Information and resources to support wellbeing and support learning at home
Thinking of you all as we lockdown together
Dear whānau
We have started into a new phase of New Zealand’s response to COVID-19 and it is very different than anything most of us have ever experienced. I wanted to reassure you that our school staff is working at the moment to structure and test learning programmes that will be available to support your child’s learning on the 15 April and onwards. I know that many of you have access to internet and devices but for those who don't, the Ministry is currently working on a plan to get devices to homes by the time we start online learning. If you do not have any way of accessing a device for your child to use please contact admin@thorrington.ac.nz with your child's/children's names, your current home address, and a mobile number.
Removing data caps for internet
In addition to Spark, Vodafone, Vocus/Slingshot, and 2Degrees, Trustpower has now also advised they have removed their data caps and the possibility of any extra charges based on usage - Ask.Trustpower.co.nz – “we've removed data limits for all fixed-line broadband customers to make sure everyone can stay connected. You'll be able to keep in touch with family and friends, work or study from home, and receive vital updates without having to worry about exceeding your data limit”.
You will understand the importance of routine for your family. Routines are reassuring, and promote health and physical wellbeing. A school holiday version of routine will likely look a little different, but some form of routine will still be important as we go through the lockdown period. Use our suggested timetable of activities that we sent out earlier in the week. We are updating this regularly with new suggestions and links to keep children engaged in the next few weeks.
Key dates reminder
- 26 March Alert Level 4 commenced
- 28 March School holidays begin
- 10 – 14 April Easter including the Tuesday after Easter
- 15 April Term 2 begins (through distance learning)
- 22 April Current date for ending of lockdown period
- 27 April ANZAC Day observed
What follows is a list of links that may be of support to you and your children in this first lockdown phase:
The Ministry of Education has developed a resource for parents, caregivers, whānau and family - http://education.govt.nz/school/health-safety-and-wellbeing/pastoral-care-and-wellbeing/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-coronavirus/
I AM HOPE is the youth and community focused support group run by The Key to Life Charitable Trust, started by Mike King - https://www.iamhope.org.nz/
Nathan Wallis has some helpful videos on his Facebook page for parents and whānau - https://www.facebook.com/nathanwallisxfactoreducation/ -
Tips on looking after mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19 from the Mental Health foundation https://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/get-help/covid-19/
A website by the Health Promotion Agency to help New Zealanders recognise and understand depression and anxiety - https://depression.org.nz/covid-19/
Although overseas-based this is a good list and highlights some things particularly important for children. Remember the rules of New Zealand’s level 4 lockdown still apply - 25 Mental Health Wellness Tips during Quarantine from Eileen M Feliciano, Psy.D.
For our Pacific families, if you are not aware the Ministry for Pacific Peoples’ has been working to ensure useful information is available to Pacific peoples. A one-hour special will be aired on Tagata Pasifika’s segment on Saturday at 9 am, and on Sunday at 7.35 am, Tagata Pasifika will share messages from community leaders. The Ministry is asking you to reach out to all your family members, community groups, friends and group chats to ensure our Pacific community groups are watching the programming on both days.
With what looks like a few days of rain ahead, get out the colouring books, lego and some good books or audiobooks. Search for free audiobooks in Apple Books and there are some children's audio's or 'read with me' options in the links we provided earlier in the week
Be kind to each other and yourselves - Arohanui.
Christine Harris
Principal - Tumuaki