The start of the school day is so important for our tamariki.

At Gulf Harbour School we strongly encourage our parents to not enter the classroom each morning with their child. This may seem hard but we have a wealth of evidence that supports this policy that actually really benefits our children.

Most mornings between 8.30 and 9.00am I have the pleasure of walking around; meeting and greeting everyone at our kura - I see children playing together, making jigsaws, building with Lego, playing with dolls, reading, talking with their teacher …. the list goes on. These vital interactions happen because parents are not present.

We often find that children cling on to their parent and rely on them if they are around. Parents saying goodbye when inside the classroom can also really upset our younger children and then create a ripple effect of negativity on others.

Everyone can have an off day and we appreciate that some mornings can be more difficult than others to say goodbye. Please see the attached information that suggests some helpful, reassuring ways of parting with your child on a morning.