From the Deputy Principal
Level 2
It has been wonderful to have everyone back at school and to see how staff and students have coped over the lockdown period. We are now settled back into routine and adapting to the need to hand-sanitise regularly, maintain some distance from one another and wear masks when appropriate.
A modified Clan (non-)singing event is being managed and the much-anticipated Year 12 Camp remains in place September 26 to 28.
Parent Education Evening
Anxiety, Stress and Mental Health – Coping Strategies
7pm - 8.30pm Thursday 30 September, Merivale Lane Theatre
Hear a recording from Dr Lisa Damour, clinical psychologist, acclaimed NY Times columnist and author of ‘Under Pressure’ (a recording from when Lisa visited Rangi Ruru earlier this year), followed by a Q & A with some of our Care & Development Team.
Please let us know any questions you have when you receive your booking confirmation so that we can best respond to what is important to you.
Under Alert Level 2, tickets are limited to 45 attendees only.
If we are at Level 1, we may be able to extend this number. If tickets sell out and you would like to add your name to a waiting list please email e.hanson@rangiruru.school.nz.
The cost of ticket ($10) includes a glass of wine / soft drink upon arrival.
Supporting You with Social Media - Sendit
You may or may not be aware of ‘Sendit’ which is a social networking app that is an add-on to Snapchat. Several of our students are using it and it is causing some distress. Sendit has the ability for users to provide anonymous feedback—meaning participants can make comments, respond to questions and play games without revealing their identity. Any anonymous app has the potential to be extremely problematic and while this app can only be used with friends chosen by the user, social media “friends” are often also a massive pool of online acquaintances. Our psychologists have noted that “anonymous messaging/apps can be a breeding ground for poor decision making and unnecessary distress for young people. "For the sender they can be more removed from the effects of their action (known as a disinhibition effect) and neglect the social norms that may usually guide their behaviour if they were face-to-face with the recipient. The behaviour may seem less impersonal as they don’t receive the feedback from the recipient that may modify their actions.
"For those on the receiving end, as well as receiving a hurtful message, comment, or image, the anonymous nature of the situation can create more distress as there’s the added fear around who sent it, who else has seen it or is 'in' on the joke and they feel powerless to confront or resolve the issue. This can be particularly difficult for young people for whom social inclusion and acceptance within their peer groups and relationships is so important."
You can see how this can be a dangerous minefield! The best advice is to be informed (know what your daughters are receiving and sending online) and be present so you can become informed and support them to make decisions that are in their best interests.
Below are a couple of links with some ideas and support options: