Havelock High schools stay open, primary schools still shut

Havelock North high schools will re-open tomorrow but primary schools will stay closed until Monday.

Woodford House, Iona College and Havelock North High School have jointly decided to open school on Thursday August 18.

Te Mata, Lucknow, Havelock North Primary, Havelock North Intermediate and Hereworth School will remain closed until Monday.

Principals of Havelock North schools met this afternoon with representatives from the Ministry of Education, Hawke's Bay District Health Board and Hastings District Council.

Te Mata Primary School principal Michael Bain said it was a tough call to make as there were a lot stresses on parents to get back to work.

"It's really hard for the community, it's hard for the kids that are well."

The Ministry of Health advice was to stay closed till Mondy to reduce the risk of person to person contamination.

Woodford House principal Julie Peterson said the majority of their students and staff have reported that they are well, or have passed the 48 hour risk period.

About 100 girls and 15 staff were affected by the campylobacter outbreak.

A Safe Water Policy has been implemented at Woodford House since Friday and this will continue until further notice.

Kitchen staff and the boarding houses will continue to use only bottled or boiled water and continue with a very high standard of hygiene.

"We are confident our robust systems will ensure the best care of our girls, staff and visitors."

Mrs Peterson was grateful for the assistance of OnePure Water and Havelock North New World who have generously donated bottled water for their community.

Hastings District Council will also provide Woodford House with a water tanker.