Paparoa Street School
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At Paparoa Street School, the poari matua ensures that the kura is a physically and emotionally safe place where risks to health and safety (both physical and mental) are eliminated or minimised (Health and Safety at Work Act 2015; Education and Training Act 2020). To keep our kura community safe, we have procedures to manage emergency closure and reunification. This information is part of our emergency management plan and kept with our printed emergency plans and procedures.
The poari matua may close the kura due to an epidemic, flood, fire, or any other emergency. This poari matua responsibility is delegated to the kaihono or the tumuaki, who consult with each other and relevant parties as able before making a decision. We take into account the nature of the situation, the safety of the buildings and grounds, the status of essential utilities (e.g. water, power, and heating), and the health and wellbeing of kaimahi and ākonga. The decision for closure may be made in conjunction with other stakeholders (e.g. other kura) or may be at the direction of authorities (e.g. police, government).
Planning and preparing for an emergency closure
As part of our emergency management planning, we:
Procedures for emergency closure and reunification
If closure is required before the kura day begins, the tumuaki or their delegate informs our kura community using available communication options. Poari matua members or delegated kaimahi who can get to kura safely inform anyone who arrives on kura grounds that the kura is closed, and ensure that any unaccompanied ākonga are kept safe until collected.
When closure is required during kura hours, kaimahi and ākonga are supported and kept safe until their departure.
Ongoing operations and return to kura
We advise our Ministry regional office of the closure as soon as possible and may be able to reduce the number of half days we are open for the year.
We keep our kura community informed about the ongoing status of the kura and when the kura will reopen. In some circumstances (e.g. a pandemic), the kura may be closed while learning continues off site. See After an Emergencyand Distance Learning.
