School Newsletter 2024

We would like to extend a thank you to all our whānau who attended our Restorative Practice Parent sessions this week. Your presence and engagement demonstrate your commitment to fostering a positive environment for our tamariki, both at home and at school.

A special thanks to Leane Carlson from Waikato University, who led two fantastic sessions. Leane provided invaluable insights and practical strategies that will support our parents in guiding their children to problem-solve, take responsibility, and build essential tools for taking ownership of their behaviour.

Restorative practice is a positive relationship-focused approach aimed at resolving conflict, addressing mistakes, and repairing harm in a way that fosters healing, accountability, and a stronger sense of community. Unlike traditional discipline methods, which focus on punishment, restorative practice emphasises understanding the impact of one’s actions, taking responsibility, and actively working to make amends. It moves beyond blame and punishment, guiding students toward personal growth, learning, and the rebuilding of trust within the school environment.

The purpose of restorative practice is to create a safe and respectful environment where students are encouraged to communicate openly, resolve conflicts constructively, and develop essential life skills. By participating in this process, students learn to take ownership of their behaviour while also considering the well-being of others. At Mairangi Bay School, this approach aligns perfectly with our core values of atawhai (kindness), whakaute (respect), and manawanui (resilience), nurturing positive relationships both within the school and the wider community.

Restorative practice is most effective when the school and community work together in partnership. Open communication between teachers, parents, and students ensures that everyone is aligned in promoting positive behaviour and accountability. Regular discussions about restorative principles help reinforce the same values and approaches at home and at school. This mutual support creates a consistent environment where students are empowered to problem-solve and resolve conflicts in healthy, respectful ways.

Parental involvement is key. By participating in sessions like our recent Restorative Practice Parent workshops, whānau gain valuable insights into applying restorative principles at home, further enhancing their children's ability to navigate challenges with empathy and responsibility. When our school and families work together, we build stronger relationships and create a positive culture where our students feel supported and valued.

The collaboration between our school and community - learning together - is essential in fostering a sense of belonging and accountability in students. Together, we can cultivate resilience and help our children grow into thoughtful, responsible individuals who are well-prepared to handle conflicts inside and outside of school - creating a better tomorrow.

Expected Behaviour at School

Below is the expected behaviour at school aligned with our school values. Please take some time to share these expectations with your child so we are developing a shared language at home and school.

Restorative Practice Parent Corner - ‘Keeping the small things small - Ngā Rautaki Iti’.
Each week, we will post a tip in our newsletter to help you to develop restorative practice at home, aligning with our restorative practice strategies at school. This week's tip will help with low-level behaviour.

RP Strategy 1: Low-level interventions: Proximity – Quiet voice close to your child to get them back on track – Eye contact – Eyebrow lift – Facial expression - Wait – Praise the positive – Use their name warmly – Gestures e.g. palm moving down for sit down. Ask them how their day is going. Remember to model please and thank you.

If you have any questions about the above strategy, please feel free to contact your class teacher, a Deputy Principal or me at nathanj@mairangibay.school.nz.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

Our Newsletter Videos can be found here.

Kiwi Kids Foundation Link

https://www.skids.co.nz/aboutus/community-progamme-kiwi-kids-education-foundation/

I am writing to share details with you of a new community care initiative by sKids that we

are making available to our partner schools.The current economic climate and pressures on cost of living has led to families across the
country struggling to access essential services such as childcare. As a service provider with
close links to the communities we serve, we see the impact of this up close as you will
doubtlessly do yourself.
Our community care initiative is a response through which we can provide support to
families who are not eligible for WINZ subsidies, do not currently attend sKids and may not
be able to afford outside school hours care for their children. We intend to provide this
support through to the end of the school year for term programmes.
Our Kiwi Kids Foundation is also available to families that need support to help cover costs
associated with their children attending school camp, uniform or stationery costs. The
Foundation may be able to provide financial support via a grant for families when
unplanned events occur in their life.

How does the initiative work?
The initiative consists of the following two components:
1. A discount of up to 80% on our fees, for both our Rise then Shine and Stay and Play
sessions.
2. Daily breakfast and afternoon tea at no extra cost.
What happens next?
We are inviting schools to nominate up to 5 children whom you feel would benefit from a
placement in our programme under this initiative. Once the nominated family's eligibility
and discount for the place is confirmed we will then provide you with a link to a form for the
family to complete to enrol, or with their permission we can connect directly with them.
If you would like further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
We hope that with our community care initiative to support families with care that also
benefits children through our enriching programmes.

School Newsletter 2024

Term 3 Week 8

In This Issue

Dates for your Calendar

A message from our Tumuaki

Music News

Skids News

Community Information

Term Dates

Thank you to our sponsors