School Closure Procedure

What we do in an emergency situation or school closure?  In recent times we have closed due to earthquakes, floods and high winds.  We can never predict what mother nature may throw at us, so we will remind you via our newsletter to check this page from time to time to remind you of our process in the event of a “crisis” situation  – and also to remind you of your obligations.  

 

The decision to close is made by the Principal in consultation with the Board Chair or at the direction of the Ministry of Education.

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If an event requires us to evacuate the buildings, our assembly point is on the tennis courts, outside Manga Kawari and Maungatere.  Parents and other visitors to our school must also comply and evacuate – sorry, no trips back to the learning community to pick up a school bag or polar fleece! 

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In the event of an earthquake, our immediate action is to “drop, cover and hold”.  Once the shaking stops a decision is made regarding next steps based on the situation staff are presented with. 

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We have been advised by Civil Defence that Pegasus is not at risk from tsunami.  However, should there ever be a situation where caution was advised, we would walk all children to the mound at the back of Infinity Drive, bordering the golf course.   

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In the event of a school closure during the school day:  Once a decision is made to close, we will notify you (where physically possible) via:

• phone app alert message (you need to download our app to your phone);

• email via our student management system to the email address you have given us;

• Notice on the home page of our website: www.pegasusbay.school.nz ;

• Message on the our Facebook page: Pegasus Bay School information network;

 

Once alerted, you should come and collect your child or arrange for someone to collect on your behalf as soon as possible.  All children will need to be signed out via a staff member prior to leaving - as you can imagine, it is really important that we know where all of our children are while they are in our care. 

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In such instances, the school phone is likely to be busy due to the high demand, or be left to answerphone if we are in the midst of an emergency muster.  We will endeavour to respond to messages left as soon as we are able.

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We cannot predict events or the time it may take you to get to school to pick your children up.  In any emergency, please be assured that the welfare of your children is paramount to us.  Pupils will not be left at school alone to wait for you.  Supervision, reassurance and support are core functions of the school until all children are with their family.  Please also bear in mind the need for staff to be able to leave to check on their own families. 

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In the event of a school closure before the school day starts: We will notify you by:

• phone app alert message (you need to download our app to your phone);

• email via our student management system to the email address you have given us;

• Notice on the home page of our website: www.pegasusbay.school.nz ;

• Message on the our Facebook page: Pegasus Bay School information network;

• Put a message on the school answerphone – if possible;

• Put a notice on More FM (92.1);

 

Please note: if there is no power supply to the school or the mobile phone network is down, we will be limited in our options to contact you, so tune in to More FM to hear whether we are open or not.  

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In stating the above, if you have concerns, then you do not need to wait for the school to officially close.  You can come and collect your child at any time, but you MUST let the office and the teacher know first.  

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It is vital that you let us know if your contact details change, so that we can be sure we have your correct home phone, cell phone and email address should we need to contact you.  Please advise admin@pegasusbay.school.nz of any changes to your contact information as soon as they change.

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For more information on our emergency procedures, check our "Emergency Planning Procedures" policies in SchoolDocs: http://pegasusbay.schooldocs.co.nz/