From The Principal
Kia ora koutou,
The confronting realities of the escalating human tragedy in Ukraine inevitably add a sense of shock and anxiety for a world already grappling with economic, climate and pandemic-related concerns.
For a generation of children bombarded by so many forms of media in real time, it can be hard to know to what extent they may be aware, comprehend or feel worried about complex events that are far beyond their experience, understanding and control.
Every child reacts differently, but they inevitably depend on cues from the trusted adults around them to help them regulate and process thoughts and feelings in all aspects of their lives. Knowing how to respond to this is important, but can be equally challenging.
In the midst of our busy lives, it makes a significant difference to let them know that we are here to listen, and that we acknowledge their feelings. Often, just knowing they have been heard can make a difference.
The more comfortable our children feel asking questions, sharing concerns and discussing their emotions, the better we are able to support and reassure them in turbulent times. We don't always need to know the answer, but we can be willing to engage with their questions seriously in age-appropriate ways.
'A problem shared is a problem halved' as they say, and simply knowing that it's ok to feel worried can be reassuring in itself. Understanding that everyone - including the adults around them - can feel the same way and find things difficult to process at times can help them to see that this is not only 'normal', but actually a reflection of our compassion for others.
As well as answering as honestly as we can when questions arise, it can also be an opportunity to help them appreciate the many positive actions and efforts that are being undertaken to try and improve the situation.
Focusing, for example, on the dedicated work of critical services, volunteers and organisations - whether at local or global level - reminds them that there are ways to make a difference. This can include actions that we can commit to personally to help be part of the solution. Such actions can seem insignificant in nature, but of great importance in restoring a sense of agency and control that can feel under threat at times like these.
Welcome Back!
To end on a suitably positive note, I'm pleased to advise that we have recently reviewed our risk management settings, and will be removing gate-drop-off and pick-up restrictions from Monday 14 March. This means that parents will be allowed on site (outdoors), which is in response to the increasing focus on indoor transmission and rapid detection. All adults are asked to:
- Wear a face-mask as a courtesy to others
- Do not enter the classroom/school buildings
- Stay clear of the classroom at the start and end of the school day and avoid congregating in larger groups
- Respect the personal space of others by socially distancing
- Scan in using QR Codes on each gate
Beginning a new school year with closed gates has been a challenge all round, so we would like to thank all our parents once again for the support. We're sure you will be as relieved as we are to take this significant step towards 'normalising' the children's experience of school.
For those parents of younger children who have done so well at developing independence at the school gate, I suggest building on this by continuing to allow them to do so at least a couple of times per week. The protocols we have had to introduce brought some benefits for their personal and social development, so please ensure you still allow space to build on this, particularly during time with friends before school.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Room 22
Room 23
Room 24
Room 25
In previous years a drop off date for donations has been available in the lead up to the school fair in term 1. With the fair moving to term 4, we are running a drop off date this weekend for anyone that has had a big summer clear out - we welcome all quality items! Simply drive in the MENPS staff car park and onto the Top Courts to drop off any of the following:
- Books
- Toys - no soft toys accepted
- Clothing - washed, no underwear or men's clothing/shoes accepted.
- Jumble Sale - which is everything else!
Please consider whether you would be happy to pay about $5 for it, and use the clothing bin etc for anything ripped, stained, or broken.
Covid safety measures
- We will run this as a contactless - drop off & go
- Please wear a mask when dropping items off
- Physical distancing from others wherever possible
Many thanks in advance for your incredibly generous support of our school community,
The PTA Second-hand Stall teams
The shop won't be available onsite again until Traffic Light Orange. If you need anything from the second-hand uniform shop, please email us at menpspta@gmail.com with the details and we will try to organise a solution.
Donations needed
Uniforms can be dropped off at the school office by individuals during school hours - adults must wear a mask, scan in and only remain onsite for the drop off to the office.
Chairperson Aimee Chikunda
Deputy Chairperson Pam Clifford
Secretary Jane Cunningham
Treasurer Linda Waddington-Miller
Class Coordinator Leader Chantal Brunner
PTA Advisor Scott Optican
Email menpspta@gmail.com | PTA website
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