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Northern schools and the Ministry of Education have been reluctant to say just how many teachers have been put on leave since schools reopened with the requirement for all staff to be vaccinated last week.
Mahurangi Matters surveyed 16 local schools about the vaccination status of their staff and only two responded. Some flat out refused to share information.
Horizon School principal Helen Pearson would not say whether any of her teachers had been put on leave, saying it was “confidential”. Tomarata School and Matakana School also refused to comment.
In a letter to parents, Tauhoa School principal Vivienne Goldsmith said it was with a “heavy heart” that she had had to enforce the vaccine mandate.
She wrote that one of her teachers had been placed on leave, while another had resigned due to the stress of maintaining a “bubble school” and online learning.
Mangawhai Beach School made a public statement saying some of its “incredible staff” would not be returning to school, and that parents would be notified if their child’s teacher was among them.
“Without getting political, this situation is devastating for these people and their colleagues who have to carry on and fill the void,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Snells Beach School has struggled with parents who do not want their children to be taught about the vaccine. Principal Kathryn Ramel sent a letter to parents saying that a “large number” of students had not returned to school last week and that she hoped to ameliorate parents’ concerns.
“I can absolutely confirm that there will be no discussion with students about vaccinations. This is a discussion for parents and families, not staff.
“Teachers will actually not answer a child’s direct question about vaccinations, but distract or redirect.”
For some rural schools, the biggest challenge was getting a negative test result for teachers who had to cross the regional border.
All of Tapora School’s staff were double vaccinated, but three of its teachers were required to return a negative result within the space of a week in order for the school to open. Wellsford School remained closed for three extra days while it waited for test results.
Meanwhile many schools, including Matakana, Leigh, Snells Beach and Horizon schools, have only returned part time, with school starting at 9am and finishing at 1pm.
This is to remove the need for a lunch break and prevent gatherings of students. Students are given exercise breaks with each class having an allotted time. The schools have informed parents they must wear a mask when picking up or dropping off children, and must remain outside of school grounds.
