Week 7 Term 1 Panui
Wednesday - 13 March 2024
Contact Us
Email: office@witherlea.school.nz
Website: https://witherlea.school.nz
Location: 214-216 Weld Street, Witherlea, Blenheim 7201, New Zealand
Phone: 64 (03) 578 5568
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/witherleablenheim
Principal Message
Kia ora te whānau,
As we navigate the journey of guiding our children toward success, one of the most valuable gifts we can offer them is the mindset of growth. A growth mindset empowers our children to embrace challenges, persist through setbacks, and ultimately thrive in both academic and personal endeavours. In this newsletter piece, we'll explore the importance of cultivating a growth mindset and share practical ways you can help foster this invaluable mindset in your children.
Why is a Growth Mindset Important?
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, perseverance, and learning from mistakes. When children possess a growth mindset:
They Embrace Challenges: Rather than shying away from challenges, children with a growth mindset see them as opportunities for growth and learning.
They Learn from Setbacks: Instead of being discouraged by failure, they view setbacks as temporary and use them as learning experiences to improve and grow.
They Persist in the Face of Adversity: Children with a growth mindset have the resilience to keep trying, even when faced with obstacles or difficulties.
They Value Effort and hard Work: They understand that success is not solely determined by innate talent but also by effort and dedication.
Practical Ways to Foster a Growth Mindset:
Praise Effort, Not Intelligence: When praising your child's accomplishments, focus on their effort, perseverance, and strategies used rather than solely on their intelligence or talent. Encourage them by saying, "I'm proud of how hard you worked on that project" or "I appreciate your determination to solve that problem."
Encourage Risk-Taking: Encourage your child to step out of their comfort zone and try new things, even if they might make mistakes along the way. Remind them that it's okay to fail and that mistakes are opportunities for growth and learning.
Teach the Power of "Yet": Encourage your child to add the word "yet" to their vocabulary when faced with challenges or setbacks. For example, instead of saying, "I can't do this," they can say, "I can't do this yet," indicating that they believe in their ability to improve over time with effort and practice.
Model a Growth Mindset: Children often learn by example, so demonstrate a growth mindset in your own actions and language. Share stories of your own challenges and how you overcame them through perseverance and resilience.
Provide Constructive Feedback: Instead of simply telling your child what they did wrong, offer specific, constructive feedback that focuses on areas for improvement and strategies for growth. Encourage them to see feedback as valuable guidance rather than criticism.
By nurturing a growth mindset in our children, we equip them with the mindset and skills they need to navigate life's challenges with confidence, resilience, and a passion for learning. Last week I shared this video with children at assembly to promote a growth mindset, and I recommend this one for parents - check them out when you have a spare moment! Together, let's empower our children to be confident and successful!
Ngā manaakitanga,
Symon Beattie
Principal
Reminder
School finishes at 12.30pm next Friday to allow teachers to attend a Paid Union Meeting.
Witherlea Swimming Sports 2024
Congratulations to all children in Years 3-6 for their participation in our swimming sports last Friday and thank you to those who were able to come along and support this event. We are super proud of those who placed in the races and will present certificates to these students on Monday at assembly.
Weetbix Tryathlon
Well done to these students who took part in the Weetbix Tryathlon in Nelson last Sunday. You displayed amazing grit in the face of a challenging event and triumphed! Thank you to the Terpstra's for taking over the school gazebo to provide a base for our team during the event.
Welcome to Witherlea School
We wish to welcome these new students and their families and whānau to our school and community;
Jenica J, Finn D, Lucas B, Shusank O
Welcome to School Certificates are given out at our assembly on a Monday morning at 9am.
Kind, Be Safe, Be Fair Shoutouts
Congratulations to these students who have displayed one or all of our school behaviour expectations and are a model to others;
FERNS TEAM
Osar J - Coming to school everyday with a positive attitude and a big smile. You live by our school motto and you are a role model to you peers.
Holly D - Being a kind and considerate member of room 21. We are lucky to have you, you always look out for others and make sure others feel included.
KOWHAI TEAM
Ava J - Consistently displaying our values. You are thoughtful, kind to others around you and always happy to help out. Ka Pai!
Isabella G - Always showing respect and kindness to everyone. You constantly have a smile on your face and always put your hand up to volunteer or help others. Well done Isabella.
KAURI TEAM
Gurleen T - You are so thoughtful and warm hearted. Your words and actions are always kind and encouraging. You make our room a wonderful place to be!
Lyra L - Going above and beyond to ensure everyone feels welcome in Room 17. Lyra, your kind smile and helpful caring attitude towards those in need is such a beautiful quality. you are an asset, keep being you!
Angus C - Constantly living our motto and our values. You are an asset to our school with the integrity you show every moment of the day.
The awards are for recognition in displaying and modelling our school motto and values; Be Kind, Be Safe, Be Fair.
Omaka Marae Visit
Room 12 learnt many new things at Omaka Marae. We were lucky having tamariki from Te Pā Wānanga teaching us and singing to us.
Year 5 & 6 Cricket Tournament
Well done to the year 5 & 6 students who participated in the cricket tournament!
Congratulations to Harry L and Sophie B who were selected as MVP. All the students were fantastic and a number of people praised their sportsmanship.
Go Witherlea!!