The Keeping Ourselves Safe messages are being talked about in all classrooms and we are very grateful to Senior Constable Murray Fenton for leading some of these lessons in each class. Having a policeman in this role, reinforces the message that the police are here to help keep us safe and are not people to be scared of.

Within this programme we have been talking about bullying and it is important we all understand what bullying is and what it isn’t. A common definition is that bullying is when a person or persons target someone and they keep doing it. Even when you tell them to stop it, they keep going. We have a policy on bullying which we follow, but what can you, as parents, do? It can be really easy to feel angry and hurt when your child says they are being bullied. We understand how painful it is but, this isn’t the time to lose your cool and storm into school, or worse, confront the “bully”. We suggest you listen to your child and let them talk. Appreciate that what they are saying is real for them. Assure them that they have a right to feel safe and secure and to enjoy school. Make a time to talk with the teacher and explain what your child has told you, as soon as possible. It is much easier for us to sort things when it happens, rather than a week later. Remember that there are other perspectives in what occurred so be open-minded to the possibility that things may not be exactly as they seem. So, listen to your child, and talk with us.

We are also constantly reinforcing safety at the school gate, and I would like to remind everyone that when the ‘red man’ is flashing at the crossing that is controlled by lights, that means you don’t start crossing. Earlier this week we had a teacher abused by a parent for not letting their child cross at this time. Please know that we care about the children in our school, and are doing our best to keep them safe.

If you haven’t booked in your Student-Led Conference for Friday 8 November, there is still time. Please do book your 30-minute time slot in the classroom, and there are times between 8.30am and 4.00pm. For further information please check the notice that was emailed home and is also attached here.

We are looking forward to a great Halloween-themed disco tonight, and a huge thank you to the PTA for arranging this. Please do ensure your child is picked up from the school hall at the correct time, 6.30pm for Years 0-4 and 8.45pm for Years 5-6.

As this newsletter comes to you, our awesome budding student engineers are participating in the Vector Epro8 challenge today. When they left they were feeling prepared and excited to be representing Milford School at this nationwide STEM competition. Good luck to Theo Brown, Aidan Procter, Hannah Smith and Sasha Shepherd.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

Ngā mihi nui