Covid L4 Update - 8 September
8 September 2021
Message from our Principal
Kia ora tatou,
Despite finding ourselves in another week of Level 4 lockdown, I am humbled by and proud of the way everyone has pulled together and continued with Distance Learning at Level 4. It is fabulous that our students are connecting on Seesaw or Zoom. These platforms ensure positive and fun communication and interaction online and as well as our learning platforms they also provide some normality and routine for our students.
Zoom was also a successful platform for us to use for our Learning Check-In Meetings last Thursday and Friday. We had 392 families sign up for a Learning Check-In meeting, resulting in 83% attendance. We were delighted with this. There has been much positive feedback coming through to us from the Learning Check-In meetings. To date this includes families appreciating the opportunity to ask questions about the last school report, to discuss celebrations, challenges and next steps of distance learning in Level 4 as well as an opportunity to connect. Thank you for taking the time to attend the Learning Check-In meetings.
Level 4 has meant an increase of screen time in learning, working and connecting. These tips from Family Zone may offer support to those who are concerned about additional online safety over distance learning.
As we complete 3 weeks to date in Level 4, be assured your children are learning all the time. It may not exactly replicate what they would do at school but they are developing their skills and knowledge. I encourage you to keep positive, read to your children, discuss things and take opportunities to share stories of your own. There are plenty of things our children can learn from us parents too. A huge acknowledgment to our teachers who are juggling Zoom sessions, planning meetings, preparing resources, managing their own families and the list goes on! Thank you to all our families for your dedication and adaptability and who are working with your children too. It is certainly taking a village to raise a child!
I am including a helpful link to an article by Core Education titled “So… you're the teacher now? Tips and strategies for whānau navigating learning at home.” This blog addresses some common myths, answers frequently asked questions, and has some great strategies that I am sure you will find useful. The letter to all parents below touches on being mindful of your child’s wellbeing during this time.
The Resilience Project
This year at Pinehill School we are teaching The Resilience Project in all our classes from Y1-Y6.
During the Learning Check-In Meetings, we had parents share with us that they would like to know more about TRP (The Resilience Project)
The Purpose of The Resilience Project is to teach positive mental health strategies to help people become happier and more resilient. The research is clear; the more positive emotion you experience, the more resilient you will be. TRP focuses on three key pillars proven to cultivate positive emotion; Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (GEM). TRP has a strong focus on Connection, Purpose, Kindness, Emotional Literacy and Physical Health.
Here is a video I shared in a previous newsletter that has further information on TRP. I have also shared a link with how TRP can look at home.
Taking our Learning and Pinehill Way to the community
Last year in Level 4, some of our teachers set their students a task to write a note to someone in the community who was working hard. Jake has shared the letter he wrote to the NZ Police and the lovely response he received back as a result of this task. Jake has asked if I can do a shout-out to all our students at Pinehill School to take on a community action like this, now we are in Level 4 again. The challenge is on. Please share how this goes.
Jakes letter
To New Zealand Police,
My teacher asked us to write a note to people who have done hard work in our communities and I picked you.
Thank you New Zealand Police for staying up all night keeping people safe. I also want to thank you for how you catch speeding people and going after people that go through red lights. I am grateful for the police catching bad guys from stealing things like cars and jewellery. I like the way you help teach us at school how to cross the road and stay safe on devices by never giving away your personal information. In lockdown you also teach people to stay in their community by going around checking if people are doing the right things.
Thank you Police for everything you have done to keep us all safe.
From Jake Skudder
Year 3 student at Pinehill Primary School
Jake’s reply
Hello Jake,
Thank you so much for your kind words and picture. I have just started my shift and it was very nice to get your email.
I hope you and your family are keeping well during the lockdown and you are keeping up with your school work.
Stay safe.
Ian.
Senior Constable Ian Coupe
Strategic Planning Parent Survey
The Parent/Whanau survey closes today at midday. The survey doesn't take long and your feedback will be valuable in supporting the board with its decision making and future planning.
If you haven't already, We would greatly appreciate it if you could please complete the survey before midday today.
Thank you so much for your time and support!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BLXVRQS
As always, please let us know if there is anything you need to support you and your tamariki during this time.
Mā te pā te tamaiti e whakatipu
It takes a village to raise a child!
Ngā mihi nui,
Carla Veldman, Principal
Contact Us
Email: info@pinehill.school.nz
Website: https://www.pinehill.school.nz
Location: 2 Hugh Green Drive, Pinehill, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
Phone: 09 4780301