Kia ora te whānau o Ko Taku Reo

Whoa! A pandemic, some pretty wild weather systems, and some significant educational change in our country and in our school! Term one has been a bit like a rollercoaster – well done for hanging on!

The theme of this term’s newsletter is Belonging, and this is certainly an important concept in fast changing and sometimes uncertain times. A sense of belonging gives human beings stability and safety. And when we feel stable and safe we are able to do our best learning and our best work.
It is in the best interests of all of us that we create a warm sense of belonging for each other, as this way we can make our school the best it can be.

So what can we all do to create a great sense of Belonging?
Barbara Bray, a Creative Learning Strategist, suggests some thing we could all do. They are easy and they feel good!
[adapted]
1. Great Greetings
take the time to greet people properly, look them in the eye, smile, make a genuine connection, if appropriate make a physical connection by shaking hands or hugging
2. Names
know peoples names and use them, maybe ask them about their name
3. Ask interested questions
encourage people to share something special or personal about themselves, and appreciate what they tell you.
4. Share a little of yourself in return
Identify connections or similarities with your own life and use these to have a discussion.
5. Remember people
When you meet them again, show you remember them and that you’re glad to see them again.
6 Share work
Common learning and common work often leads to shared enjoyment of the learning or work – it feels good when we succeed and it’s nice to succeed together.

As our school and our society strives to reconnect after recent breaks, and because we know that connectedness is an important part of learning, I encourage you all to actively use these easy strategies. We all have a role in making the world one in which all people feel a sense of belonging. When our learners feel confident and skilled in using these strategies, they will be part of building the better, tolerant, welcoming world of the future.

noho ora mai