This term we are continuing to embed our new school values with a two week focus on each value. Weeks 1 and 2 is Whanaungatanga.

 Whanaungatanga is about growing connections and relationships that create a sense of belonging.

Halswell students demonstrate Whanaungatanga when they:

• include others;

• respect and celebrate differences and

• wear our uniform correctly.

At all levels across the school, teachers will be discussing these responsibilities with students and reminding them to demonstrate them both in class and in the playground. Our Whānau rewards system is used to acknowledge our values in action.

You can reinforce this value at home by:

• ensuring your child has the correct uniform;

• encouraging them to include others when playing with friends and siblings;

• discussing and celebrating the different strengths within your whānau, focusing on the concept that we are all different, and all contribute to our whānau in different ways;

• discussing what whanaungatanga looks like in your whānau and

• watching “The Invisible Boy” by Trudy Ludwig with your children.