Supporting each other in tough times........

Dear Parents and Whanau

Up until Tuesday 17 August, the year had been sailing along quite smoothly and GEIS was its usual hive of activity. We had been busy with open nights and days for prospective families, we had attended three successful sports camps in Matamata and we were looking forward to the first round of the X Factor heats. Then suddenly everything changed as we were plunged into Level 4 lockdown again.  Of course we had been here before, but it some ways that has made it all the harder this time round.  It is certainly not easy for those having to work from home, supervise on-line learning and juggle other responsibilities.   We have had feedback that students are a lot less motivated in this lockdown and we are all certainly feeling the strain.  There is no 'one size fits all' answer for navigating learning at home and each family needs to do whatever works for them.  Please don't hesitate to contact your child's teacher if you have any concerns.

Tāmaki Makaurau has definitely had a difficult couple of weeks with some unprecedented trauma in our own backyard.  I know our heart-felt thoughts continue to be with those who have been directly impacted by the events on Friday.  However, we also know that tragic events can be triggers for some people that can be further amplified by the challenges of our current lockdown situation.  It has been encouraging to feel the sense of community that has already grown in response to these events and it is important for us to continue to stand together to support each other and our tamariki.

If we can support you in anyway please do not hesitate to contact us.  Staff emails can be found in the link below (just click on their name) https://geis.school.nz/about/our-people

Below are also some very useful helpline services that you can contact:

Youthline - 0800 376 633 Text 234

Whatsup - 0800 942 8787

Healthline (open 24/7) - 0800 611 116

Kidsline (open 24/7) - 0800 543 754. This service is for young people aged 5 to 18. Those who ring between 4pm and 9pm on weekdays will speak to a Kidsline buddy. These are specially trained teenage telephone counsellors.

Mental Health Foundation's free resource and Information service - (09 623 4812) Text 1737

Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757

Life Line - 0800 543 354 Text HELP to 4357

As the rest of the country moves toward Level 2, we can definitely see some light at the end of the tunnel.  When we remain united by hardship we are stronger in our togetherness.  Let's keep moving forward together standing shoulder to shoulder.

Ngā mihi nui

Maree Stavert