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Photo by Sean Minhinnick

Building self-esteem in The Hub

Sean Minhinnick —

We all need our batteries re-charged from time to time, right now in The Hub we're on FULL POWER!

At Tahuna, we believe no young person should be held back from reaching their full potential. However, low self-esteem can stop young people being their best selves, potentially affecting their health, friendships and even performance at school.

This week we've been discussing and sharing ideas around what makes us believe in ourselves, why we're so special, how our 'batteries' are charged and how we can charge and boost others around us.

Thank you to all the whānau of The Hub who wrote beautiful letters to your loved ones. They were handed out and read privately by each student. It was a powerful moment, followed by some watery eyes, laughter and an overwhelming feeling of being loved and belonging. It was one of those moments that matter and make a difference.

We have set up a charging station where each student will check in each day with how they're going. They each have their own token that they will drop in a specific colour coded box depending on how they're feeling. A green light means they're feeling fully charged and they will select a card that will give them ways to support others. An orange light means they're feeling ok, they will select a card that will give them ideas and behaviours that could make them  feel better. A red light means their teacher (a caring adult in their lives) will check in with them and offer support and guidance.

Both Kristy and I are so proud of the effort put in by our students this week and we can  already see and feel the difference it has made to how we feel about ourselves and how our actions can impact on others so profoundly.

We can't wait to continue to see the benefits of this programme in the coming weeks as students independently check in at the charging station.

Arohanui

Mr Min & Mrs McBride