to register your child for Kelly Club on https://www.kellyclub.co.nz/ 

In SUMMARY

• Changes to school drop off and collection at the end of day.
• Timetable amendments.
• Term 2 Curriculum focus. 
• No Akonui Hui or Teacher Only Days in Term 2
• Glenbrook Beach bus will depart at 2.30pm

We will continue to update our procedures throughout this term. Even though our school will have some differences, our School Values and Qualities of Learning are the same. Our teachers and staff have been working very hard to prepare for the return of our students and can not wait to have them back at school. 

Thank you for all the sharing, the questions, the messages and check ins. The strength of our community has shone through this historical experience and now it is time we welcome back your beautiful children. Kia kaha, kia manaakitanga, kia Glenbrook.

Your Principal,

Ms Lysandra Stuart

---

Friday 8th May 2020 – 9am

ALERT LEVEL 2 

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Whanau,

Like me, I am sure you have followed with interest the announcements made by the Prime Minister. It is reassuring to hear how well our country has done at minimising the impacts of COVID-19. Alert Levels 4 and 3 have not been easy and I thank you for your ongoing support for the work we are doing.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister advised that in Alert Level 2 schools are safe environments for children, young people and staff and that additional public health control measures are in place to prevent the spread of disease and to support contact tracing.

The good news is that when we are able to, we will be ready to welcome all students and staff back to our school site.

The key Public Health approach is to minimise the risk that someone gets infected in the first place, and second to ensure we can identify and contact anyone who has been in close contact with a person, if someone in a school is infected.

As we have done in Alert Level 3, you can be assured that in Alert Level 2 we will know who is at school, who our staff and students have been in close contact with and take appropriate measures to keep everyone safe.

Physical distancing is a good precaution to prevent the spread of disease. We do however know it is challenging in schools, so good hygiene practices and regular cleaning are even more important here. This includes staff and students coughing into their elbows, handwashing and drying and regular cleaning of commonly touched surfaces. Under Alert Level 2, we advise any students and staff to stay at home if they are sick, and we will send anyone home immediately if they show any symptoms.

It’s important however that not just at school but at home, safe hygiene habits are practised by everyone, as this is essential to minimise the risk that someone gets infected with Covid-19. For more information about the public health measures at Alert Level 2, you can visit the covid19.govt.nz website: https://covid19.govt.nz/

There will be changes to timetables for classes, how we will be organising the end of day for drop off and pick up as well break times. I will be emailing these and posting these this afternoon to you. Please note that Monday 11th will be the last day for Google Meets for all students as teachers will be preparing the school, planning and cleaning.

Again thank you all for your continued support, faith and trust in us as a school. We are certainly missing our students and families and cannot wait to have them all back. 

Take care Glenbrook Whanau, 

Ngā mihi,

Ms Lysandra Stuart

Principal

---

Friday 8th May 2020 – 1:30pm

Term 2 Glenbrook School 2020

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Whanau,

As I shared this morning we look forward to Alert Level 2 when we can open fully as a school. Like you, we too are waiting for when this will be announced. As the Prime Minister stated yesterday when schools do open in Alert Level 2, schools are safe environments for children, young people and staff.

If you do not intend to send your child to school under Alert Level 2 you will need to email me stuartl@glenbrook.school.nz asap. Distance Learning tasks will still be available for those children who do not return, however there will be no google meets as our teachers focus will once again be on teaching in the classroom. The last google meet will be on Monday 11th May. 

When school opens, all Distance Learning materials must be returned to school. As I shared this morning, our playgrounds will be open, students will be able to use and share equipment and all classes will be cleaned daily. All students will be expected to sanitise regularly throughout the day. Any child who is unwell will be sent home. 

There will be changes in the Glenbrook School timetables, and also how the start and end of day will be organised. These will begin as soon as you return to school.

Start of Day From 8.15am – 8.55am

All students will be dropped off at the school gate (Not the staff carpark gate). If parents need to go to the office they are able to do so. A reminder that students cannot be at school prior to 8.15am unless they are in Kelly Club. A teacher will be at the gate to welcome you. Classes start at 9.00am which means students should be at school by 8.55am at the latest so that they are ready for the 9:00am start.

