by Gen Fuller

Excitement is in the air!

"Kia ora, Talofa, Malo e leleli, Kia orana, Fakalofa lahi Atu, Taloha Ni, Ni sa bula, 你好, Namaste, 안녕하세요, Hola, Sat Sri Akaal " - welcome to our new look newsletter and welcome to our 2024 year!

We're excited to welcome your child back to Taumata School on Thursday, February 1st!   We hope your summer was filled with joy, relaxation and lots of memory making activities. As we embark on another exciting school year, it's with open arms and warm hearts that we welcome back our returning students and extend a special welcome to all the new whanau joining our Taumata School community. We are thrilled you chose Taumata School for your child's educational journey and look forward to partnering with you to support their needs.

Returning to school can be an exciting and anxious time for young learners, and we want to make this transition as smooth and positive as possible. Here are a few tips to support your children during this exciting time:

  • Establish a Routine: Help your child ease back into the school routine by gradually adjusting bedtime and morning routines in the days leading into school starting.
  • Talk openly with your child: Encourage your child to share their feelings about returning to school. Address any concerns they may have and offer reassurance.
  • Stationery and Uniforms: Involve your child in selecting those items that will support their start of year. This can create excitement and a sense of ownership for the upcoming school year.
  • Visit the school site:  If possible, visit the school a few days before the start and once they have started.  Allow them to share their new space and take the lead in showing you around the site. 
  • Celebrate Achievements: Reflect on your child's achievements from the previous year. Celebrate their growth and set positive expectations for the coming year.
  • Encourage Goal Setting: Help your child set realistic goals for the school year. This could include goals related to learning;  making new friends; getting involved or stepping outside of their comfort area.
  • Positive Outlook: Discuss the positive aspects of returning to school, such as seeing friends, engaging in interesting lessons, and the chance to learn new things.
  • Healthy Habits: Reinforce the importance of healthy habits like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and staying physically active to support overall well-being.
  • Stay Involved: Stay involved in your child's school life. Attend parent/whanau hui; engage with school wide and community events and actively support their learning journey.