The great news is that the school has passed the structural assessments and every room will be open tomorrow. We will have a tea and coffee station open tomorrow in the hall from 8.30a.m - 10.00a.m. and 2.00p.m.-2.45p.m. for parents and caregivers.
It's going to be a challenge to get the kids to bed early tonight and ready for school in the morning but we are looking forward to it.
Take care
Sylvia
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
After the earthquake(s)...
My thoughts are with all of our school community after the massive earthquake on Saturday morning, and the subsequent aftershocks (when does an after shock become an earthquake in it's own right?). I hope you are all looking after each other and I hope you have not suffered too much damage.
Like most Cantabrians we woke up to the earthquake, jumped up and shot straight for the kids. It seemed to take forever to get to them and I managed to hurt my shoulder on the way! I don't remember us saying anything I just remember the deafening noise of the quake. We were fortunate to all be ok after the shake (Ezra managed to sleep through until 7 a.m.) and once we had managed to find the torch and some candles we texted family and friends while huddled under the blankets. I have never been so pleased to see daylight!! At 7.30 a.m. we headed down to school and I did a scan of the buildings and school playing fields. While in the admin block there was an after shock that set me racing off to the family in the car.
This week I have worked with the Board of Trustees (many of whom suffered terrible damage to their own homes and some personal injuries) to ensure the safety of the school prior to the children returning. Initial assessments have revealed the need for structural engineers to come and double check two rooms. We will also get the swimming pool fully assessed. We have a couple of windows which need repair and the photocopier and some other items are broken and not working. We are waiting for the results of water tests.
Unfortunately some of our staff also suffered severe damage to their homes but we are all so grateful no one was hurt. We will spend the next few days tidying classrooms and preparing for the return of the children hopefully on Monday. I know my kids can't wait to return to school and preschool although I am reluctant to let them out of my sight. When school re-opens we hope to have a designated space for parents to have a coffee and a chance to talk while their children go and get ready for the school day.
We have strategies and resources from the Ministry of Education for helping children cope with trauma. We will do all that we can to support your children through such an 'unstable' time. We will calmly discuss emergency procedures with the children and walk them through an emergency drill. We will attempt to maintain routine and structure within a relaxed and comforting environment.
Please keep checking out my blog for more updates.
Take care
Sylvia
Like most Cantabrians we woke up to the earthquake, jumped up and shot straight for the kids. It seemed to take forever to get to them and I managed to hurt my shoulder on the way! I don't remember us saying anything I just remember the deafening noise of the quake. We were fortunate to all be ok after the shake (Ezra managed to sleep through until 7 a.m.) and once we had managed to find the torch and some candles we texted family and friends while huddled under the blankets. I have never been so pleased to see daylight!! At 7.30 a.m. we headed down to school and I did a scan of the buildings and school playing fields. While in the admin block there was an after shock that set me racing off to the family in the car.
This week I have worked with the Board of Trustees (many of whom suffered terrible damage to their own homes and some personal injuries) to ensure the safety of the school prior to the children returning. Initial assessments have revealed the need for structural engineers to come and double check two rooms. We will also get the swimming pool fully assessed. We have a couple of windows which need repair and the photocopier and some other items are broken and not working. We are waiting for the results of water tests.
Unfortunately some of our staff also suffered severe damage to their homes but we are all so grateful no one was hurt. We will spend the next few days tidying classrooms and preparing for the return of the children hopefully on Monday. I know my kids can't wait to return to school and preschool although I am reluctant to let them out of my sight. When school re-opens we hope to have a designated space for parents to have a coffee and a chance to talk while their children go and get ready for the school day.
We have strategies and resources from the Ministry of Education for helping children cope with trauma. We will do all that we can to support your children through such an 'unstable' time. We will calmly discuss emergency procedures with the children and walk them through an emergency drill. We will attempt to maintain routine and structure within a relaxed and comforting environment.
Please keep checking out my blog for more updates.
Take care
Sylvia
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