End of Day From 2.30pm – 2.50pm

Students will need to be collected from their classroom by a parent, not by another child. Each class will have a pick up monitor who will let your child know that you are there. When you arrive, your child will get their things and go. We will no longer be packing up whole classes and waiting for collection on the courts. This is not a meeting or chat time with teachers as we do not want teaching time interrupted. Remember if you need to have a quick chat or meeting with the teacher then please make an appointment. 

BUSES: If your child is taking the bus, the latest we must know is 1:00pm that day. 

Due to the increased numbers of students on the buses, we were due to implement bus changes. The bus for Glenbrook Beach will now leave school at 2.30pm. We will be monitoring how long the bus runs take. We will no longer have a teacher on the bus run. If a student displays behaviours which break the rules and are found to be unacceptable they will not be able to use the bus.

Why are we making these changes?

We are making these changes as a response to re-entry, traffic congestion and to reduce wait time for families and students. With wet weather and winter settling in, we do not have the space for all our students to sit under the multi-purpose shed shelter. Other bus students will wait in their classes and continue with class learning tasks until their bus arrives. This also ensures we know where every child is at the end of the day quickly. 

School Breaks

Again due to the increased students numbers and limited spaces (with fields and playground not being able to be used on wet days, and no hall available as it is being used as a classroom) we will be having staggered breaks. 

Block 1: 

9.00 – 11.00 Teams Tui and Kereru

9.00 – 10.30 Teams Piwakawaka and Haast.

Interval 10.30 – 11.00 Teams Piwakawaka and Haast.

Interval 11.00 – 11.30 Teams Kereru and Tui

Block 2: 

11.00 – 12.20 Teams Piwakawaka and Haast

11.30 – 1.00 Teams Tui and Kereru

Lunch 12.20 – 1.00 Teams Haast and Piwakawaka

Lunch 1.00 – 1.40 Teams Kereru and Tui

Block 3: 

1.00 – 2.30 Teams Piwakawaka and Haast

1.40 – 2.30 Teams Kereru and Tui

Teams Tui and Kereru will continue to have their Brain Break in the morning. Teams Haast and Piwakawaka will have their Brain Break in the afternoon .

Term 2 Curriculum Delivery

For Term 2 we will have a deliberately focused curriculum response to the teaching, learning and wellbeing of our students as they re-enter school from the international pandemic. We will be balancing core curriculum with fitness and play. It is essential our students are engaged in routine. Core curriculum learning in Reading, Mathematics and Writing which is then specifically balanced with physical fitness and key competency activities in Purposeful Play. 

It is essential our students are able to reconnect with their peers, reestablish relationships where fun, negotiation, conflict, active listening and questioning, self management, connections, collaboration and humour are practiced. This wellbeing approach will be carefully monitored and led by each class teacher throughout Term 2. 

On Fridays our students in Teams Tui, Kereru and Piwakawaka will have a STEAM day. Team Haast will have their STEAM day on Wednesdays to align to Technology days. We will inform our parents and whanau of when Technology starts as soon as we know.

NO Assemblies

There will be no team, class or school assemblies in Term 2. 

Assessment and Reporting

We will begin assessment later in the term. A reminder Glenbrook School does not write reports. Instead your child’s Achievement Report will be available at the end of this term in your Parent Portal. We will begin updating you on your child’s progressions in Reading, Writing and Mathematics in Spotlight from week 8. 

Akonui Hui

There will be no Akonui Hui this term as we support parents and whanau returning to work. Instead these will be held early in Term 3 and again in Term 4. However if you have already made plans for our previous Akonui Hui dates then we will support your leave plans. 

Kelly Club

Kelly Club is hoping to open when we as a school open. More information about before and after school care with Kelly Club will be sent out as soon as it is available. 

Staffing

We wish Mrs McCulloch the best of luck as she begins her chemotherapy treatment this term. We welcome Mrs Littlefair to Te Whenua and Mrs Waitai to Te Ra. Welcome also to Mr Green who will be based in Team Haast Tuesdays to Thursdays. I would also like to thank our exceptionally wonderful teacher aides who will be working full time throughout Term 2 to support re-entry and transition for our students. 

Please join me in thanking our incredible staff for their excellent work in connecting, teaching and dedication to our students during this time. I’m sure there will be many questions you have when we open fully at Alert 2. I ask that you give us a few weeks to establish routines and structure as we merge into a post Lockdown New Zealand. 

