Mānawatia a Matariki!
As we wrap up another action-packed term, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the importance of resilience in our children’s development. Resilience, the ability to recover from setbacks and adapt to change, is a crucial life skill. It is encapsulated in our new school value, Be Brave - Kia Kaha. One way we can foster resilience in our students is by allowing them to experience eustress, a positive form of stress that helps them grow stronger.
To illustrate this concept, let’s look at Biosphere 2, an enclosed ecological system created to study interactions within life systems. Inside Biosphere 2, trees grew quickly but their wood was weak and unable to support their own weight, causing them to collapse before maturity. This happened because they lacked the natural stressors, such as wind, that trees in the wild face. These stressors, though challenging, are essential for the development of what is known as "stress wood," which helps trees grow stronger and more resilient.
Similarly, when our children face challenges and persevere, they develop their own “stress wood,” becoming more resilient and better equipped to handle life’s ups and downs. This term, our students exemplified this beautifully during the recent cross-country event. Every single student displayed bravery and grit to complete the course. Watching them push through their limits and support each other was truly inspiring and a testament to their growing resilience. Well done to all participants and congratulations to the overall winning house, 'Fishtale', for earning the highest combined points for participation, sportsmanship, and achievement.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful school community for your continued support, which you show in a multitude of ways, from road patrol to baking and sports coaching, to name a few. The Friends of Witherlea have been incredible, raising an astounding $13,500 through the recent quiz night and bake sale. Your generosity directly benefits our school and enriches our children’s educational experiences.
Our staff have also gone above and beyond this term, juggling numerous school events and the rigorous demands of reporting. The board and leadership team have been working hard on internal evaluation documents in preparation for the Education Review Office to visit in the middle of term 3. The staff and boards dedication to our students' growth and well-being is commendable, and I am deeply grateful for their hard work and commitment.
As we head into the term break, I wish everyone a restful and rejuvenating holiday. The school grounds will be closed to the public during the term break to ensure safety while our pool fence is replaced, the senior playground upgraded, and a couple of classrooms refurbished.
Thank you once again for your continued support and let us continue to create an environment where our students can face challenges with courage and resilience. Together, we can support them in their journey of growth, ensuring they are well-prepared for the future.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Symon Beattie
Principal/Tumuaki
