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Photo by Marcus Cooper

Principals Comment 23rd June 2021.

Marcus Cooper —

Nau mai haere mai!

We have certainly seen a shift in the weather in the last couple of weeks with a lot more rain and the temperature dropping significantly. This is a good time for our students to supplement their learning at school with some revision at home.

The requirements for each student are different across year levels and subjects and it is important that we take a balanced approach when setting homework for students.

Our senior students sitting NCEA will have a number of internal assessments that they should be working on at anytime. 

In the junior school regular homework should be set for your students and help from home may be required to get them into good study habits for the high stakes assessments in the senior school.

Successful students need support from home to get in the habit of revising work and completing homework. This can be achieved by parents doing one or all of the following:

1. Set a time and place in the house where your young ones can revise or complete homework.

2. Check in on them from time to time and ask them how it is going and share with you what they are doing.

3. Take an interest and share your thoughts on the subjects they are doing.

4. Be positive about the work that needs to be done and the discipline necessary to complete the homework.

5. Role model life-long learning by reading different material and sharing interesting facts that you pick up.

6. Make sure there are regular breaks and that your students are fed and hydrated.

7. If you’re confused by your child’s homework, talk to their teacher – you won’t be the first parent to do this.

8. Be realistic - too much homework will turn off your student from school work. Regular small amounts will do a lot to enhance the academics of our students.

The most important gift you can give your young one is your time. If you take an interest in what they are doing and are positive with the effort that they are making your young one will love school and achieve their personal excellence.

Nga mihi nui.

Marcus Cooper