Principal's Message...
Our Purpose: To prepare students to be active participants who will contribute to their community.
Tēnā koutou katoa, Malo e lelei, Talofa lava, Bula vinaka
We are well and truly in the swing of a new term that may be one of the busiest yet. Children will be working hard this term not only in the classroom, but also participating in a range of different activities, such as technology, Kapa Haka, Choir and Pasifika groups.
Our winter sports programme is well underway, and our sports exchange trials have started. Thank you for your support in organising your child with the correct gear and getting them to games and training on time.
Students keep up-to-date with information regarding opportunities via our daily notices each morning.
Our Out of Hours Music and Arts programmes have started, and we are super lucky to have Ben Blair and Janice Joiner who are providing these programmes. If you want to know more about this opportunity, then email annekec@oamaruint.school.nz
As we all know, education is a collaborative effort that extends beyond the walls of our school. Your involvement and engagement in your child's learning journey play a crucial role in their success. With that in mind, I have taken the time to reflect on what we can do as parents to support our children’s mental health and well-being.
Create a safe and supportive home environment: providing lots of opportunities to actively listen and encourage open communication, and providing emotional support when needed.
Encourage healthy habits: a balanced diet, regular exercise, digital-free time, and adequate sleep can have a huge impact on your child’s well-being.
Model healthy coping strategies: We can model healthy coping strategies for our children by managing our stress in a healthy way. This can include practising self-care, seeking support from friends and family, or seeking professional help when needed. As adults, our children take cues from us, they watch how we react and respond to different situations. Our children learn from us.
Take an interest in what your child is doing out of school, spend time with your child, and know who they are hanging out with and who they are talking to online.
Be aware of warning signs: It's important for us to be aware of warning signs that may indicate that our child is struggling. These signs can include changes in behaviour, academic performance, or social interactions. If you are worried about your child, then do reach out and professional help. This can include talking to your child's doctor, Fiona - Public Health Nurse, Youthline, or a mental health professional. Early intervention can make a big difference in a child's mental health outcomes.
Learning Conversations
On Thursday, 5 June, our Learning Conversations will be taking place. This is a very important opportunity for you and your child to meet with the teacher. Making the time to prioritise their education, and coming and meeting with their classroom teacher, sends a direct message to your child that you are invested in their learning and the importance that you place on them having success at O.I.S. It also helps to keep building those positive home and school connections that are so important in ensuring successful outcomes for your children.
Our normal classroom programme will not be running that day to enable these conferences to happen. If possible, we ask that you keep your child home for the day if you are able to. Be assured, if you cannot find an alternative for your child, we will have teachers available to supervise your child for the day. Please contact the office on 4370822 to inform us if your child needs to be at school that day.
Rebecca Meek
Principal