Hero photograph
 
Photo by Rachael Hamilton

Stay Home, Save Lives

Lucy Naylor —

Despite finding ourselves dealing with another level 4 lockdown, I am humbled by our nation's sense of the collective good.

Whilst I was delivering devices and learning packs, I had to drive up a deserted Lake Road and motorway. I was mesmerized by the many giant-sized, brightly lit signs looming out from the dreary afternoon greyness - made even drearier by the strange otherworldliness of deserted streets. The signs simply said, ‘Stay Home, Save Lives’. That’s it, in a nutshell.

We had beaten the virus into submission for many weeks and months. We held up the enormity of that achievement as a badge of pride. Realistically, however, we had been warned this was likely to be a temporary state. The chances of maintaining COVID free status in a world where it continues to run rampant were always slim.

As the world struggles to contain the new COVID variants, we are so fortunate to live in this beautiful community, where everyone cares enough for each other to comply with the health advice our Government has issued. Unfortunately, the community cases we currently see won’t be the last challenge we have to deal with in the ongoing management of this virus; however, we know we must buy enough time to boost our vaccination rates.

There is no doubt of the toll the COVID experience has had on us all. We have weathered this extraordinary experience staying positive, being kind and getting through. We are now faced with the uncertainly of how this will play out in the coming weeks and months. We are COVID weary; outwardly putting on the energetic, brave face, but underneath, a certain amount of anxiety is bubbling away beneath the surface.

If we are feeling it, so too are our children, digging deep and bouncing back is harder than it was - children will be feeling this in their own way. There is no doubt that this is a time to nurture and to be kind.

By understanding a little more, we can help our children navigate these uncertain times. Here are a few tips that may help.

WHAT IS YOUR CHILD EXPERIENCING DURING COVID-19?

  • Seeing global pandemic and worrying.
  • Feeling a significant change in schedule and everyday life.
  • Hearing parents trusted adults and leaders expressing alarm or worry.

HOW DOES THIS IMPACT ON YOUR CHILD’S BEHAVIOUR AND HEALTH?

  • Increasing worry and stress.
  • Acting out or holding feelings inside.
  • Expressing fear in the form of anger or arguments.
  • Causing sleeping problems.
  • Changing eating habits, which can lead to stomach aches and headaches.
  • Provoking tears easily in some children.

WHAT DOES YOUR CHILD NEED?

  • To feel safe.
  • To belong.
  • To have a feeling of control.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Manage moods. Maintain a consistent routine. Connect. Grow.

  • Focus on staying calm.
  • Help your child cope healthily - play games, be active, draw, listen to calming music.
  • Give your child control by giving choices – clothes, foods, chores.
  • Set a regular bedtime and turn off devices one hour before.
  • Create a daily schedule with your child.
  • Spend time together as a family.
  • Help your child chat virtually with friends and family.
  • Do something new and different.
  • Create a warm, loving environment - use calm voices and share kind words.

There has been little bemoaning our current reality, just a stoic digging in to do what must be done. As we continue through Level 4, be assured that SBS staff are here to support our children, and we hope that through Home Learning, we can offer some semblance of routine, an opportunity to connect with classmates, a few laughs and some fun along the way.

From Team SBS to you, our community, Aroha Nui.

Access to School Grounds

A reminder that at Level 4 access to the school grounds is not permitted. This is to protect our children and community. 

If you see anyone on the school grounds please can you report it to the COVID-19 Compliance Centre

Knowledgathon is GO! 

We are delighted that FOSB has been able to go ahead with Knowledgthon, not even Covid can hold them back! 

By now you should have been emailed the questions, which we hope will provide hours of fun and entertainment for the whole family. There is no pressure to gather sponsors, just enjoy finding the answers and learning the answers!

There is more information on the website - 2021 Knowledgathon

Stay safe in your bubbles. 

Lucy Naylor
Tumuaki / Principal