COVID-19 UPDATE: DISTANCE LEARNING FOR THE REMAINDER OF SEMESTER 1

​A Message from our Dean: Dr Andrew Butcher

​Kia ora BTI Whanau,
 
On Monday, the Prime Minister announced the next step in our battle against Covid-19, confirming we will be moving to Alert Level 3 at midnight on Monday 27 April.
 
I know that the past month has been very difficult for many of you and that times will continue to be tough for the foreseeable future.
 
We at BTI will continue to support you in your studies.
 
I want to publicly acknowledge the great work of the BTI team for their service above and beyond the call of duty in supporting you and each other in these challenging times.
 
We are glad that we were able to transition relatively seamlessly to online teaching, including holding our first online intensive. While it has taken some getting used to, it has meant we have been able to stay connected with you, and you with us.
 
If there’s one thing that we’re all learning at this time is how much is changing and unpredictable. We are also very aware of those among us who are at higher risk and vulnerable to infection. Because your health and wellbeing are valued by us and because we want to minimise any further disruption, we will continue to teach all our programmes by distance for the remainder of semester 1. There will be no onsite course delivery.
 
Please refer to key dates supplied to you by your Heads of School/programme administrators as to how these apply to your programme.
 
We will be making access to the library available on a strictly limited basis. If you require library material or access to the library please email our librarian David Osman d.osman@bti.ac.nz to arrange. It will not be possible to just ‘drop in’ to the library.  
 
Note that online teaching only applies to teaching and not to placements. These will happen if placement providers offer them during semester 1 as previously arranged, are consistent with requirements under relevant alert levels, and in line with the agreements for each BTI programme under revised Covid-19 plans.
 
If you have any queries about these arrangements please contact your school administrator in the first instance.
 
We continue to uphold all of you in our prayers knowing and believing that our God upholds all of us, that he is our strength, our rock and our fortress, he is our help in times of trouble, and in him we can find peace.
 
Shalom
Andrew