In SUMMARY

• Changes to school drop off and collection at the end of day.
• Timetable amendments.
• Term 2 Curriculum focus. 
• No Akonui Hui or Teacher Only Days in Term 2

Again we cannot wait to see all our students and to get back into it! 

Your Principal,

Ms Lysandra Stuart

---

Tuesday 28th April,

Kia Ora Glenbrook School community and Welcome to Alert Level 3. 

First of all thank you to everyone for the support and sharing you have done through Alert Level 4. It has been incredible sharing the things you have done in your bubble and our students have enjoyed being able to see what others are doing. To families that have taken the time to check in on our staff and to send their personal thanks, your sense of community, trust and faith in us as a school is much appreciated as we extend our Bubbles.

Support

I would like to thank everyone who has donated in any way. Where we could, we delivered food parcels to a range of whanau throughout Alert Level 4! Remember if you need other support please check the support numbers on https://glenbrookschoolnz.com/do-you-need-support/ If you need a helping hand with food parcels because things are tight and a bit of struggle at this time, then please contact 0800222296 for a care package. 

On Site Alert Level 3

At Alert Level 3 we are partially open with staggered start and end times to registered students only. No one else is to enter Glenbrook School premises. If you need to contact the office please email admin@glenbrook.school.nz If you need to register your child then please email me. This will take at least (three working days) and will need to be confirmed by me with your start and end times, staffing and Bubble space. Families will need to confirm they understand the restricting and confining nature of being on site during Alert Level 3 and that they are an essential worker. If any families turn up without registering they will be asked to leave and to follow procedure. 

Thank you to everyone who has responded. As indicated, it will be a restricting and confining time for students and staff at Alert Level 3 under the current guidelines. A huge thank you to all our staff who have been preparing our school for site bubbles, and daily cleaning. 

Distance Learning

Later today students in years 3-8 will be emailed their google meets times. These will be in smaller groups, for shorter times and taught daily. We would like to encourage as many students as possible to join their group’s time. There will no doubt be some glitches but like all things at Glenbrook the FAIL is part of the learning. Your child’s teacher will explain to them in google meets tomorrow what this will look like and our expectation on how to prepare for each lesson. This is an exciting opportunity for us to utilise technology and smaller groups.

From Thursday, all students in years 3-8 will have a daily lesson in google meets. Team Piwakawaka families will receive an email from your child’s teacher in the next two days on how we would like to engage students even further. As each teacher will be meeting in smaller groups, we will not be posting times with each student’s name on facebook and the portal. 

Do not forget to check our Distance Learning page on our website for learning guidelines and possible timetables. Pop your child’s google meet into his or her timetable as a reminder. https://glenbrookschoolnz.com/our-distance-learning/

Home Learning Packs

Many of our students have done a little or some of the Home Learning packs we sent out as part of our Wave 1. Well done! Do not stress if you have not done anything! However at Alert level 3 we ask that students start to do a little something each day. Join in their group’s google meet lesson and read each day, with Maths Whizz and STEPs each week. These would be the minimal things we ask. 

Wave 2 Learning Packs

Glenbrook School has prepared a second wave of learning packs that are differentiated for each student. These will need to be collected from the school field TOMORROW (Wednesday 29th April) 10.00 -11.00. We ask that parents drive through the gate, onto our field where you will be given the pack by staff (wearing gloves etc) and drive out again. After 11.00am the gates will be closed and locked. 

MOE Packs

I requested a MOE learning pack for each child. It was sent to the main caregiver with the address the school has. If you have not received one it will be due to the post (remember every school child in NZ is being sent one) or we did not have your correct address. These learning materials are additional to Glenbrook School materials. 

When school opens we ask that ALL learning materials, including MOE be returned to school. 

Thank You and Well Being First

We acknowledge the difficulties and frustrations you have had or will have trying to balance your children and work, having many of the same difficulties ourselves as a staff. Remember to do what you can. While we encourage a little something to be done each day during Alert Level 3, your wellbeing in your household is first priority. If it’s too much for you as a parent, then leave it. For many of our households, the life skills our students are learning and projects they have taken on are wonderful. You are doing an incredible job! Remember to be kind to yourself.

