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Photo by Belinda Campbell

Messages from Joyce

Belinda Campbell —

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES: POSTPONED

In response to parent feedback last year, we had planned to have parent- teacher conferences at the end of term one. However, due the impact of Omicron on student and staff absences, we won’t be able to meet this timeframe. These conferences will now be held at the end of Term 2.

In the meantime, teachers will be in touch with parents of children who need significant support to reach benchmarks for achievement. If you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact your child's classroom teacher.

OUR STAFF

At uncertain times like these, our staff deserve special recognition. Each day staff put themselves out there knowing that they are exposed to contracting the virus in the classroom. Although MNS has managed well to date, in recent weeks the staff have had to juggle classes and have had to rely on the flexibility of staff who are present, whilst prioritising children’s wellbeing, and the continuity of learning programs.

The staffs’ loyalty to the bigger picture of Team MNS is commendable. 

A SURPRISE MORNING TEA:

Thank you to the Home and School and other parents who provided an awesome morning tea to support our staff during these unusual times. Belinda has some more information regarding this, and she has some photos!

TEACHER ONLY DAY: Kahui Ako (Communities of Learners) Bicultural Hui

We had a really valuable TOD. The keynote speakers and breakout sessions provided a wealth of knowledge as well as being thought-provoking. Workshops also concentrated on unpacking the new NZ Histories Curriculum.

See attached PDF with more information about the speakers on the day.

Here is a link to NZ Histories Curriculum Aotearoa NZ's Histories

SKYLIGHT PARTNERSHIP:

As part of the Motu Kairangi Kahui Ako, MNS is partnering with Skylight to provide a counselling service for children in need. This is free of charge for up to six sessions. A referral process will guide the prioritisation of needs. Naturally, parents will be involved, as much as possible, so we can work together to get the best support for your child.

More information will come out to you early next term; in the meantime here’s some information you may find helpful.

Our school counsellor will:

  • Be fully trained and employed by Skylight

  • Be safe, honest, and trustworthy

  • Listen carefully, be respectful, and value your culture, language and identify

  • Provide this service in safe spaces at school

You will have an opportunity to meet the counsellor and discuss how this support can work for you. This can be online or face to face.

We will contact you if we think your child might benefit from this support.

We will uphold you and your child’s rights to privacy and keep all information safe.

Who do I contact for more information?

In the first instance, we would like to discuss counselling with the school.

Please talk with your child’s teacher

or email me joycea@mns.school.nz

or call Skylight on 0800 299 100, email: clinicalcoordinator@skylight.org.nz

Miramar North School

Skylight Trust

“Mou, moku, mo nga tangata katoa”

“For you, for me and for all people”

SKYLIGHT RESILIENCE WORKSHOP:

Skylight Partnership

Skylight will be delivering a half day Resilience Workshop at MNS for Years 3 to 6, on Tuesday 26th April from 9am till 1pm. They will provide some morning tea. There will be no cost to you.

The workshop will be conducted by one possibly two counsellors and tackle topics such as leadership, collaboration, resilience, talking about tough situations, etc. It will be delivered in a fun setting via games, group activities, etc. The workshop will also address any anxiety issues with children returning to school.

Please note: There are only 20-25 spaces for enrolment. This is open to other schools so first in first served.

Please fill in this google form to book a spot SKYLIGHT RESILIENCE WORKSHOP

SPEEDING AROUND MNS STREETS:

There are never too many reminders regarding road safety. Please drive safely and slowly around our school entrances on Weka Street and Miramar North Road.

FOUND RING:

An adult sized ring has been found on the field, please see Belinda in the office if you think this may be yours.

FINALLY:

Next week is the final week of term one. We take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Easter and school holiday break.