Principals at primary and secondary schools across Dunedin have reported a noticeable increase in absenteeism from class — including one primary school that recorded nearly 50% of its roll absent yesterday.
The absences across the city are believed to have been driven by the Logan Park closure and announcements from Dunedin North Intermediate and North East Valley Normal School, which contacted parents amid concerns about people in their area being tested for Covid-19.
Otago Primary Principals’ Association president Shelley Wilde said of the 30 Dunedin primary schools she contacted yesterday, the majority (16) reported a 10%-12% increase in absent pupils, compared with the average of 3%-5% for the same time last year.
Another 10 schools reported significant changes in absence rates yesterday, ranging from 16% to 30%, and one school was heading towards 50%.
Four schools reported similar absence rates to usual for this time of year, she said.
‘‘Some absences are due to usual minor illnesses experienced by children.
‘‘The rise in absence rates this week and today in particular, are related to self-isolation (required, and not required but selected by a family), anxiety, and possible links to the population at the high school where a student has been confirmed as having a positive Covid-19 test result.
‘‘Our schools are continuing to operate as calmly and routinely as possible with a real emphasis on the prevention strategies of good hygiene, distancing and reductions in larger gatherings.’’
Otago Secondary Principals’ Association secretary Gavin Kidd said it appeared the situation was having an impact on most of Dunedin’s secondary schools, too.
Some had reported absentee rates of up to 18% yesterday, but one school said there had been no change.
‘‘It is definitely starting to have an impact.’’
Two secondary school principals he had spoken to said they had received emails from parents expressing concerns that their school was still open, even though there had been no confirmed cases of Covid-19 at those schools.
While many around the city have been buying face masks in a bid to protect themselves from the spread of the virus, King’s High School has discouraged its pupils from wearing them.
Rector Nick McIvor said the school made the decision based on information from the Ministry of Health, which said face masks were not recommended as an effective means of preventing the spread of infection.
‘‘They play an important role in clinical settings, such as hospitals, but there’s very little evidence of benefit from their use outside of these settings,’’ the ministry’s website said.
Mr McIvor said all other hygiene precautions recommended by the Ministry of Health were being followed.
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