Wednesday November 25, 2020
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Yesterday I attended a Community Leaders meeting at the Ormiston Police Station that was chaired by Police Inspector Wendy Spiller, Area Commander for Counties Manukau East.
The meeting was to discuss the recent spate of shootings in our Ōtara community and the Police response plan.
The police shared that there is an issue in Ōtara with guns and that part of their focus is to remove from our community firearms and weapons when and where they are able to.
We have recieved assurance from the Police that there will be an increased police presence in our community while they work through their ongoing investigation.
This would take the shape of an increase in the number of squad cars patroling our neighbourhood throughout the day.
This would also include being visible at the end of the school day when our childern are exiting school and heading home.
The police advised us to share with our communities that if you have see someone on social media displaying a gun or weapon that you can report this via their 105 contact number. Your call will remain anonymous.
At Flat Bush School we continue to have our gates locked between 9.15am-2.45pm and this will remain in place until the end of our school year.
We would encourage all of our learners to make their way home immediately at the end of the school day.
Our school road patrols will continue to be in place at the start and end of the day, monitored by FBS teaching staff.
It was reassuring to see that the police had made an arrest yesterday of someone in relation to these current events. Please let us know if there is any way that we can be of support or assistance.
Warmest regards,
Mr Avatea
