The wonderful weather and Easter Break has been a fantastic opportunity to get away with your family and explore our 'big backyard'. Experiencing new places and trying new things gives our children a chance to take a few risks (some more than others!) and, in the process, build their resilience.

You may have had preschoolers in your home who are clapped and cheered for everything they do, even when they keep falling over while trying to walk. When does this encouragement stop? When do we, as adults, start criticising mistakes rather than applauding efforts? When do we start counting failures rather than the successes of our children?

Over the break, I have been catching up on some reading, and I am inspired by the great scientist Albert Einstein whose work last century still shapes our world and thinking today.

One day in his university class, Einstein started writing the 9 X table on the board.

9 x 1 = 9, 9 x 2 = 18, 9 x 3 = 27
So far, so good. 9 x 9 = 81
But then he got to 9 x 10
9 x 10 = 91

The class erupted in howls of laughter. Einstein had made a mistake. The great scientist wasn't so clever after all. Einstein waited for the jeers and laughing to die down, and then he said, "Although I analysed 9 problems correctly, no one congratulated me. But when I made one mistake, everyone started laughing. This means to me that even if a person is successful, society will notice their smallest mistake."

A reminder not to let criticism destroy our children's dreams. In the classroom, we encourage mistakes as part of the learning process and acknowledge that the only people who never make a mistake are the ones who do nothing. Through The Stanley Bay Way, we teach resilience to ensure that students know that it is ok and expected that they will make mistakes. Failure, after all, is success in progress. Einstein believed that you would never fail until you stop trying.

Please encourage your children to find their inner preschoolers, and every time they fall over, hear the cheers and clapping in their minds. Remember that to try and fail and try again is how we all learn. It is how students will learn, make progress, and achieve success.

Poipoia te kakano kia puāwai

Nurture the seed and it will blossom

SBS Students - A Big Hit at Rymans!

Last week Rymans residents were treated to a special visit by SBS students who hand delivered some very important mail. 

"This term me and the other senior students have been writing a letter to a person at Rymans. In the letter we included questions and a few things about ourselves, and last week me, Belle and Katie as well as Mr R and Katies mum, went to the Rymans retirement village to deliver the letters and meet a few of the elderly people. They were very excited to have visitors! Next term the senior students and me are going back there to meet our person and hopefully read their reply!" by Lily Ostergaard 

After the visit we had some lovely feedback from the residents:

“Are the children coming in again”

“it was a breath of fresh air”

“I loved their questions and will certainly write back”

“what a lovely thing to do”

It was very well received and has certainly lifted everyone’s spirits after the gloom of Covid.

Thank you to Belle, Katie and Lily who represented the school so well - we are proud of you! 

Here is what Rymans reported on the students visit - School Children Delight with Hand Written Letters

SBS Covid Protection Framework

As we head into Term 2, we remain fully committed to providing the best possible education under the Covid Protection Framework (CPF). To find out more about school operations please go to SBS CPF on the school website. 

Teacher Only Day - Friday 3 June

A date for your diary; Friday 3 June is a Teacher Only Day to enable teachers to attend the Kāhui Ako Conference. School will be closed for instruction. We look forward to seeing everyone back at school on Tuesday 7 June after Queens Birthday. 

2022 - 2024 Strategic Plan

Strategic planning helps schools and communities work together to establish goals and objectives to meet the needs of our children and prepare them for the future. In addition, it is an opportunity to reflect on what we do well and 'what next'.

Research shows that exceptional schools

• strive for continuous improvement so they can maximise the success of each student

• have a strong vision for the future

• make use of data and research to analyse their strengths and areas for improvement

• plan and set targets for the success of all students

• account for their impact on student outcomes through regular reporting.

Throughout 2021, a subcommittee of the Board carried out consultation with stakeholders to prepare our plan. This is woven into the Government's priorities in the statement of National Education and Learning Priorities (NELP) to ensure that we are constantly striving to be the best we can be. 

We are proud of our plan and excited to implement the changes in the next couple of years! Take a look and see where we are heading - 2022-2024 Strategic Plan 

Stanley Bay Mud Run - Sunday 18 September

Fantastic news...the SBS Stampede will be taking pace on Sunday 18 September. A big shout out to Sarah Ostergaard for 'volunteering' (!!) to co-ordinate the event. 

This is our major community and fundraising event and we cant wait to get everyone muddy! Watch this space for more information and to find out how you can get involved. 

Wanted...House to rent

One of our lovely teachers is looking for a house/unit to rent in the local area. Ideally one or two bedrooms, self contained. Great long term tenants, very tidy, honest and reliable. If you know of any suitable rental properties please email principal@stanleybay.school.nz 

Change of After School Care Provider 

For several years Kelly Club has provided before and after school care. Following a rigorous process, the decision has been made to change providers.

The new provider will be Safe Kids in Daily Supervision (SKIDS). We are excited by the range of high-quality educational programs they offer and the alignment of their approach and values to SBS. For more information, go to the SKIDS website.

We are working hard with both providers to ensure continuity of service. However, the change over date is yet to be finalised, so in the meantime, please continue to make bookings with Kelly Club as usual. 

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Finally, on Friday 6 May, 9.10am we will be having a mihi whakatau to welcome our new students this will be followed by assembly. 

We are delighted to be able to invite you to come along. Please be aware that masks will be required and numbers in the hall will be limited. 

Noho ora mai 

Lucy Naylor 
Tumuaki