Term 2, 2020

Kia ora koutou,

New Windsor School is now CLOSED. The Ministry of Education will be reviewing the schools opening date but we are preparing for the possibility that this closure may be longer than 4 weeks.

I have taken some time to think of what this means for us all. You may be eager to plan schedules of learning for your children, to put together evidence of study, create mini classrooms at the dining table, insist on reading, writing and maths activities as well as online learning activities and timetables for a mini home curriculum, limiting 'play time' and free screen time until all is done. Many of our children are just as apprehensive as we are right now. Our children look to us for the lead. None of us have ever experienced anything like this before. I know being away from school for additional weeks sounds exciting initially, but they are probably picturing a fun time like the normal school holidays, not the reality of being restricted at home and not seeing their friends. We would suggest that you take this next couple of days to ease your child into a routine and to give them some much needed downtime and rest.

The teachers will be in touch with suggestions on what you can do with your child's learning from April the 15th. We have been planning for distance learning for some weeks now. The holidays will officially start on Monday 30 March until the 14th of April. From April 15th the teachers will be in contact via email daily. You have access to our distance learning portal 24/7 and we will be adding and refreshing the learning regularly.

As time progresses, over the coming weeks, it is likely you will see an increase in behaviour issues with your children. This could be anxiety, or anger, or protests that they can't do normal things - it will happen. You will potentially see more meltdowns, tantrums, and oppositional behaviour. This is normal, age appropriate and expected under these circumstances. What our children need right now is to feel comforted and loved. It is so important that they feel like it is all going to be okay. That might mean that you need to tear up the perfect timetable and simply focus on giving them lots of love and attention. Please try to prioritise time for play outside and going on walks together. Use this time which has been gifted to us to bake biscuits, paint pictures, play board games, watch movies, do a science experiment together or find virtual field trips. Why don't they create a fitness circuit in your garden, start a book and read together as a family. What a treat to snuggle under warm blankets and do nothing.

Teachers will be in touch. Please pause, breathe and smile and try hard to limit worry about your children regressing in school. Every single child, the world over, is in this position and they all will be okay. When we are back in the formal classroom, we will focus on their learning and meet their educational needs.

If I can leave you with one thing, it is this: at the end of all of this uncertain and testing situation, it is the mental health of your precious children which will be far more important than their academic skills. How they felt during this time will stay with them long after the memory of what they did during these weeks is gone.

I wish you all the best for the weeks ahead.

Ngā mihi nui,

Lisa Harland,

Tumuaki