We will continue to update you as guidelines change. We can’t wait until everyone is back at school. What that will look like- who knows! We will meet it with enthusiasm, strategy and in our own Glenbrook way.

Take care, be kind and be safe,

Manaakitanga and aroha,

Your Principal,

Ms Lysandra Stuart

April 7th (Day 13)

Morena Glenbrook School,

It was great talking with families yesterday and it really shows the strength and value of our community with how well everyone is coping. Thank you. If you have not received a call or have a message left on your phone from one of our leaders, we will be following up with you today. Please- if you have not received a call by Thursday 4pm, please email Ms Stuart stuartl@glenbrook.schoo.nz so we have heard from you, know you are ok and we can make sure we have your correct details. 

As we head towards the half way point of this four week Level 4 Isolation, some of our families are beginning to find it difficult. One of those difficulties is kai (food). If you have donations you are able to give, there will be a box outside my door if you are going past (from/ to Waiuku Town) at 55 Kitchener Road. (I will wave from inside). 

I will spray down and wash what is donated before dropping it off to our families in need. If you have large donations – please contact me and I will arrange a contactless pick up. (I have gloves and masks!!). 

While there are agencies that can help and we ask that families make contact with those agencies, we also understand how busy they are. Equally if you are struggling with kai please let us know. Lets help each other, lets help our own if we can. Let’s show our Whakawhanaungatanga and Manaakitanga. 

PLEASE Take each day one at a time. Nothing is more important than the whanau in your bubble. Take space where and how you can. There are lots of ideas on our facebook page, put the telly on, give students something to read or draw and a game. If they can do Home Learning that is great but do not let it be a battle or a cause of stress. 

We are very lucky to be our part of the world even in these circumstances. Be kind, kia kaha, kia maia, kia manaakitanga,

Your Principal,

Ms Lysandra Stuart

April 6th  (Day 12)

Kia Ora Glenbrook School Community.

As we enter week 2 of the school holidays and prepare for Distance Learning from April 15th (Term 2 Start date), a member of our senior staff will be contacting each family to check in to see how you are all doing during these unprecedented times.  

We need to double check that each student’s contact details are correct and a few other things. If you have not heard from someone on our staff by Thursday then we do not have the correct phone number for you. It is essential that we have the correct contact details for our students. 

If you do not receive a phone call check in from a member of our senior staff by Thursday 4pm, can you please contact Ms Stuart stuartl@glenbrook.school.nz with your contact phone number so we can reach out to you, say hi and gather the correct details. 

I would also like to reiterate that Term 2 starts on April 15th and families need to do what is best for their house. The most important thing is to keep your family wellbeing and to get yourself and your family through one day at a time. 

Our Distance Learning page on our school website will be live from April 15th. It will share what each Team can do as well as a fun zone and wellbeing activities. Again these are guidelines only and need to be adjusted for your family’s bubble.

Take care wonderful community and we will touch base shortly,

Nga manaakitanga,

Your Principal,

Ms Lysandra Stuart

April 1st: (Day 7)

Keeping on line safe

Kia Ora Glenbrook School Community,

We are now half way through the first week of the school holidays. Thank you to those families who have been sharing and keeping connected. As we increase our use of  online technology it is a timely reminder to remember to keep our children safe online.

A great ideas is to rediscuss internet safety with your children, regardless of their ages. Create the rules or agreement with your children what they can do online, including sites they can visit and appropriate behaviours such as:

• Reviewing and approving games and apps before they are downloaded
• Reviewing privacy settings of sites and applications
• Checking children’s profiles and what they are posting online
• Check the sites your child is accessing
• Reminding children that anything that is posted online will be permanently on the internet
• Taking the time to understand what sites they are visiting and who they are talking with and check in regularly
• Some social media sites have age restrictions to join, check these before letting your child use them or join them
• Monitoring a child’s use of the internet and consider having them use it in an open, common area of the house
• Making sure your children know to report any activity they don’t feel comfortable with to parents and caregivers straight away.

At Glenbrook School the only digital platforms we currently use for learning are: Studyladder, Stepsweb, Maths Whizz, Education Perfect, Sunshine Classics, Google Classroom and Epic. Students in years 3-8 have a Glenbrook School email. This is not to be used to sign up for other sites or apps or it will paused. The same digital citizenship rules we have at school apply when using student emails and when communicating via school email to others. 

