This term the primary to Year 8's have been creating slots in the week to focus on a programme, Pause Breathe Smile.

In short, it's supporting our tamariki with tools to navigate life's ups and downs, helping our children to be more resilient, to flourish and to reduce negative behaviors in the classroom.  We are learning through different practices the importance of being present, showing gratitude, developing emotional regulation skills and cultivating a positive sense of connection to self and others.

One of many activities is taking the time together to enjoy exploring the smells, textures and flavours of what's in our lunch box, through listening and noticing nature around us.

Southern Cross are funding this throughout all NZ schools and are in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation, with the aim to develop 'young people who will be confident, connected, actively involved, life long learners'

How exciting is that vision!!

Our aim is to create these life giving practices everyday for our tamariki and staff.  We are starting with intentional lessons once a week with the purpose to have this practice as part of our everyday, building awareness, curiosity and resilience.

Also in the well being space we have been exploring healthy friendships with our  year 5 & 6 girls.  We had the privilege of having Racheal Wallis run workshops.

She worked through with the girls the importance of identifying their strengths, how our actions influence the world around them and great tools for hotspots in friendships.

We will continue to build on equipping them with skills around boundary setting, being inclusive and responding and not reacting.   What  a privilege to be working with such a lovely group of girls.