May 11, 2020
Distance learning likely option as schools figure out new normal
The Health Ministry’s top Māori official says parents need to trust schools to put the health and safety of their children first – but schools also need to listen to and learn from parents.
John Whaanga says there is likely to be a disruption for some time as schools reopen once the country moves to COVID-19 Alert Level 2.
Health, hygiene and physical distancing are at the front of mind for all schools, but it won’t be enough for all parents.
"We’ve got to have a bit of give and take as we move forward and I'm sure there will be circumstances whereby agreement some families may decide to keep their children at home and do more distance learning and I'm sure schools will be receptive to that because there is going to have to be a little bit of give and take as they work out in their case what the new normal looks like," Mr Whaanga says.
John Whaanga
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