COVID-19 UPDATE: 14 February 2021

Kia ora SAE staff and students,

This afternoon, the Ministry of Health announced that there have been 3 positive COVID-19 cases of community transmission in the Auckland region. As a result, Auckland is being moved to Alert Level 3, as of midnight tonight – Sunday 14 Feb. This snap lockdown has been put in place for 3 days until midnight Wednesday, whilst further investigation is being undertaken.

As a result, our SAE Auckland campus will be closed for the next 3 days. This includes all classrooms, studios and labs. No staff or students should come to campus during this period.

Similar to previous lockdowns, we will maintain classes by moving to online learning. Given we have some very new students who may not as yet be fully comfortable with zoom, we will take a slightly different approach for each level:

  • Level 5 classes will be cancelled for Monday 15 Feb, allowing you 24 hours to get prepared for online learning. Please look out for messages in your Slack channels, where staff will assist you in becoming familiar with how to learn from home. Your classes will resume online from Tuesday 16 Feb.

  • Level 6 and Level 7 classes will be taught online, as per your usual timetabled classes.

Your Slack channels are the primary way of keeping informed. If you feel unsure how to use Slack, please contact your Class Coordinator directly – they can show you what to do. 

Whilst on previous occasions, we have allowed Studios to remain open during Alert Level 3, for this snap lockdown this will not be the case. Any studio or equipment bookings will be cancelled, and we’ll ensure you get first priority as soon as the campus reopens.

Student Support will continue to be available. You can contact Alex Harter or Alexandra Selkirk-Hanna via their Slack channel or by emailing them directly. Similarly, if you have any IT questions, you can contact Brad directly. And of course, you are welcome to contact me at any time. 

I know that we have only reached Week 2, and this is a disheartening way to start our academic year. However, we hope this community outbreak is resolved quickly and our campus will be able to reopen soon. 

In the meantime, stay home and stay safe. Take care of yourself and each other. If you are feeling unwell, or if you have visited one of the locations of interest, please contact Healthline on 0800 358 5453 and seek a COVID-19 test if required. 

Reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Arohanui,

Suzette

Dr Suzette Major

Campus Director, SAE AUCKLAND