I hope you have all been able to immerse yourself in some quality family time over the break and have enjoyed reconnecting with your children.

As a new term begins, children and parents can get anxious about the term; the new challenges and learning that lies ahead. Over many years of teaching, there are many trends that I have noticed in how parents relate to their children. 

One trend is parental anxiety, I hear lots of parents expressing worry that they are missing something, or doing something wrong when it comes to their child’s well-being and future success. Whether it’s nutrition, academic performance, mental and emotional wellness or social skills. I often hear parents say they fear that they may be messing their child up, either by omission or commission.

The anxiety appears ubiquitous and highly personal, based on a combination of a child’s challenges and a parent’s hopes, goals, and concerns about that child’s future. They worry that a child might have difficulty coping at intermediate school, or it might be smaller fears like the child forgetting their lunch or sports gear. Sometimes it’s not specific — there’s just worry. Meanwhile, parents who are not necessarily worried sometimes hear their peers and wonder if perhaps they should be, which then causes worry!

The irony is those very well-meaning parents who worry about messing up their children, spend considerable time and energy keeping their children from experiencing the consequences of their actions. Parents can intervene to advocate for a specific outcome (even when it’s not a serious or long-lasting situation),  deliver forgotten lunches, drop off homework or step in to resolve peer conflict. 

If we are worried about our children being prepared to be happy and successful one of the best things we can do is to stop 'cushioning' and in the safe and supportive environment of school allow them to fall....just a little! Of course, we won't let go completely. We have a critical role, guiding, advising and supporting.  We can sit alongside to help them to find solutions to problems and navigate the complexities of childhood.

The wonderful thing about allowing kids to experience consequences is that it allows them to be taught far in excess of our own skill set or wisdom. In life, we all have ups and downs and happily, as parents and teachers we don't have to have all the answers, because all the experiences we expose children to, give them the tools to figure things out for themselves. 

So as we start a new term, let's sit alongside our children and watch them flourish and succeed. They are all learning!

Sun Protection  

As the sun is beginning to appear it is a timely reminder about the schools Sun Protection Policy which states that:

'During term 1 and 4, we require students to wear a Stanley Bay SunSmart hat whenever they are outside and involved in school activities. Students at school without a hat must remain in an allocated shaded area'

From week 2 teachers will be vigilant in making sure all our children are safe in the sun and proudly wearing their hats. In addition, we encourage students to apply sunblock before coming to school and have a roll-on sunblock in their bag to 'top-up' during the day. 

Stanley Bay sun smart hats can be purchased via Kindo. 

Green Team - HELP!

Students are increasingly aware of environmental issues and to support their learning we are hoping to begin a number of initiatives to increase awareness of local and global issues. Some are more immediate such as sorting out how we recycle and other longer-term, such as working with our children to develop the school environment to ensure we are being as environmentally conscious as possible. 

To reignite the Green Team we are looking for a small group of parents who would be willing to work with us to develop a long term plan for environmental awareness. No experience necessary but a willingness to get stuck in and commit a little time each week. If you are able to help out please email me - principal@stanleybay.school.nz

Finally, there are many exciting events planned this term and plenty of engaging and fun learning experiences. Don't forget to check out the school calendar or sign up for our School App so you don't miss a thing!

We look forward to seeing you at assembly on Friday (2.15) when we will be having a mihi whakatau to welcome our new students. 

Nga Mihi 

Lucy Naylor
Principal / Tumuaki