What a fabulous kiwi summer - endless days at the beach and enjoying all NZ has to offer. I hope you have managed to recover from 2021 and enjoyed being with your family and hitting the pause button for a while.

As we head back into the school year, it will be the first time since August we have had the whole school on-site, and while we are super excited, we also know that this will cause anxiety for some students. However, one of the most important lessons we learned from the disruptions in the past two years is school's vital role in all our lives.

Many children are nervous about the new school year, regardless of the disrupted schooling, but we need to remember that confidence comes by doing the things we thought were difficult. It is sometimes helpful to explain to children that you don't always have to be afraid of worries — they can be beneficial.

A great way of building confidence is by looking at progress through the coming year; mapping out and sharing their successes and challenges, having open and honest conversations about what they can do well and what needs a bit of work, having that conversation with the teacher and your child together shows them we are working in partnership to support them - we all want them to succeed. Explain to them that worries can freeze us, these are not useful worries.  There's also productive stress, this type of worry should make them look at their work and say: "I'm worried about this. Right, what am I going to do? I'm going to speak to my teacher; I'm going to study more." This is the stress that works for us, not against us.

Coming back to school and having to socialise may be overwhelming. Some children retreated during lockdowns, and Covid has sanctioned social avoidance. For those who were more introverted, it gave them something to hide behind. We need to change this slowly. I am sure that your child has reconnected with friends family over the break. This is even more important when we return to school. If your child is more introverted, you don't have to throw your child into a party of 200 people, but you do want to slowly start reminding them that it is still doable even if something feels uncomfortable. Putting ourselves in an awkward situation decreases the discomfort because we face reality rather than fear.

Your child may have been vaccinated, some of their friends won't. To ensure this doesn't become a bone of contention, emphasise to your child that some things are so entrenched they don't necessarily benefit from a deep conversation. You want your child and their friends to feel connected despite differing views.

Most importantly, make sure your child knows there's a strategy and that you're listening; that you and the school will help if they are worried about learning or friendships. By encouraging open conversation and being part of the solution, they will gain a sense of control over the situation rather than wanting to run from it.

So, as the term progresses, teachers will carefully monitor children's wellbeing, checking in and out to ensure all is well - a carefully orchestrated dance between wellbeing and academic progress. 

2022 Start Day - Thursday 3 February 

The first day of the school year will be Thursday 3 February. On this day we invite you to come along and watch a short presentation that will introduce you to your child’s teacher, share information about teaching and learning programs, class timetables, organisation and ask any questions.

The day will be structured as follows:

• 9am  Children and their parents go to the outdoor location for their class presentation (see below) 

• 9am – 9.45am Teaching Team Presentations

• 9.45am Parents leave the school and teaching begins

• 3pm School finishes

To meet the public health measures to attend a curriculum-related event, you must scan the QR code on the school gate and wear a mask. The presentations will take place outside/well ventilated in the following locations:

• Room 7,8,9 - Hall 
• Room 4,5,6 - Senior Deck 
  
• Room 1,2 - Room 12 Deck 
• Room 10,11,12 - Junior Deck 

At the start of term, we encourage you to connect with your child’s teacher and share any insights you may have about your child learning and/or social needs. Please email your child’s teacher to book an online/zoom time either before or after school. 

We understand that many of you will be familiar with the school and teachers so if you choose not to attend the presentations your child can come to school at 9 am and go to their class as usual.

Welcome To The Team!

This year we welcome Gail Moynagh to the team. Gail will be Team Leader of the Y3/4 Team and Room 4 class teacher. She has a wealth of experiences, knowledge and expertise and will be an asset to our leadership team.  

We are delighted to welcome Gail and are excited to see how she can further enhance our school.

Covid Protection Framework (CPF) 

As we head into 2022, Stanley Bay School Board are fully committed to providing your child with the best possible education under the Covid Protection Framework (CPF). We will continue to be guided by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education to ensure we are able to manage risk and keep our children, staff and community safe.

School operations at the current CPF settings can be found here:

https://hail.to/stanley-bay-school/publication/8RrmdOV/article/xKYIaCs

Please be aware that with the Omicron variant now in the community, we will adjust plans accordingly as new information comes to light.

Keeping your children, our staff and community safe is our priority

School Picnic - Friday 25 February, 4 to 6pm

Our first community event is the annual school picnic that will take place after school on Friday 25 February.

A school picnic is an informal event, held on the field. Families are encouraged to bring a blanket and some nibbles and enjoy getting to know each other while the children have a play.

If you are new to Stanley Bay this is a great way to meet other families, and if you are an existing family, what a great way to catch up! We look forward to seeing you all there.

As this is a non-curriculum related event the general rules for gathering apply, this means to attend the picnic you will be required to present your vaccine passport, scan the QR Code, wear a mask and observe social distancing of 1m. 

Waitangi Day 

A reminder that school will be closed for Waitangi Day on Monday 7 February. 

...and finally

A very warm welcome to the many new families who will be joining us in 2022, we are very much looking forward to welcoming you are your child/ren into our school and community.

Thank you all for your ongoing support and commitment to ensuring that Stanley Bay remains a celebrated and successful school. Please stop by and say hello. Together, I know we will make this school year one of growth and achievement for all children.

Nga mihi

Lucy Naylor
Principal / Tumuaki