COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENT: 29th October 2021

Kia ora SAE whānau

Over the past week, we have been hearing about the roadmap out of lockdown. Commonly referred to as the ‘Traffic Light’ system, the new COVID Protection Framework will take effect once Auckland reaches 90% fully vaccinated. Current modelling indicates that is likely to be around late November. 

In the meantime, Auckland remains in Alert Level 3.

While it is difficult to continue operating under such restrictions, the announcements over the past week have given us some clarity on how the remainder of Trimester 3 will look for SAE Auckland. 

I would like to take this opportunity to outline this for you all.

  1. The SAE Auckland campus will likely remain closed for the remainder of the trimester, with the exception of our studios which are operating under restricted hours.

  2. Our teaching year has been extended until 26 November – 2 weeks later than initially planned. You will continue to receive StudyLink support for those additional 2 weeks. 

  3. Studios are open under Alert Level 3 protocols. We have computers in the studio building that have music production and editing software that you would typically use in the computer labs. Should you need to access our campus to use those studios, computers or pick up equipment, please contact Alex Ferrier on a.ferrier@sae.edu

  4. As per NZQA guidance, we can only allow staff and students on site during Alert Level 3. Sorry – but no guests are allowed. This is because we need to be able to contact our SAE community quickly and easily should there be a positive case on campus. I know this is proving difficult for some of you keen to bring in guests for recording or filming. If this guidance changes, I’ll immediately let you know, but at present its staff and students only 

  5. We appreciate that Work Integrated Learning hours may be difficult to undertake during lockdown and we are happy to provide extensions, including into 2022, if needed. Please contact Dave Johnson on d.johnson@sae.edu if you are unable to complete your hours

  6. A reminder that beyond the official end of the teaching year, we will continue to allow you access to our studios until 15 December, when the campus closes for the summer break. Our hope is that we will move to the new Traffic Light COVID Protection Framework by then and we may be able to lift some restrictions.

  7. Please be aware that once we move to the new COVID Protection Framework, under the RED Traffic Light, only fully vaccinated people will be allowed on campus. This is a government mandate. If you have not as yet been vaccinated, please do so.

  8. If you are needing to self-isolate, e.g., due to being a close contact, please let me know. I am required to keep track of such cases. It also means we can ensure we are providing all the support we can during that difficult time. 

  9. If you receive a positive COVID-19 test, please contact me as a matter of urgency on 027 669-3119.

  10. Finally, from now until the end of the year, I’m going to run an Open Zoom room for students or staff that have any questions or concerns. A little like dedicated office hours, albeit virtual. My open zoom room will run: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 12-1pm at:  https://navitas.zoom.us/j/9614694565 

While this is not the way we wanted Trimester 3 to unfold, I am forever grateful to the team for all they are doing to keep classes going and for the support and guidance they continue to offer. Working and studying through a global pandemic is, at times, overwhelming. Yet the comradely, maturity and kindness you have all shown is evidence of a truly extraordinary group of people. As creatives, we naturally adapt. And perhaps our creative spirits are what has helped us negotiate the toughest of trimesters. 

I also want to particularly acknowledge Alex Ferrier and our Studio Supervisors – Richard, Chai, Sid, Marlon, Alex T, Amy, and our newest addition Noah. These are the staff that are on site every day – carefully managing our campus to ensure every student and staff member who comes on site is kept safe. That’s a big responsibility. And they do that work with a smile and with humour, and they help keep the spirits up of those that make it to campus. Thank you. We are so lucky to have such a talented, creative and caring Studio Supervisor team. 

Stay safe everyone. And remember that I’m available in my personal zoom room everyday Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at midday if you have any questions.

Good luck for the remainder of Trimester 3.

 

Arohanui,

Suzette

 

 

Dr Suzette Major

Campus Director, SAE AUCKLAND