Hero photograph
 
Photo by Rachael Hamilton

Dandelions and Orchids

Lucy Naylor —

Since returning to school, we have a keen eye on driving academic success but are also mindful of the current environment. It is a balancing act between leading learning and ensuring the wellness of our children; a truly altruistic relationship.

Many children can thrive in any environment, while others may flourish only under favourable conditions. While some children are affected by trauma, others can effectively weather adverse experiences, sustaining few, if any, consequences.

This is acknowledged by Thomas Boyce in Psychology Today (Jan/Feb 2019), who describes children as dandelions or orchids.

Boyce explains that 80% of children are like dandelions who thrive in almost any environment. These children are usually untroubled by the stresses they confront. About 20% of children are like orchids and require very supportive environments to thrive. These children can succeed wonderfully well in the right circumstances.

We've all seen dandelions, the resilient flower that can grow in the cracks in concrete and thrive in almost any climate. Dandelion children can persevere through all kinds of challenges. These children are resilient, keep growing, and aren't thrown off course by most situations.

The opposite is orchid children who are sensitive to their environment. Picky eating and noise sensitivity can be signs of an orchid, as can having a hard time with change or transitions, either large or small.

Orchid children are wired to respond dramatically to certain factors. They need to grow up knowing their parents are confident in their abilities to survive. A supportive environment is not an overly protective one but one that tries to understand the challenges an orchid child faces and helps them learn to navigate the world.

Boyce's research also found that in a nurturing environment, where children are nourished with a balance of happiness, joyful experiences, clear boundaries and challenge, responses to negative and positive environments can be altered. So given space and time, orchids and dandelions will thrive in their own unique way.

Dandelion or orchid? Just like with any flower, it depends on where they're planted!

To hear more about Thomas Boyce research please click here - Dandelion or Orchid

____________________________________________________________

FOSB Bowls - Saturday 20 March- Postponed

Unfortunately, we have had to make the difficult decision to postpone our bowls night till Term 4. We are significantly short on our numbers to make this night a success. Thank you to all who have bought tickets, these will be directly refunded back to you on Kindo.

Parent Evening - Exploring Teaching and Learning

On Tuesday, 23 March, at 7 pm, you are invited to come and find out how we deliver teaching and learning. The evening is intended to help you to understand how we are growing our culture to empower students to lead their own learning and an opportunity to ask curriculum-related questions. We look forward to seeing you there.

Save the dates...

2021 Stanley Bay Stampede - Sunday 30 May

This is our major fundraiser for the year and a great way to raise community spirit. Challenge yourself and your family around the obstacle course and then slip and slide into the giant mud pit. An SBS spectacular not to be missed!

Learner Led Conferences - 7 and 8 April 2021

At the end of term 1, we encourage you to attend the Learner Led Conferences. This is an opportunity to find out about your child success and the next steps for learning. More details will be included in the next news bulletin.

Health and Wellbeing Exhibition - 14 April 

To celebrate the terms learning, you and your family are invited to attend the first SBS Health and Wellbeing Exhibition. As a culmination of the terms learning, each class will be presenting an exhibit that explains what they have learned and why it is important to them and the community.

Bring along family and friends to share in this event!

***Please note that these events will only proceed at Level 1**

___________

As we are now at Level 1, we look forward to seeing you at assembly on Friday, the first one we have been able to invite parents!

Nga maanakitanga 

Lucy Naylor
Principal/Tumuaki