School Newsletter - 28th August 2024

A Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Navigating the complexities of raising and educating our children in today's world, understanding the challenges they face is crucial. 

Jonathan Haidt's insightful piece, "The Anxious Generation" sheds light on the increasing anxiety seen in young people today, offering perspectives that are highly relevant for parents of students in Years 1-8.

Jonathan has brought to light the rise in anxiety, depression, and related mental health issues among children and teenagers. This alarming trend is often linked to several factors, including the influence of social media and a world that increasingly feels uncertain and unstable. The surge in these mental health challenges has raised significant concerns among parents, educators, and mental health professionals alike.

One of the key contributors to this rise in anxiety is the impact of social media. While these platforms offer opportunities for connection and community, they also pose significant risks to young people's mental well-being. The constant comparison with others, driven by curated images and highlight reels, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Moreover, the fear of missing out (FOMO) and the exposure to negative or distressing content can create a sense of stress and anxiety, compounding the challenges young minds face as they navigate their formative years.

Haidt emphasises the critical role that parents and educators play in addressing these challenges. Open and honest communication between parents, children, and teachers is essential in helping young people process their experiences and feelings. Setting healthy boundaries around technology use, such as limiting screen time and encouraging offline activities, can help mitigate some of the negative impacts of social media. Additionally, promoting engagement in physical activities, hobbies, and face-to-face interactions can provide a much-needed balance to the digital aspects of life, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.

Building resilience in children is another crucial aspect of Haidt's approach. Teaching children how to cope with failure, manage stress, and adopt a growth mindset equips them with the tools they need to face challenges with confidence and strength. These skills not only help them navigate the difficulties they encounter but also prepare them for future obstacles, contributing to their overall emotional health and development.

The school plays a role in supporting students' mental health. At Kohimarama School, we are deeply committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every child can thrive both academically and emotionally. This commitment includes providing access to counselling services, integrating social-emotional learning into the curriculum and ensuring that our school remains a safe and nurturing place for all students. By prioritising these efforts, we aim to help our students develop the resilience and coping skills necessary to succeed in a complex and ever-changing world.

Celebration of our students speech writing

On Thursday last week we celebrated speech writing by our students as part of their english language learning. The finals of the speech competition, held in the school hall, celebrated the breadth and depth of students' thinking, expression and design of good speech writing. My congratulations go to the winners of our school speech competition.  These winners will of course enter the local inter-school competition and we wish them all the very best.

Paul Engles - Principal

OUT OF ZONE ENROLMENTS

The Kohimarama School Board has determined that there are four out of zone Year 1/0 places for 2025.  Application forms for the out-of-zone ballot can be found here or obtained from our school office or by email. If the number of out of zone applications exceeds the number of places available, students will be selected by ballot. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 11th September 2024 and if required the ballot will be held on Friday 13th September 2024.

For an application form please contact Helen O’Brien

hobrien@kohimarama.school.nz

PhotoLife - Wednesday 4th September

PhotoLife will be taking Team/Group Photos on Wednesday 4th September. Please ensure your child/children have correct uniform/team uniform.

Sibling photos and new classroom photos will be on the 30th October.

Teachers Only Day

Please note; Teachers only day on Tuesday 29th October.

School Speech Finals 2024

We had 23 students in our school speech final and we were treated to a master class of Prepared Speeches, Flash Talks and Spoken Words.  Our students were very well prepared by their teachers and it showed in the variety of presentations we enjoyed.  To have made the school final is a win, let alone receiving a 1st, 2nd or 3rd.  Thank you to our judges, Mrs Mills, Mrs Crow and Mrs Walkinshaw, a very hard task.  Due to the number of students in each category, there is not a 1st, 2nd and 3rd placing.  Congratulations to all of the students listed below:

Road Patrollers of the fortnight

Thank you for keeping our students and community safe when they use the pedestrian crossings.  Congratulations to Khoa and Kira.If you are able to support supervision of Road Patrollers in the morning 8.25 to 8.55 am would you please email Meegan mhill@kohimarama.school.nz   We have a few days with no parent support and it eases the load on teachers if you are able to help out in this way, thank you.

Students Leaving

As we begin our classroom planning for 2025, we ask those families who have made plans and have a student who will be leaving Kohimarama School at the end of 2024 school year to complete this form.  The last day of school is 17 December 2024.
Note: The form does not need to be completed for Year 8 students.
Many thanks for your support in assisting us with our advance planning.

School Disco - Friday 13th September

• Tickets:    $5 on sale Monday 2nd September via Kindo
• Times:      Junior Disco (Yrs 0-4)   5.00 pm - 6.00 pm          Senior Disco (Yrs 4 - 8) 6.30 pm - 8.00 pm
• Theme:    Hollywood or mufti

PTA

Scholastic Book Club

Issue 6 is now out. Your child should receive their catalogue over the next week or so, or you can view the catalogue by clicking on the attached link:

Certificates & Awards

Congratulations to these outstanding students:

• Room 1 – Jaelyn X
• Room 2 – Shawn X
• Room 3 – Kristina R
• Room 4– Cara T
• Room 5– N/A
• Room 6 – Eason J, Hannah B
• Room 8 – Betania R
• Room 16 – Anna T, Oliver A
• Room 17 – Aston O
• Room 25 – N/A
• Room 26 – Harry G, Cara V, Hansey D
• Room 11 – Aria Z, Max S
• Room 12 – Jessie H, Carlos P, Alex I
• Room 13 – Joaquim R, Cecilia X
• Room 14 – Leo M, Chloe W
• Room 15 – Max P
• Room 18 – Allie V
• Room 19 – Victoria E, Anna T
• Room 20 – Ava M, Bill L
• Room 21 – Rachel C, Zaha U
• Room 22 – Sepehr G, Varmika R, Sophia GW
• Room 23 – Harry H, Felix A

The Kohimarama Way Values - "Greenies"

Thank you to all our students who have shown how to be friendly and share the playground as well as encourage others in their play.  Our worthy recipients this fortnight are:

• Francisco                  Rm 4                    for Compassion             Atkin
• Arad                            Rm 8                    for Respect                      Atkin
• Nastyas                     Rm 17                   for Respect                     Selwyn
• Ayeon                        Rm 18                   for Respect                     Colenso

Policies and Procedures

To see the Student Attendance Policy, follow the link below;

Community Notices