Navigating the second day of home learning. Students in part-time employment, learning from home and practical ways to maintain well-being.

Dear KingsWay Community,

Well done on navigating your second day of home learning. I realise that you may not have signed up for teaching as a career, but I trust you are managing okay.

The KingsWay leadership team wants to reassure you by sharing the philosophy we have adopted for learning during the lockdown. Our philosophy is the Maori concept of ‘whanaungatanga’. The dictionary defines the term as a relationship, kinship, sense of family connection - a relationship through shared experiences and working together, which provides people with a sense of belonging. The expectation for home learning is not perfection or that your child necessarily completes all set tasks. We want to encourage you to adopt a motto of near enough is good enough when working at home. We are acutely aware that many families and children are processing COVID-19 differently, and do not want to add to your stress levels inadvertently. The leadership is also aware that some Senior School students who signed up for subjects with a mostly practical component may be feeling the impact of distance learning. Rest assured that the leadership are aware and will be responsive to these challenges.

I would like to reassure the community that the leadership and staff of KingsWay School are committed to ‘whanaungatanga’ and are praying and working tirelessly to support you during the lockdown, while also preparing for the return of your beautiful children soon. In the meanwhile, remember that ‘near enough is good enough’.

God bless,

Graeme Budler
Executive Principal

Additional Information

Students in Part-time Employment

With the start of Term 2, it is very timely to acknowledge the contributions students have been making to the essential workforce during the school holidays, including working hard in many of our local supermarkets.

The start of Term 2 does, however, signal that students’ work hours must return to being outside of school hours only. If you are aware of any employer putting pressure on a student to work during school hours, you may wish to advise the employer that it is unlawful, as Section 30 of the Education Act does not allow this - even during the lockdown period.

Learning from Home

Please follow the learning programmes sent by KingsWay School.

If your child has free time or would like additional learning, the Ministry has provided television education broadcasting which starts at 9am in the mornings. The focus of this initiative is aimed at early learners and students in Years 1–10. Māori Television have launched te reo educational programmes as well. Check the updates page for daily programming information.

Free Web Filter

N4L and Netsafe, we have launched www.switchonsafety.co.nz - a free way to block the worst of the web for students and teachers. Visit the site to learn how to set up the filter at home. Netsafe also provides comprehensive support and information to everyone about staying safe as they work, learn and play online. Netsafe has new and updated resources for parents, whānau and students at https://www.netsafe.org.nz/advice/staying-safe/

Well-being

The wellbeing of students and whānau is essential as learning at home continues. See the resource below for practical ways you and your family can maintain overall well-being during this time.

TAHA TINANA (PHYSICAL HEALTH)

With no more daylight saving it may be tempting to ditch all the good exercise habits you and your whānau built up during the first weeks of lockdown.

If your exercise program needs some extra vigor try LES MILLS at home workouts that are free to access during lockdown.

For younger kids, have a look at the BODY COACH (aka PE with Joe) available through YouTube.

TAHA WAIRUA (SPIRITUAL HEALTH)

It may not be just your exercise program that needs some reinvigoration. We all know that the LORD speaks to us at different ways in different moments so why not try something a little different as you remain connected to Him. Pray the Psalms. Walk the block and give thanks for the things you see, smell and sense. Click shuffle on your favorite worship playlist. Younger children might benefit from the BEGINNERS BIBLE stories on YouTube.

TAHA WHĀNAU (FAMILY HEALTH)

Depending on your circumstance lockdown may be feeling distant or claustrophobic. Navigating family can be tough but often shared experiences can alleviate the awkward moments. Try board games (online SCRABBLE or UNO anyone?), treasure hunts, bake-offs or book clubs. There’s nothing wrong with seeking a little solitude either. Just make sure you communicate clearly and early! Get grandparents to tell tamariki stories of days gone by or read them their favourite books.

TAHA HINENGARO (MENTAL HEALTH)

Routines may sound dull but they are good for maintaining mental health. Stick to regular sleep and wake up times. Eat normal meals at regular intervals, do daily chores, and take care of personal hygiene. Maintaining your schedule helps you to control the controllable and gives you freedom to engage in new learning like language lessons, self-taught PIANO or juggling! All good activities for staying mentally well!

The Ministry of Education is also recommending 25 Mental Health Wellness Tips during Quarantine from Eileen M Feliciano, Psy.D. as a resource for supporting well-being.