Counselors

Friday, April 3

Aloha Wai’alae Families and Students!

We hope your week is going well and you are finding ways to make the most out of the situation that we are in. We hope that you’re not feeling overwhelmed with everything going on right now and Mr. G and I will continue to provide resources for you and your child during this time period:

1.) Go on a Hike - Some trails in Honolulu are closed (Diamond Head, Manoa Falls, Koko Head) but there are many other trails that are open and can be found here https://hawaiitrails.hawaii.gov/trails/#/ A hike can be a great opportunity to experience fresh air and the beauty that Oahu has to offer. If you decide to go on a hike, please research it first to make sure it is not too difficult, we want all families to be safe.

2.) Cook a Meal Together - This is a great opportunity to have your children help out in the kitchen and learn some valuable skills along the way. You can recreate your favorite meals, desserts and other tasty treats. A helpful article can be found at https://tocaboca.com/magazine/cooking-together/

3.) Talk Story - This is a great opportunity for your children to learn more about you, your stories and experiences in life and it is also a great opportunity to learn more about your children. Take the time to enjoy everyone’s conversation and this gives everyone a chance to practice their listening skills.

4.) Exercise - It is a great time to take a walk at a park or ride your bike. There are also numerous outdoor activities you can do while social distancing such as: toss the frisbee, kick a soccer ball, toss baseball, fly a kite, etc.

5.) Laughter reduces stress and can even help people stay healthier. Make it a tradition to have a regular family comedy night. You might tell jokes, play charades and act out silly scenarios, or watch a funny movie together.

Each week Mr. G and I will be introducing a theme of the week to help the students. This week’s theme is: Daily Goals and Intentions. Setting Daily Goals and Intentions is a tool that students can use to challenge themselves each day, this can also be a very empowering exercise for students and adults.

Mahalo for taking the time to read this and have a great week, if you have any questions please email us!

Mr. G - mguillermo@waialae.edu

Mr. Hervey mhervey@waialae.edu

Friday, March 27

Aloha from the Waialae Counselors

As the Counselors for Waialae Elementary we want to send out our warmest Alohas to your family. This is a challenging time, however with love, patience and understanding, this can also be a great time for you to bond closer together as families. With new information regarding the COVID-19 virus coming in at such a rapid, overwhelming pace, we understand that everyone has been affected in one way or another. As we forge forward, and try to adjust our schedules and domestic dynamics within our households, please slow down, take some deep breaths, and enjoy having your loved ones around you.

Keeping your children and yourselves happy and safe is our primary priority. We would like to suggest that you keep things basic and simple. Develop simple routines and responsibilities at home for everyone in your household, as you see fit for your family. Make sure you are eating healthy, staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and if possible, getting some daily exercise. There are an abundance of online resources that are available, however please refrain from becoming overwhelmed with too much information (TMI), and know and trust that you know what's best for your family.

In the coming days and/or weeks, we will be keeping in touch with you and share some insights and information that you may find useful for your families.

Take care, be safe, and be healthy,

Michael Hervey, School Counselor (Grades 2,4,5)

Mark Guillermo, School Counselor (Grades K,1,3)