Poll: Are the guidelines around when a child is too sick for school clear?
A few weeks ago, the Neighbourly team shared a round of complaints over our morning cuppa about the challenges of juggling runny noses and work commitments.
After reading Flip Grater's opinion piece, Playing germ roulette with our kids’ health, we felt a collective sense of relief - another parent shares our niggling worries.
We wanted to check in with our online neighbours: do you feel the same way? We are all busy, and keeping children home from school is sometimes impossible given other responsibilities. Busy lives and the apparent loss of collective energy around monitoring cold symptoms have led to more students and staff in shared spaces with sniffles and coughs.
But what do you think? Is this a concern?
We want to know: Are there clear Guidelines on when to keep kids off of school?
Should we be having a nuanced conversation about risk management, and how to better support working families?
Share your opinion with us below!
-
55.8% Yes - The messaging about when to keep kids home is consistent.
-
35.4% No - I want guidance. An illness response flowchart for my fridge would be handy
-
8.8% It is more complicated - share your thoughts below.
Experienced Pet & House Sitter Available | 28 Jan – 22 Feb 2026
Hi everyone, due to a cancellation I've had a rare gap in my pet-sitting calendar open up, and would love to fill it with more pet cuddles. I am currently sitting in St Heliers and have lived in this community for many years before starting my house sitting journey, so would love to spend more time here.
A little about me:
- I’ve been a full-time house and pet sitter for 6 years, with all 5-star reviews
- I have fostered over 450 cats and kittens with the Lonely Miaow Association, and grew up on a lifestyle block with large dogs, cats, farm animals and small pets, so I’m confident with animals of all kinds (including those needing medication or extra care). I am also studying after-hours towards a Level 3 degree in Animal Care.
- I work from home 3-4 days a week (and spend the other 1-2 days as marketing manager in SPCA's Hobsonville Centre) so have plenty of time to spend with your precious pets
- As a homeowner myself, I know how important it is to feel your place and pets are in safe hands.
- This is a free sit!
If you’d like to see reviews or photos from past sits, you are welcome to check out my page here: www.facebook.com...
Happy to answer any questions. Please message me to discuss your petsitting needs.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
-
9.6% Yes! New Year, New Me
-
20.9% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
-
69.5% Nah - not for me
Loading…
