Newsletter No. 1 Week 2 Term 3

Tokoroa Intermediate School 01 August 2024

Principal's Pen

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Earlier this week, we encountered a challenging situation involving social media. Some of our students unintentionally created a "muggies" page using our school logo, which they had obtained from our website. This page quickly became a hub for inappropriate photo uploads by various individuals. Though the students did not intend to harm the school, the situation spiraled beyond their control.

We extend our sincere thanks to the parents who came forward to inform us and give us a heads-up about the issue. Their prompt actions were invaluable in helping us address the situation swiftly. We've since identified the students involved and taken appropriate measures.

To prevent similar incidents in the future, we have implemented a policy requiring students to register their phones with the school. This allows us to keep track of which students have phones on school premises and helps teachers monitor their use. Unfortunately, some students have been keeping their phones without handing them in, using them inappropriately, such as taking photos of other students in the school bathrooms without their knowledge.

The registration system aims to maintain a record of phones brought to school and ensure parents are aware of their child's phone usage. It also helps us identify and address issues more effectively.

One significant issue highlighted by this incident was the lack of understanding of how platforms like TikTok operate. When we do not own a page, we have no authority to take it down. This can only be done by the owner, making it crucial to identify the students involved. Additionally, TikTok can take several days to act on such requests.

We are grateful to the Facebook administrators who promptly shut down the pages when the content became damaging and students were being named. Their assistance was crucial in mitigating the situation.

Last year, we hosted a couple, who spoke to our community about social media, the internet and how parents can support their children. Sadly, only four parents attended. Given the recent events, we will definitely be organising more workshops on this topic, as there seems to be a clear need for it.

One of the best ways parents can support each other is by staying informed and connected. We encourage you to visit Family Link (an app that can be downloaded onto your phone) for more information on managing digital technology and cell phone use of your child.

Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation. Together, we can ensure a safe and positive environment for our students.

Oxford Pie Fundraiser

This term we are fundraising by selling Oxford Pies again. Order forms have been sent home with each student and need to be returned to the office with payment by 27 August. You can either pay cash or eftpos. Tell your family and friends and get your orders in. They will be delivered on 5 September. Order forms can also be picked up from the office.

Youth Vaping

Vaping amongst children/youth is an evolving issue and becoming a problem at schools. The National Public Health Service has developed 'Let's Clear the Air', a resource providing guidance to support students, school staff, parents and whanau. This resource is available at smokefree.org.nz/smokefree-resources/lets-clear-the-air

Waikato Intermediate Cross Country

On Tuesday, 13 August our school will host the Waikato Intermediate Cross Country at the South Waikato Events Center/Memorial Sports Grounds. The first 10 placings in each age group of boys and girls from our school cross country will be representing our school in this event. We will also have a large group of helpers on the course. Notices informing parents have gone home, and the permission slips need to be returned by Tuesday, 6 August.

Students need to be dropped off at the Events Center by 9.15 am for a roll call and they will be transported back to school by bus around 1.15 pm.

Helpers need to come in warm wet weather gear and bring snacks and a water bottle. Runners need to come in their PE uniform and have warm wet weather gear for changing into after their race. They are also to bring snacks and a water bottle.

If parents/caregivers want to take their child home at the conclusion of the event, they must be signed out with our first aid officer by the toilets.

There will be no postponement date if the race gets cancelled due to bad weather. In the likelihood of cancellation children will need to be prepared for school work.

Culture Groups

Our Kapa Haka and Poly groups are busy preparing for the Culture Fest which will be held on Saturday, 21 September. They will be practicing every Wednesday from 2.45 to 4.30 pm.

Agricultural Day

Below is information about the upcoming Agricultural Day. Entry forms can be picked up from our school office or you can enter your child online through the following link: http://tiny.cc/TokAgday

Children only need to enter once with either paper form or online.