School Newsletter Week 9 - Term 3
Tuesday 21 September 2021
Coming to School in Level 2
As we all heard in yesterday's government announcement Wellington is staying at Level 2. This means all of our L2 arrangements stay as they are until further notice. We started a new timetable for pick ups yesterday and tomorrow the drop off time shifts back to usual time of 8:30. For the full description of Level 2 go to our website.
- NEW MORNING DROP-OFF TIME: Drop children off at the driveway/top gate between 8:30-8:55. There will be teachers there to greet your child. Please allow extra time to find a park.
- All visitors who come on site must wear a mask.
- With warmer weather making an appearance, make sure your child has a drink bottle to use at school while the drinking fountains are closed.
- See below for the new pick up times which started yesterday.
Alert Level Restrictions: Tips for Parents from Dr Hinemoa Elder and Nathan Wallis
Schools have heard that some parents and whānau are feeling anxious about their children’s behaviour and routine changes as alert levels change. In response, the Ministry of Education asked Dr Hinemoa Elder (child adolescent psychiatrist) and Nathan Wallis (neuroscience educator) for some tips and advice. In a video that's been made, they describe what parents can do if they have concerns. If parents are still concerned their tamariki aren’t coping, it’s important to reach out and talk with a health professional. There’s lot of support, information and help available - please talk with your child's teacher if you'd like to know more.
RIP Ilona Szakats
During lockdown I wrote to you with the sad news of the death of ex-Paparangi teacher, Ilona Szakats. Thanks to all the families who have sent lovely condolence messages for Ilona's tribute book. Your messages are appreciated by our staff and Ilona's family. It's not too late to send something if you or someone in your family would still like to.
Ilona's funeral is taking place on Monday 27 September. Due to L2 Alert levels a small funeral is planned. To allow as many staff as possible to attend Ilona's funeral, a modified programme will run for the morning with school still open. The funeral is being screened live online as well. Should any families wish to have the link shared with them please send a message to the office.
We are disappointed that we haven't yet as a school been able to come together as a big group to commemorate Ilona's life because of the safety restrictions under L2. However we are making plans so we're ready and will share them when we're able to.
Here are some reminders about grief so you can support your child should they talk about Ms Szakats' death with you. Grief affects people in different ways. Some signs to look out for are changes in behaviour, sleep patterns, and eating patterns. You may notice increased tearfulness, or up and down emotions, heightened anger or irritability, or increased worry. Your child may complain of physical symptoms that don’t have an obvious cause such as aches, pains and feeling sick.
It is important to understand reactions to trauma are normal, and best helped within children’s normal environments. Children may be affected by events whether or not they are at the age where they fully understand their feelings, and they learn how to respond by watching the behaviour of the adults who care for them.
Give frequent attention through the provision of verbal reassurance and physical comforting to re-establish a sense of security for children
Let children talk about what’s happened, they may ask similar questions over and over
Answer questions honestly and reply using simple language at a level appropriate to the age and stage of your child
Encourage children to talk about how they are feeling, accept what they say and let them know how you are feeling too
Support your child if they think of ways they would like to help Ms Szakats' family
Other agencies who can help include:
Skylight: www.skylight.org.nz, 0800 299 100
Ring/text 1737 to speak with a trained counsellor
Youthline: Text on 234 from 8am to 12am or ring 0800 376 633
Lifeline: 0800 543 354
For additional reading about grief in children please talk to your child’s teacher who can provide a handout from Skylight.
Upcoming Events
- Board Meeting, 6pm in the staffroom, Monday 27 September (please note this is a new meeting day)
- No end of term assembly due to Alert Level changes
- Cancelled: Y2-6 swimming and DanceSplash
- Last day of Term 3, 3pm, Friday 1 October
- First day of Term 4, 8:55am, Monday 18 October
- Teacher Only Day, School closed; Friday 22 October
- Labour Day Public Holiday, School closed; Monday 25 October
Monday mornings: Goodtime Music Academy
Mondays after school: Kelly Sports
Tuesdays after school: Marrzipan Drama
Thursdays after school: Art Club
Newsletter proudly sponsored by
Contact Us
Remember that parents can use the App to send a message about a student absence. It is our preferred method of contact for non-attendance and is quick and easy to do.
Email: office@paparangi.school.nz
Website: https://paparangi.school.nz
Location: 57-59 Beazley Avenue, Paparangi, Wellington 6037, New Zealand
Phone: +64 4-478 6617