Undoubtedly, the past few weeks for most of us have been interesting; the challenge for all of us has been partly around juggling work, school and life.

But there is another challenge that is becoming evident in conversations with parents and the wider school network - there is a sense of waiting. Waiting to catch covid, waiting for the disruption to schooling and work, just waiting for it to be over. I have heard many parents verbalising, 'I just want to catch covid and get it over with' there is a feeling of limbo until we have our turn, with the implied upside being that life will get back to normal afterwards. Job done. But what if it doesn't, and the roller coaster goes on much longer?

From my perspective, it's looking more likely by the day that this adventure we are part of is here for the long haul. If I look at what is happening in countries that beat us to their virus peaks, getting sick (or at least testing positive) does not give people a 'free pass' to resume a normal life. While the exact science is still unknown, the best our Government experts will give us is a 90-day warranty. Waiting for our 'turn' can bog us down in a mental holding pattern that is limiting to a productive school and happiness for all those within it.

Our staff have spent time collectively reflecting on how we choose to think about our current situation. Unfortunately, we can't control the virus, but we have decided to focus on where we do have some control – our thinking. We have parked the conflicting thoughts we have about this pandemic, just for a moment. 

Our new normal is that children, teachers and support staff may become unwell, so what changes? We have taken a proactive approach to staffing, employing teachers ahead of need, for example, Suzanne Stickney leading our hybrid learning and having quality relievers on stand by and committed to our school. This avoids managing staff absences through ninja-like scheduling skills and crossed fingers. 

Our hybrid learning model means that classes are available on and offsite, all students have access to continuous learning. Teachers have worked hard to make on and offsite learning experiences as seamless as possible - allowing children at home to engage with similar learning opportunities as children at school.

We have focused on efficient communication systems so that families understand how and where to access learning and who to go to for support when isolating. Communication is focused on learning – and not that people might be temporarily isolating.

Wellbeing has and will remain a priority. When children return to school, teachers are supporting them to reconnect with friends or make new friends if their buddy is at home. We are providing a range of interactive playtime activities to make sure the transition to and from school supports their sense of belonging and connection to the school.

As we have progressed through the term with Omicron, our planning and thinking have shifted from reactive to proactive.

The bottom line is that this current sense of waiting has to be challenged because, as a school leader, it stops progress, and as a human, it is exhausting. Of course, I'm not suggesting that we can ignore the reality of what is happening in our community, but I am suggesting that starting looking at some parts of what we are doing as long term is potentially an energising and 'freeing' way to think. It shifts the feeling from holding on and reacting to one of possibility. So bring on the rest of the term!

Keeping Us Clean

Once again, I was blown away by the overwhelming response to the call for cleaning help. A big shout out to Josh Wilson and Miles Macklin for emptying our bins and refilling toilet supplies, Kate Sumner-Brown and Joke Vermeulen for scrubbing the pool shed and making it shine and Rebecca Newman for dropping off Home Learning packs. 

Thank you for all your offers of help, we really have appreciated everyone who has lent a hand these past few weeks. 

Life Education - Cancelled

This week the Year 0/2 students were looking forward to welcoming Harold the Giraffe to Stanley Bay. Unfortunately, the teachers are isolating and there are no alternative bookings for the remainder of 2022. We will be in touch shortly regarding reimbursement.

Hybrid Learning 

As many of you will now have had first-hand experience of Hybrid Learning, it is timely to acknowledge the enormous efforts of the teaching staff in navigating between onsite and online learning. Teachers have put in considerable energy and effort to develop our model, which was delivered by Suzanne Stickney (a superstar teacher and SBS parent). A special mention to Scott Boniface, who has led the charge and has effectively navigated the ever-moving goalposts. Hybrid Learning has been a collaborative team effort to ensure we continue to deliver the very best education possible.

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Poipoia te kakano kia puawai
Nurture the seed and it will blossom

Noho ora mai 

Lucy Naylor 
Tumuaki / Principal