Message from the Principal

Kia ora koutou

We are nearly at the end of Term One and it has been great to see the way everyone has settled into school and how our classes have come together.

The messages we give our young people are incredibly important.

As we navigate the increasingly complex landscape of childhood and pre-adolescence, one constant remains : the power of encouragement.

Learning, both academically and socially, can be tough times. But with positive messaging we can support our children to develop lifelong skills and attitudes.

At a recent parent evening we looked at the importance of a growth mindset and self confidence in Maths. When a child experiences difficulty or challenge it is really important to frame this positively. Children need to understand that "struggle" is when their brain is working, learning and creating new pathways.

Encouragement goes beyond simple praise. It's about recognising effort, resilience and creating a safe space where they feel valued and motivated to give things a go!

• Focus on Effort, Not Just Outcomes: Celebrate the hard work and dedication your child invests, regardless of the final result. Acknowledging their effort teaches them the value of perseverance and builds a growth mindset.

• Be Specific : Instead of generic praise like "good job," try to pinpoint specific actions or qualities you admire. For instance, "I was really impressed with how you approached that challenging math problem; you didn't give up."

• Encourage Risk-Taking and Learning from Mistakes: Help your child understand that mistakes are opportunities for growth. Encourage them to try new things and view setbacks as valuable learning experiences.

• Empathise: Sometimes, the most powerful encouragement is simply listening attentively and validating their feelings. Showing empathy creates a sense of understanding and support.

• Foster Independence and Self-Confidence: Empower your child to make their own decisions and solve problems independently. This builds self-confidence and resilience.

These ideas really just revolve around one thing. Time.

With any home learning your child may do, please continue to find time to support, talk, sit alongside. It will make a difference!

As always, we're here to help. Please contact us if you would like to discuss ways to can support your child at home.

Kind regards

Andrew Hunter