During my teaching career, I seem to have been teaching through more than my fair share of disasters and sad events.

This generation of Christchurch teachers has had an enormous amount to navigate in terms of helping children process their questions in times of uncertainty. Depending on the age group, we know that sometimes these worries are best left for families to address but at other times we realise that there are things we can do at school to support our girls’ concerns.

We understand the delicate balance we must strike when addressing the questions our girls have about the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. It's heartening to see our young minds curious and eager to understand the world around them, even in times of such challenging events.

First and foremost, we want to acknowledge their age-appropriate questions and curiosity. It's crucial for our girls to know that their concerns are valued and that we are here to help them navigate these complex topics in a way that is both comforting and optimistic. Please be assured that we are guided by the learners and that for our youngest age groups, should a sensitive question arrive, we would reassure this child individually before encouraging them to talk with their families, rather than addressing these concerns in class.

However, in a class where there are many questions and it is clear the topic is “on top” for the age group, we would encourage the students to take positive action if this was appropriate. In Year 3, our students have already shown great compassion and initiative by writing short messages to be displayed on a peace tree. This act of kindness and solidarity reminds us that even in times of sorrow and disaster, we can take action and contribute to positive change. These messages to world leaders are symbols of our hope and belief in a brighter, more peaceful world. Some of them are shared here.

Our approach is always full of hope and guided by the learners. We don’t get bogged down in the details or focus on any facts which are understandably upsetting. We aim to create a safe space for our girls if they ask questions and want to express their concerns. We provide age-appropriate guidance while always emphasising the importance of hope and positivity. Together, here in the Junior School, we will nurture their curiosity and help them grow into compassionate, informed, and optimistic humans who strive for a better future.

Here are some of my favourite picture books which are relevant at this time. You might find these helpful if your children have questions you want to address.

A New Zealand classic; a very funny story about how silly war can be. Children find this story hilarious.

A beautifully illustrated version of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

This book is not about conflict but rather a story about a young boy living in the Middle East in a time of peace. It serves as an introduction to life in a busy Middle Eastern city and shows that children throughout the world are more alike than they are different.

This book is best for Years 5 and 6 as it is written during a period of conflict. It is very sensitively handled and finishes with a message of resounding hope.

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