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Wearing masks is something that the majority of principals, teachers, staff and students at local schools are getting on with – although no one is enjoying it.
Currently, staff and students from Year 4 and up must wear masks indoors and when in close contact with others.
Local schools contacted by Hibiscus Matters generally have low numbers of students with exemptions from mask wearing – ranging from 3-13 percent in Year 4 and older – and very few staff have exemptions.
However, keeping up with frequent Ministry of Education bulletins containing ever-changing advice around things like enforcement, as the levels stepped down, has caused headaches for busy princpals, teachers, staff and school boards.
Under Alert Level 3, last November, the Ministry advised schools to see proof of exemption (a card from the Ministry of Health, letter or medical certificate from a health professional) or to “make a pragmatic decision about enforcing the face covering requirement” while waiting for that proof to be supplied.
Later that month, the advice was that not wearing a face covering is a breach of the Covid-19 Response health order – but that schools were not required to enforce mask wearing.
By the end of January, with the Red traffic light setting now in place, the advice was that the exemption card process was “being abused by some families who do not want their child wearing a mask” and that schools should manage that behaviour “in the same way you might enforce uniform rules”.
By February 1, schools were being told to handle non-mask wearing in a sensitive way by having a conversation with parents/caregivers and the latest advice, on February 15, was that “anyone who considers they meet the [exemption] criteria cannot be required to provide evidence that they are exempted”. This meant that schools are also relieved from enforcing mask wearing at school.
Stanmore Bay School Board presiding member, Sam Ereckson, says the school is committed to following the Ministry’s directives.
“However, like many things occurring, they are fluid and may shift depending on government strategy,” he says. “I understand every school is dealing with similar interactions, diverting energy from learning and teaching.”
Ereckson says he is sure some students will not wear masks because they just don’t want to, or their parents don’t want them to.
“On the flip side there are some whose parents have requested an exemption, yet at school the child wants to wear a mask. You also see opposing parental views from the same whanau. Our staff encourage mask use and follow the mandate, but their primary job is to teach and as such any child that does not wish to comply is not to be ostracised or disciplined.”
Whangaparāoa College principal, Steve McCracken, says the current setting means staff must take a student’s word for it that they have an exemption, whereas previously they had to check for proof.
“Advice from the Ministry changes almost daily,” he says.
Ōrewa Beach Primary principal, Katherine Pascoe, says her school has around 13 percent of students from Year 4 and up without masks, due to exemptions or communication with parents.
“Some have reasons, some don’t,” Pascoe says. “We have been advised not to follow these up and to just accept this, which we have had to do. We know it’s difficult – we know masks are hot and uncomfortable, however we are so proud of the children that are being resilient and brave, wearing them to keep safe.”
Mask exemptions: While masks are currently mandatory in a range of settings, this does not apply to people with a physical or sensory disability, mental health or other health condition that makes wearing a face mask unsuitable. • People for whom a face mask is unsuitable need to be able to access businesses and services, including education, like everyone else. Businesses and others need to ensure they do not discriminate against people who are exempt from wearing a face mask. Equally, their staff have a right to be safe from abusive behaviour. If an exchange about face covering requirements escalates, businesses should apply their usual conflict resolution process. • Businesses have a right to query whether people are exempt but should do so appropriately and be aware that no one is obliged to share personal information. If someone tells you they are exempt, it is best if you take them at their word. • Some people find a mask uncomfortable or do not like wearing one. This is not usually a valid reason for an exemption. • At the Red setting, face masks must be worn: by students in Years 4-13 when indoors, or on school and public transport; by teachers and staff supporting Year 4-13 students when indoors. They must wear medical grade masks. • Face masks are not required: when playing sport or recreational activities outdoors; for students in Years 1-3 and staff who support those students. • Any children, young people or teachers who wish to continue wearing face masks outside those settings can do so.
