Tēnā koutou katoa. Tēnei te mihi atu ki a koutou

This week I am fortunate to be on camp with our Years 7&8 students and teachers enjoying the stunning surrounds of Aoraki Mount Cook. 

This week is also bully-free week in New Zealand. This is a great opportunity for us to put the spotlight on what is an important issue that affects many children across the country. It would be naive to suggest that bullying doesn't exist from time to time in all schools. This can take many forms including verbal, physical and social (relational) bullying.  Bullying is deliberate and intended to cause harm. It involves the misuse of power in a relationship and is usually not a one-off event. Bullying can take place anywhere, in person or online (cyberbullying), at any time.

Having a shared understanding of bullying is important as it allows everyone to consistently recognise and deal with bullying when it happens. A big part of the culture we are developing at Halswell School is a zero tolerance towards bullying. 

This week all T groups will spend time learning about what bullying is and what we can do about it when we notice it is happening. This includes the important role bystanders play in preventing bullying. You may also want to discuss and reinforce these concepts with your children at home this week. Some great resources for this can be found on the Bullyfree NZ website. 

Halswell School will be joining many other schools and workplaces across the country by taking part in Pink Shirt Day on Friday 17 May. The motto for this event is “Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora – Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying!” Please encourage your child to come to school wearing pink on Friday to help support this very worthy initiative.

We have also organised Elgregoe the Magician to perform his "You've Got the Power" school show on Monday.  Many of the ideas explored in Bully-free week are also covered in his show. 

Finally, congratulations to all of the Years 4-8 students that took part in Monday's school cross country. I was particularly impressed with the effort that was shown by all of our children who pushed themselves right to the end. Thank you to the parents who helped out on the day and especially Miss Fraser who organised the entire event. 

Ngā mihi nui

Stuart Cameron

Principal