a Message from Andrew Butcher, CEO and Dean re: Semester 2

Kia ora,

We will be offering onsite teaching for tutorials and intensives for Semester 2, specifically for the Year 1 Primary and ECE, secondary, and School of Social Practice.

As we have already signalled, online teaching only remains in place for the remainder of Semester 1, including for the Year 2 and 3 ECE and Primary intensives in June.

Our decision reflects the positive trajectory of Covid-19 in New Zealand, the government’s relaxation of Level 2 restrictions and a possible move to Level 1 on 22 June, and our belief that onsite learning is best for the relationality of our teaching and your skill development in your professional preparation.

That said, our top priority is and remains the health and safety of all in BTI’s community. If Covid-19 cases increase, alert levels are raised or further restrictions are imposed, we may reverse our decision. We make all decisions considering current knowledge, but we also recognise that these are unpredictable times and things could change.
If you have concerns about attending an onsite intensive because of the impact of Covid-19 on you or your loved ones, or you have had experience of and exposure to Covid-19, there are various ways we can help you. You can apply to the student hardship fund for financial support by contacting your cohort mentor or the student support team, or for an exemption to not attend intensives. These applications are assessed by a committee of BTI staff. If you feel this is relevant to you, please contact your cohort mentor (in School of Teacher Education) or student support team (in School of Social Practice) in the first instance who can discuss options with you.

Onsite tutorials will also resume in Semester 2. However, if you have concerns about coming onsite, you can participate as a distance student. Please let your cohort mentor (teacher education) or student support team (social practice) know if that’s what you feel is best for you to do. 
With onsite teaching resuming, we will still expect everyone in BTI’s community to be responsible not just for their own health and safety, but for all around us as well. This will include, among other things, complying with measures around contact tracing, and good hygiene practices.
Your learning experience is important to us. We have greatly appreciated hearing your range of views as we continue to respond appropriately to Covid-19. Best of all, we look forward to seeing many of you in person in Semester 2!

Nga mihi , 
Dr Andrew Butcher 
CEO and Dean