The atmosphere at lunchtimes in the playground is again very positive. The football game on the Astroturf is the most popular but students are also keen on many other activities. Golf putting and chipping and the adventure playground are also busy.
Some students, though, just like to sit and chat with friends.
Quote of the Week
“Education is not the filling of the pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
William Butler Yeats
Principal’s Comment
During the middle years children become very aware of the world around them. Much of what they learn through the media is frightening with wars, terrorism, natural disasters and horrific predictions for our future world. To thrive and feel comfortable in the world they need to learn resilience—the ability to adapt well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy and stress. Many times over my years teaching I have encountered students with a deep fear for the future—it may be anything from global warming to terrorism.
There are a number of ways parents can help their child learn resilience:
Maintain strong communication links. When children have questions answer them honestly, but simply, and with reassurance. Ask their opinions and listen carefully to their answers. Don’t discount their feelings. Encourage them to avoid generalities and be honest about your own feelings. All of us may feel fear on occasions. Always leave them with a message of hope and encouragement.
Make home a safe haven from the pressures of the world. Allow occasional time for solitude if your child needs it but provide together time with study help, playing games and doing chores together.
On occasions limit exposure to news on TV and newspapers and discuss what you see so events are put in perspective.
Discuss with your child what will happen at times of threat to public safety such as an earthquake, tsunami or pandemic.
Let your child know you are taking care of yourself so you can take care of them in adverse circumstances.
Tell your child their school has an emergency plan and reassure them they will be cared for and protected. A summary of this plan will be in a newsletter soon and hopefully the whole plan will be placed on the website.
Watch for signs of fear and anxiety in your child that they may not be able to put into words. This may be seen as a reluctance to be away from home or have friends over.
Your child in the middle years is beginning to acquire the skills of independence and negotiate the social changes of their age. The skills of resilience can be part of the skill set need in the future and can be very valuable in daily life.
Mike Debney
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CHESS CLUB
Beginning 24th February
Wednesdays
3.00—4.30 p.m.
Library
Cost $2 per session
All interested students very welcome.
Penguins Inline Hockey
(ice hockey on roller blades)
Open Day
Sunday Feb. 14,
2pm – 5pm
Kilbirinie Rec Centre
To find out more Phone Claire 934 1344 or visit our website www.penguinshockey.co.nz
Island Bay Junior Football invites players (girls and boys) to register for the 2010 season.
Starting age = minimum age of 5 years at 01 April 2009
Fees start at $70.00 per child.Family concessions also available.
Registrations forms available from the website: www.ibuafc.wellington.net.nz
Registrations close 28th February 2010
Register via post/online or registration night at the Wakefield Park Clubrooms, Adelaide Road, Island Bay, Tuesday 23rd Feb 6pm – 8pm
REGIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Year 7 Vision Testing
Regional Public Health provides a vision screening programme at school during Year 7.
Vision—Pupils will be advised of results at the time of testing. If a further assessment is recommended, parents will be notified by mail.
Colour-Vision—This is to identify boys with an inherited colour defect. If there is any difficulty with colour-vision test, parents will be notified by mail.
Children who wear glasses and/or under professional care and have regular checks, do not require this vision check.
NON CONSENT
Please notify school if you do not agree to your child being screened.
Note. This screening test is not a full assessment of your child’s vision. If you have any concerns, please contact an optometrist.
Thank You Students
We wish to publicly recognise the appropriate, positive behaviour displayed by these students and identified by a staff member.
Louis Kay
Johnny Dessoulavy
Blaire Governor
Fa’ameleke Auelua
Jack Lord
Michaela Priest
Ted Holmstead-Scott
Pete McKenzie
Empty Computer Cartridges
Don’t throw them away!
Send them to school with your child. We will collect them and can raise $4 for each one, any size. Remember your empty ones at work as well. Ask friends and family to collect for you.
Let’s see how many we can get!!
Guitar Lessons at School
Fridays
You choose what songs you want to learn!
30 minute lessons
@ $10 per person.
Two students per lesson. Find a friend who wants to learn!
Starts Friday 5th March
Contact Paddy Bleakley on
027 470 6769 or 383 5461
STUDY CENTRE
Begins February 23rd
Tuesdays
3.00 p.m. —4.00 p.m.
School Library
Students are welcome to attend for supported independent study.
We still need homestay hosts for four Japanese boys who will be coming March 10th. until March 22nd. Last year these Japanese students were easy to look after and acted like ‘big brothers’ to our homestay students. Please consider this opportunity to host an international student for a short visit.
Appropriate payment will be made for this challenging but rewarding experience.
Interested parents, please leave your name and contact details at the school office.
