KORERO FROM MEL

Aroha mai, aroha atu - love others, and love will be returned back to you. 

As we come out of the winter months, with lower levels of vitamin D and therefore lower moods, it is important to remember that kindness trumps all. As the saying goes, if you can be anything in life, be kind. This is something we discussed at length in last week’s assemblies.

We have been in communication with Woolworths Fergy Place (formerly Countdown) and they have noticed a recent increase in anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, particularly after school. While the supermarket is a public space in which students are entitled to access, I’m requesting whaanau (parents / grandparents / guardians) speak with their children about the need to be in the supermarket before and after school without an adult, especially with groups of friends. If they are accessing the store for a legitimate need, we’d appreciate them being kind and respectful to the supermarket staff. Our students are ambassadors of both RJHS and their families while they travel to and from school, and we can work together to ensure they are making good choices and having a positive impact on our community.  

I’d also like to remind whaanau and students that soft drinks, energy drinks, and large servings of lollies and chocolate, and gum, are not permitted at school as snack and lunch options. They are not food and drink choices conducive to preparing the brain for learning.  Students bringing these items to school will have them confiscated, so I’d request that you ensure they are not bringing them to school in the first place. The drink options acceptable at school are water, juice, flavoured milk and iced tea - these are also available for purchase at our canteen.

It takes a village to raise a child, and we look forward to supporting Rototuna’s young people to be the best versions of themselves.