I would also like to reiterate with families that Home Learning needs to work around your home schedule. Some families won’t want students to do any during the school holidays and some may want their children to do some. It is completely up to you. We love the life skills and creative projects we are seeing. The reduction of stress and well being in your home is the most important focus at this time. Being together in your bubble is the most important focus at this time. Enjoy all the positives this is creating and highlighting for your home. 

If you need assistance:

• Netsafe continues to be available to provide you with support for online safety. They have information for parents and caregivers and have pulled together their top tips for online safety during the lockdown.  To report an incident To Netsafe – https://www.netsafe.org.nz/reportanincident/
• If you think your child in your care is the victim of online exploitation or abuse, report it to Police – if you or a child are in danger or a crime is being committed, call 111 or visit your nearest Police Station immediately.

Remember, YOU are doing a great job! All our homes are different! We’ve got this,

Nga manaakitanga,

Your Principal,

Ms Lysandra Stuart

April 1st:

Check out this week’s Nana Girl Science Challenge: https://nanogirlslab.com/

Today’s David Walliams free audio story is Humbert the Hungry Baby. We are loving starting our day listening to his stories in bed. Stress free way to start the day!

March 30th Day (Day 5)

Kia Ora Glenbrook School Community,

Welcome to the first week of our school holidays. This is a time to focus on different passions and activities you can do at home. Remember to keep sending photos and videos of what you are doing to Ms Stuart so that we can share on our facebook page and keep you connected with our school.

Today Ms Stuart has a challenge: There will be three sections you can enter.

The Lego Challenge:

Design Miss Stuart’s Coffee cup!

Think about how you can create the ultimate design out of lego. Is the lid able to come off? Can it be picked up and held easily?And remember it needs to be EXTRA LARGE.

OR Design Ms Stuart a coffee cup (extra large remember!) out of other materials

OR Draw and design a stylish and modern coffee cup Ms Stuart can put her coffee in when doing duty around the school. 

Thanks Niamh Simons who has already put shared her entry! 

Enjoy your first day of the school holidays,

Love and manaakitanga,

Your Principal

Ms Stuart

March 31: (Day 6)

Good Morning Glenbrook School. Our challenge today and the next few days is to design a Glenbrook School mascot.

Think about why is this mascot is unique to Glenbrook. What Values does it represent and how. I look forward to seeing your creations!!

Ms Stuart

March 28th (Day 3)

Good Morning Glenbrook School Community,

It’s the weekend and in some homes it will be a very different type of of weekend.

Remember to check out our Glenbrook School facebook page for what others in the our school community are doing in their homes.

All our homes are different, our backyards are different, the people in our ‘Bubble” are different and what we have at home is different. So all your ideas will be great ideas and may spark an idea in another family.

The Collins family yesterday began creating cards to say thank you to our local people who are essential workers. If your child creates a thank you- a card, a dance, a message then please email it to Ms Stuart and I will post it on our facebook page and share it across our community.

Let’s show our School Values and Thank our local essential workers.

Lots of love and care,

Your Principal,

Ms Lysandra Stuart

stuartl@glenbrook.school.nz

March 26th 2020

National Level 4 

Dear Whanau, Parents, Caregivers and Glenbrook Community,

This is a surreal day we are waking up to. I just wanted to touch base you all which I will do regularly. If you have not done so, please monitor our Glenbrook School facebook page as we will be sharing writing, photos, drawing and ideas of what students and families are doing during this historic and unprecedented time. When we are able, our Home Learning page will be set up on our school website. This will share more ideas and give you access to other learning and activities to do at home. 

For some children, last night and the next few days will be time they are unwinding from the term and embracing being at home. For other children it has been a time of anxious worry which may come out in different behaviours. We all live in different homes and our “Bubble” which we are isolated in are all different. 

Every night for the last week I have checked in with my daughter about any worries and questions she may have had about covid19. I have given her facts and dispelled any misinformation she may have heard. Last night as she went to bed, she cried for a long time and I just held her. She was worried about her Dad (who she doesn’t live with), her grandparents, the people working at the Medical centre and New World, the tourists who had no where to go and the New Zealanders who hadn’t made it home. She was worried about families who didn’t enough food or a backyard to escape to. I told her we would get through this, that we were prepared and she said what we were all probably thinking, “But it’s real now Mum”. 

I said to her, “If you could tell COVID19 anything what would you tell it?”. She answered, “I would tell COVID19 how angry I am at it and how it has made me sad”. We talked a little more and I held her until she had cried herself out and fallen asleep. This morning when she wakes and every couple of days we will be writing a letter to COVID19.

Writing a letter, a message or a note to COVID19 will assist our children in externalising or getting out emotions, worries or thoughts that the impact of isolation and pressures of the Covid19 pandemic may be having on them, real or imaginary.  It makes it a tangible external thing rather than internalising it as thoughts that build up and waiting for it come out in other behaviours at home. You could write a family letter listing all the things that are frustrating you that covid19 did. It gives our children a physical place to put the worry, park the blame and be able to share the anger and frustrations without you (the parents) feeling like you have to take it on. 

These letters, messages or notes can be written in the exercise books we sent home. Take a photo and email them to them when you can. 

Over the coming weeks we will have competitions like dressing up as superheroes to fight covid19, designing a shield that has super powers or if covid19 was a toy what would it look like etc. 

The biggest positive for your child is being with you. This will not be an easy time and will be tough. The numbers of those who test positive will increase before we see an impact and that will scare us, but we will get through this. Your children will sulk, get upset about not going to friends houses or just be frustrated because they are at home. Thats is ok. We will get through this. Think about where you can go in your house to give yourself a moment or space when this happens. This will be hard and it will get harder. But we will get through this.

We have this window of opportunity in the fight against covid19 and I implore our community to follow the rules and stay home. Stay in your bubble. This will be worth it when on the other side you bring them all back to us at the school gate where I will be waiting, with a smile, a very large coffee and the loudest welcome back. 

Your Principal,

Ms Lysandra Stuart

March 24th 2020

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Whanau,

Thank you everyone for the kind words and messages you have shared with me and our staff. Today all our staff met in preparation for Term 2 and constructed what working from home looks like for Glenbrook School staff.

Yesterday it was announced that the School Holidays will be from March 30th until April 14th inclusive. Our teachers will then work from home after that time. This means that the school holiday break has been brought forward. It is up to you and your family how you manage that time during our isolation time. If you want your child or children to do learning, then use the home learning packs and digital platforms we have provided and set up. Please do not contact our teachers during this technical school holiday break as they will be utilising this time with their own families. From April 15th our teachers will be monitoring emails and digital platforms. 

As highlighted previously, please make Home Learning work for you. If it is causing stress or an argument, leave it and do a different task. Learning is all around us and activities such as baking, building and hut creations will be remembered by your children for many years to come.

Each child brought home a book to write in. I encourage every child to write down what they are going through, what they see, what they are worried about and what they are thinking. This will be great for our Term 2 school work we are planning to do. It will also give your child a place to share thoughts, ideas and feelings. These are historic times and what our children write will be remembered for many years. We would love to create our own Glenbrook Book about these unpresented times. Take photos of your new normal, draw a picture, write a letter or create a poem. 

Please share these photos, stories and drawings with me so I can post and share what others are doing. 

A reminder to students in years 5-8 to keep checking their google classroom for updates from their teachers. All digital platforms will bet updated and reset each week by the class teacher. Do not feel restricted by what we have set for Home Learning either. If there is something you want to particular do with your child, go for it!! Science projects, art projects, inventions!! 

Finally, as we prepare to go into level 4 isolation, I would like to thank every single staff member at Glenbrook School. We have an incredible team of people who I am blessed and proud to work with. They have stepped up and shown their mana and manaakitanga as we have prepared for these uncertain times.  Thank you: Jessica Simons, Ally Davidson- Harford, Heather Simnor, Emma Sixsmith, Charlotte Buchanan, Hannah Thompson, Melissa Lee, Kristy Horton, Jude McCulloch, Suit-keen Kovati-Waru, Kara Thornton, Richard Collins, Monique Shuker, Tina Meredith, Sue Waitai, Jessica Matthews, Eleanor Rook, Tony Machin, Dale Machin, Daryl Green, Darlene Goodall, Kathy Clark, Deb Olson, Mark Olson, Heather Mills, Alison Malloy, Shelley Claasen and Kylie Littlefair. 

Again, thank you Glenbrook School Community. Remember what we have and utilise this special time with our families if you can, We’ve got this!

Aroha and manaakitanga, 

Your Principal,

Ms Lysandra Stuart

March 23rd 2020

Dear Parents, Whanau and Community.

Today it was announced we are moving to national level 3 and then will be at national level 4 from Wednesday. From today Glenbrook School is closed. If you are an essential worker, I am available to supervise your child at school over the next two days.

Home Learning packs were sent home today with each student that was at school. If you still need to pick up a pack, I will be at school tomorrow. If you are unable to pick a pack I will drop one off to you.

Please remember that learning happens all around us. These are unusual, uncertain and unique times. While the learning pack provides a schooling focus, things have to work for your home and your family. The packs provided are only guidelines and certainly should not add to the pressure and stress of your household. 

The most important thing is for us all to be with our families, to follow isolation and health advice. Our children (like us) will be feeling worried and anxious. Talk to your children about what being in isolation means for your home. Organise routines that suit your family and include things such as ringing or facetiming other family members at regular times each day and activities you can do as a family in the home.

I will update you as we are updated, but for now, be with your family, prepare your house and know we live in a beautiful country and a wonderful community. Be kind, be strong and remember, We’ve got this!!!.

Lots of love and care to all you from the staff of Glenbrook School,

Ms Lysandra Stuart

Your Principal

March 22nd 2020

Dear Parents and Whanau,

As of March 21st, the Prime Minister outlined the Covid-19 Alert Levels.  There are four different levels that can be set at either a regional or national level. Nationally, we are at Level 2.

Level 2 means the following new restrictions have been put in place, effective immediately; a full list of restrictions can be found here

1.  Those community members over 70 and those who are immune-compromised need to immediately self-isolate. The list of people who are at risk can be located vulnerable people at risk

This will affect staff members at our school which will impact on our daily programmes.

2.  All internal travel within New Zealand has been ceased. All trips and events at Glenbrook School have either been cancelled or postponed. IEP s have also been postponed for this term. 

The Ministry of Health is now recommending anyone who fits the criteria of those most at risk, is advised to stay home.

Schools will remain open but this will affect how some of our classes function. We are currently working through what it means to be at level 2 for our school.  If we have to move to level 3 this will be advised by the Ministry of Health and we will communicate back to you immediately.

If you do intend to self-isolate or temporarily withdraw your child or children from school for the foreseeable future, it is important that you advise the school. Email is best for us admin@glenbrook.school.nz or email me stuartl@glenbrook.school.nz 

Thank you to all the parents I have spoken with over the last few days. Home Learning packs are available from tomorrow for all our children who are going into isolation due to increasing restrictions. If or when school closures are announced, Home Learning packs are available for our children. We will send out more information if or when that occurs. 

I will continue to update you as we are. Atawhai tetahi ki tetahi, Be kind to each other. We are here for you, Whakawhanaungatanga, We work as a community together.

Nga manaakitanga,

Your Principal,

Ms Lysandra Stuart

20th March 2020

Kia ora koutou

With so much information and misinformation swirling around about COVID-19, I wanted to share with you what will happen if we were to have a case in our school community. We have been planning for this and are in a position to respond quickly.

• As soon as a case is confirmed in our immediate school community (eg. a student, staff member, or member of their household), the Medical Officer of Health and Ministry of Education will inform me about this, and we will work together to get quick and clear messaging out to you
• If there was a case confirmed of someone in our school, we will likely be asked to close temporarily by the Medical Officer of Health. This will allow time for close contacts to be traced, appropriate testing to be undertaken, and a careful clean of the school to be undertaken.
• If our school does need to close temporarily, we have a plan in place to support student’s learning.

We know COVID-19 feels scary and of course people are concerned for the wellbeing of our children. Please be assured that with no case confirmed in our school, your children are safe here.

Good hygiene is a priority at our school, and we are reinforcing this regularly with all students and staff. We know that practicing good hygiene is still the best thing we can all do to prevent illness.

We are getting the most up to date advice and guidance so that we can confidently make informed decisions about the safety and wellbeing of our school community.  A reminder, please do not send sick children to school. Again we will continue to update as we are updated. 

Ngā manaakitanga,

Ms Lysandra Stuart

Principal

M.Ed with First Class Honours, B.Ed, Dip.T, P.G Dip. Ed, B.LS