Welcome to the new school term, one that looks very different from what we are used to.

Planning for term 2 is well underway and as we worked through the process we have noted the importance of not falling into the trap and thinking this is business as usual for teaching and learning albeit from home rather than school. To do so would be to miss the significance of our current reality.

Our current situation has the potential to change the way we live forever. Focusing on keeping teaching and learning going as it always has, seems to be the wrong approach. To do so would be to miss understanding the emotional and psychological impact of this crisis on people. What we are aiming for is continuing learning while metaphorically wrapping our arms around the children and embracing our community. Our job at this time is to infuse any home learning with a deep sense of humanity.

Our approach to home learning has a strong foundation in the school's values and visions and will deliver components of our school curriculum. It will primarily focus on reading, writing, and maths. In addition, there will be learning linked to our Term 2 science inquiry, initially, we aim to 'front load' students with the information they need to carry out an inquiry, either at home or school depending on the duration of lockdown. Most importantly, we want to encourage students to take responsibility to self manage their learning as much as possible.  

In planning online learning, we remain mindful that technology is not teaching. It is an enabler and provides an opportunity for us to connect to our students and them to each other. It is a means to an end; it is not the end in itself. Our teachers are committed to providing quality learning but please remember that remote teaching and learning is untrod ground for many of us.

Each week you can expect new learning to be uploaded and your child's class teacher will be available via email Monday to Friday 9 to 3 pm. Please encourage your child to email their teacher should they need help or want feedback on their learning. This is as much about staying connected as it is learning. 

As parents, remember too that you are not expected to replicate the classroom in the home. Most importantly, just as we know the value of strong relationships for successful learning and teaching, we can all use this opportunity to nurture productive and supportive relationships in the home. Set challenges that are fun and engaging; involve those in your bubble and to facilitate building cooperation and quality relationships.

Our number one goal is to nurture wellbeing.

As we continue to support our students at home, we plan to keep it simple and not overcomplicate it. Let’s keep it real.

Home Learning Television

The following information has been provided by the Ministry of Education about the home learning television which will be launched on 15 April. 

The Ministry of Education have been working with teachers and leaders, alongside staff from ERO and Te Kura to develop Home Learning TV | Papa Kāinga TV, on TVNZ, which will run from 9am to 3pm on school days on TVNZ2+1 and Sky channel 502. Some lessons will also be available on TVNZ On Demand.

There will be content for parents and whānau with preschool children and lessons for those aged 5 to 15 years of age will cover a broad curriculum that includes movement, music, physical education, wellbeing, numeracy, literacy and science through an integrated approach to curriculum. 

The Ministry of Education has also been working with Māori Television to make distance learning accessible for all ākonga and whānau. The programs on Māori Television are for reo Māori learners of all ages, with a focus on those who are aged 0-18. 

Information about the programme schedule will be on the Learning from Home website this week. 

Devices for Home Learning 

You will have seen in the media that the Ministry of Education are providing many children across the country with devices to support home learning. This is to help families who are unable to access the internet and have no devices in their home, priority has also been given to NCEA students. We will not be receiving devices under this initiative. 

However, at school, we have a very limited number of our own devices we can lend students. Should you require a device to support your child/rens home learning please contact me - principal@stanleybay.school.nz

Staffing News

Congratulations to John Waller, who has won a Deputy Principal position at Three Kings School in Mount Eden. This is a fantastic opportunity for John to continue to grow his leadership skills in a large school. 

John has made significant contributions to Stanley Bay and will be greatly missed by students, staff and the community. We will officially farewell John before he begins his new role in Term 3. 

Special Welcome 

A very special welcome to our new entrants starting school this week;

Emma Maritz, Jack Darragh, Mia Vermuelen, Olive Watkin, Georgia Allen, Thea Neville- Wilson 

A strange way to start school! We look forward to welcoming you all to your new classes and our school very soon!

At this time we anticipate home learning continuing for at least a few more weeks during which time teachers are here to help. Please do not hesitate to get in touch. Be kind, stay strong. 

Nga mihi 

Lucy Naylor 

Principal/Tumuaki