From Deb's Desk

This week I am feeling grateful.  

II had the pleasure of spending Monday day and night at camp with our Year 7 and 8 students.What a fantastic group of rangatahi (young people) I would like to acknowledge the support and influence of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, teachers  and everyone who has played a role in shaping these children.  They are a credit to you all! 

Gratitude - a positive emotion and attitude characterized by a deep appreciation for the kindness, help, or positive experiences one has received from others or from life in general. An emotion that recognises and acknowledges the value and significance of these contributions, which can be tangible or intangible, and feeling thankful for them. The Year 7 and 8 students also have much to be grateful for. Many thanks to Lorne for organising a fun filled camp!

Over the weekend I spent some quality time with my newest arrival, young Mr. Walter, and was reminded of how special our moments with children can be. In the busyness of daily life and the demands of work, it's easy to lose sight of the precious moments we share with our loved ones, especially with our children.

Meaningful connections within families go far beyond social media platforms. While these platforms can help us stay in touch with loved ones, they can never replace the depth and richness of the memories and experiences we create in real life. Laughter, cuddles, shared activities like water fights and building sandcastles, and even the everyday interactions and discussions, all contribute to the uniqueness and specialness of a family. These experiences build a sense of togetherness, love, and shared history that make each family unit distinct and irreplaceable, regardless of its composition. These are the moments that shape our lives and create lasting bonds, and they are precious.

As we head into the long weekend I hope you take some time to feel grateful for  the value of genuine family connections and the irreplaceable moments that come with them. Deb

I have just finished a Zoom meeting with all of our staff...and it was so good to see them all.  It has only been days since we were all together but it feels like much longer.  I say it was a meeting, really it was a chance to touch base and actually see each other.  We have been having regular contact through our Whatsapp Well-Being Channel (new for 2020), but actually seeing them is much better.  As we settle into this new normal, a term which I'm sure we will use often over the next few weeks, it was very special to connect again and to be a part of a community that means a great deal to me.  We shared what's on top for all of us...and there is so much.  Like many of you we talked of family members who were essential workings and how we managed when they came home, we talked about our children who were living away from us, and those who were in our bubble, our parents , venturing to the supermarket, what we were doing to stay mentally and physically well, supporting and being supported by neighbours, tangi we were unable to attend, our talents in the kitchen and house renovation!  We also talked about the worry.  Over the past few days the reality of this 'new norm' has certainly hit home and as we head into the 'school holidays' I just wanted to touch base with you all.  The teaching team will be making contact through the seesaw app, and this will be a place where you can share what the children have been up to, if you'd like. The team have also asked me to pass on their email addresses.  All of the teachers emails have the same ending @manakau.school.nz    principal@manakau.school.nz , is mine. Use their first name to get to the correct teacher e.g. michaelad    robp     lorne     rachael    chris

Please know that you are so important to us.  We are thinking about you and your families. A new practice I have recently started is recording 3 reasons I'm grateful.  More challenging than you think after a few days.  Have a go, and get the children to do it to.  I'm grateful for family, a safe place to stay, and technology that keeps me connected with my Mum and Dad.  Stay safe Deb x

When thinking about the next 4 weeks...the teachers and I have talked about how we support you.  We have websites and information to share after the holiday break.  However, it is really important to be kind to yourself.  Don’t worry about your children missing out on time at school. Every single child is in the same boat and they all will be OK.  When we are back in the classroom, we will all course correct and meet them where they are.   Teachers are experts at this!  Don’t pick fights with your children because they don’t want to do math.  Try not to get frustrated because they won’t follow the schedule. Don’t mandate hours of learning time if they are resisting it.

If I can leave you with one thing it’s this: at the end of all of this, your children’s’ mental health will be more important than their academic skills.  And how they felt during this time will stay with them long after the memory of what they did during these 4 or more weeks is long gone.   Please keep that in mind every single day.  Deb 

“At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did,

 they will remember how you made them feel.” ― Maya Angelou

I have now been Principal at Manakau School for 3 years and 3 terms, in fact I have now been a Principal for 3 years and 3 terms. It has been an interesting experience to say the least. Most of the time I love it.  I love the variety, I love the things that the children come out with, their perception of the world, their unique-niss. I love the excitement that is conveyed when our children learn a new skill, or achieve one of their goals. I love the dynamic environment that is created when our children come together from our diverse families. I particularly enjoy the opportunities I get to teach. 

Over the past 2 terms I have had to closely reflect on my role in supporting your children to be their personal best.  Diversity is an interesting challenge.  

“Humans see what they want to see.”   ― Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief

This quote resonated with me.  Sometimes finding middle ground or reaching a shared understanding is impossible.   It isn’t because one party has decided they just don’t want to…it is, as the quote states, “Humans see what they want to see” and I’d add “hear what they want to hear”.  The role of a school is to provide an environment for diversity, to create a safe space that allows children to be their best.  To face adversity, to challenge perceptions, to build resilience and to learn to work together…whatever we see or hear.  This is the power of schools as I see it, and it’s a challenge.

I don’t write these words lightly.  I have thought about my role in supporting a school that allows for this ‘niss’ in all of us, children and parents, staff, our wider community and myself.   When we gathered recently for the Music Extravaganza, we saw our diversity…for some of our children the challenge was to learn to play an instrument, for others it was to stand on stage in front of their peers and families, and for others it was to sit for an extended period of time while being dive bombed by an angry bee.   Diversity is what makes us human, and it’s a challenge!

As we head into our term break and then into Term 4, I ask that you celebrate diversity…in your children, in the families you connect to, and in others.

Happy holidays 

Together Each Achieves More

Deb