Today our school is a sea of pink. It is so awesome to see our students enthusiastic about getting dressed up and celebrating a day that is all about spreading the message to Stop Bullying.

In the last week I have noticed that we have students who have been involved in behaviours that have made others feel uncomfortable, worried about coming to school and upset about things that have been said to them or about them. Our message is very simple - it is not ok to make anyone feel bad about themself or scared to come to school. It is not ok to say unkind things to or about someone else. It is not ok to hurt other students. Everyone has the right to feel safe at school and our expectation is that everyone works together to ensure school is a safe place for all.

There are a lot more positives than negatives and the few students who choose to bully others are in a very small minority. However, we all have a responsibility to stamp out bullying and we cannot pretend that it only happens at some schools or in some communities. It happens everywhere and it is not ok.

The first way to stamp out bullying is through speaking out. We need to know if it is happening and we need to draw attention to the behaviours that hurt others.

Restorative justice is vital if we want bullies to have an awareness of the consequences of their actions. Owning behaviour by admitting what was done to cause harm and accepting that it is not ok to hurt others is an important part of our school wide approach to dealing with bullying behaviours. We often hear excuses or words that blame the victim. There is no excuse for bullying.

Creating a caring environment where all students feel safe, supported and able to express themselves freely is our goal. We know that students who are thriving emotionally, also thrive academically. Bullying will never be swept under the carpet. Please don't ever feel like it is not important enough to share any concerns you have or to tell us if there are behaviours happening at school that are impacting on your child's wellbeing. We want the best for every student.

The photos in today's newsletter show our gorgeous students smiling, laughing and happy to celebrate the message that bullying is not ok. This is not a message just for pink shirt day. This is the message for every day.

Have a wonderful weekend, the weather is not looking great so it might be time to get out your winter wardrobe and wet weather gear.

Ngā mihi nui,

JoAnne

JoAnne Sutton (she/her)

Principal / Tumuaki

Next week I will be reporting to our Board of Trustees about all of the opportunities that are currently on offer for enriching and extending students. We offer these activities so that students can enhance their knowledge of a subject and work with like minded peers to extend their learning or add a depth that would not get in a regular classroom setting.

The range of activities include maths, science, literacy extension to choir, dance, sports camp to cultural groups, music lessons, art extension and enviro club.

Whānau teachers can assist students in getting involved in activities that spark their interest or they have a talent for.

We are very lucky to have a glass house with a fantastic seat up for growing plants in a hydroponic environment. Our new part time teacher, Matua Riccardo is working with students each Wednesday to create gardens, harvest food and experiment with the hydroponics systems. Here's a few photos from this week.

Dear Bianca, Tyla & fellow students of Birkdale Intermediate,

Thank you so much for your support and generosity to Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) New Zealand.

Your generous gift of Easter treats has helped families like the Wards feel at home while staying within a Ronald McDonald House® programme in New Zealand. Thanks to your generosity, families like the Wards can be together during a tough time in their lives.

“The biggest part was that we could all stay together at Ronald McDonald House®,” says Mum, Natasha, “especially when Harry was really unstable those four or five times and was being resuscitated a lot.”
Natasha Ward

Because of you, families like the Wards will not only have a place to sleep but also receive the additional care and support they deserve.

Thank you again for your help keeping families together when they need it the most.


Best wishes,
The RMHC New Zealand Team

Tuesday 24th May - ERO Visit & Pōwhiri

- BOT Meeting at 6:30pm

Wednesday 25th May- HPV Immunisation Catch-up

Monday 30th May- Auckland Regional Dental Van here for 10 weeks

Friday 3rd June- Teachers Only Day

Monday 6th June- Queens Birthday, Public Holiday

Thursday 16th June- North Shore Mathex

Friday 24th June- Matariki, Public Holiday

Please contact office@bis.school.nz to advertise your community event in this space.