At Milford School, we have many, many happy, positive, and engaged students. We also have some grumpy, tired students who are having difficulty concentrating, with short attention spans, through long hours spent on devices at home.

Devices can be addictive, and as a loving parent, your guidance is crucial in helping children change these habits. Strive for a balance between screen time and social activities, physical activity, reading, and other play. Your active involvement can make a significant difference.

Here are some tips and tricks to help keep children away from digital devices. We follow these at school, too.

Clear rules for device use - clearly communicate these rules to your child. Be consistent and lead by example. Encourage a healthy balance between screen activities, outdoor play, reading, and hobbies. 

Some suggestions;

• Have some designated time periods or days that are screen time-out.
• At most 90 minutes a day on digital devices for 6-12-year-olds.
• No devices on a school day 

Device-Free Zones: No devices are allowed at the table, in the bedroom, or when the family is talking/working together. Children need tech-free spaces to unwind and engage with the real world.

Encourage Physical Activities: Getting your children involved with walking, riding their scooters, sports, dance classes, or outdoor activities not only keeps them away from screens but also promotes their overall well-being. And, they should all have jobs to help at home, as we know that those children who are given home jobs do really well in life.

Encourage Creativity: Children might learn to play a musical instrument, draw, paint, dance, practice crafts and write. All these activities build their imagination, which in turn encourages an alternative to using a device.  

Be Social: Encourage them to participate in social activities, church, clubs, community events, and play with friends or neighbours. Interacting with others develops interpersonal skills.

Role Model: As a parent, your actions speak louder than words. Be a positive role model by demonstrating a healthy relationship with technology. Limit your own screen time, particularly when interacting with your child.

Implementing these strategies can help your child develop healthier habits and a more balanced lifestyle. Your involvement is key to their success and well-being at home and school. 

Structured Literacy Evening - Wednesday, 5 June, 6 pm

You are invited to come along to an evening where we will share the school's approach to structured literacy. The evening is designed to show you what literacy looks like in the classroom, including model lessons (delivered by our expert teachers!) and many tips and tricks you can do at home to support your child's learning journey.

This will be an excellent opportunity to find out what your tamariki experience during the school day and ask questions you may have about our approach to literacy. 

Principals Morning Tea - Friday 7 June, 8.30 - 9.30 am

You are invited to an informal morning tea with the Principal. This is an excellent opportunity to share your wondering, ideas, feedback or ask those niggly questions. Nau mai kai kōrero, we look forward to seeing you for a coffee and chat!

Pasifika Fono  – 13 June, 5.30 to 7pm

We want to invite you to our inaugural Pasifika fono. This informal event is a great opportunity to meet and connect with other Pasifika families at our kura. We hope the event will build a relational space so that we can work together to enhance outcomes for our Pasifika students. We warmly welcome tamariki to participate in the fono.

Who: Whānau of Milford School

What: Meet and connect with other whānau, and share your thoughts on what success looks like for your tamariki. The school will provide a snack, and you are welcome to bring a small plate of kai to share.

For catering purposes, RSVP to this form: Pasifika Fono by 11 June. 

To our Milford whānau, have a fantastic long weekend, spend time with your loved ones, relax and fill your bucket! We look forward to seeing our tamariki back at school on Tuesday. 

Noho ora mai 

Lucy Naylor 
Tumuaki