I have already used all of my sick leave, leaving none till 2023. If my children get sick now I am unable to care for them.

What does the issue of sick leave mean for you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach?

I am a family with 2 young children, being forced to take my sick leave having COVID (which I got from kindergarten) as well as getting other illness from work. I have already used all of my sick leave, leaving none till 2023. If my children get sick now I am unable to care for them.

We are around illness everyday and need better sick leave conditions so we are not forced to work sick (creating a cycle of illness for all), being unable to care for our whānau and our own physical and mental well being, having guilt for being sick or becoming financially unstable.

What will it take to fix sick leave for kindergarten teachers?

More sick leave is needed.

When we fix sick leave, what impact will that change have on you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach?

Less guilt, better health and financial conditions.