Please read today’s message carefully.
Dear parents/caregivers
We have started into a new phase of New Zealand’s response to COVID-19 and it is very different than anything most of us have ever experienced. I wanted to reassure you that our school staff and Board of Trustees will continue to be available to support your child’s learning and wellbeing in the next weeks. I am fast getting my head around being the principal of a distance learning centre!
You will understand the importance of routine for your family. If your routine has been shaken up, like you’re now working from home, it’s good to structure your time. Routines are reassuring, and promote health and physical wellbeing.
Over the last few days teachers have set up work for students in their classes through Microsoft Teams. Many students have begun to access and engage with this work. The next two weeks are school holidays, however for many students a continuation of routine may provide structure and stability during this time. If teachers provide study or work opportunities for students over the next two weeks please remember that these activities are optional. Students can work through them at their own pace. Teachers are also taking a break during the next two weeks so may not respond to emails or requests for feedback until the school term begins again on Wednesday 15 April.
Available resources
The Ministry of Education has launched two website in response to the sudden requirement for schools and parents to provide distance learning, Learning from Home and Ki te Ao Mārama (in Māori or English).
These websites include resources for teachers, leaders, parents, and whānau. Resources span the learning pathway from early learning through to senior secondary, and more resources will be added as they’re developed.
Other resources provided by Nayland College that might be useful:
ETV – ETV provides a huge range of recorded TV programmes and live internet TV from across the world. Have a look – some people think the selection is better than Netflix! Just log in using your Nayland College email and password.
Wheelers E-Books – Thousands of new titles now available to read on e-books! Just log in using your Nayland College email and password. The Nayland College Library site also has a fantastic selection of links, including to the public libraries.
Mr. Science – At 11:00am each school day during the lock down our own Mr Science (Sterling Cathman) is doing a ‘viral lockdown series’ exploring science. Log in through zoom code: 265-351-3815.
We also continue to update the Nayland College Distance Learning Webpage.
Digital Citizenship
Earlier in the year we sent students a ‘digital citizenship’ form to complete. Many students are yet to complete this. We have emailed the form to their school email addresses and we would appreciate home assistance to ensure this is completed.
Welcome to our (bizarre) world
In amongst the turmoil Nayland College is delighted to announce the arrival of three new babies to our family.
Lauren and Mark Mekalick recently welcomed Harper to the world:
Janelle Cochrane and Mark welcomed Gabriel (Gabe) Jude Cochrane on March 24th.
Matua Bruno and Erika welcomed Mataia on March 25th.
Internet provision
In addition to Spark, Vodafone, Vocus/Slingshot, and 2Degrees, Trustpower has now also advised they have removed their data caps and the possibility of any extra charges based on usage.
The Ministry of Education has advised us that they require a list of households still without internet or a device. If you know a family that fits into this category please email us on xtend@nayland.school.nz so we can add them to our database. We will be sending a text message to all parents today.
Further information to support wellbeing
The Ministry of Education has provided a number a links to wellbeing resources that might be useful for your families:
The Ministry of Health’s website includes Top ways to look after your mental wellbeing during the Covid-19 lockdown.
https://www.iamhope.org.nz/ – I AM HOPE is the youth and community focused support group run by The Key to Life Charitable Trust, started by Mike King.
https://www.facebook.com/nathanwallisxfactoreducation/ – Nathan Wallis has some helpful videos on his Facebook page for parents and whānau
https://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/get-help/covid-19/ – tips on looking after mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19 from the Mental Health foundation
https://depression.org.nz/covid-19/ – a website by the Health Promotion Agency to help New Zealanders recognise and understand depression and anxiety. `
25 Mental Health Wellness Tips during Quarantine from Eileen M Feliciano, Psy.D. – although overseas-based this is a good list and highlights some things particularly important for children. Remember the rules of New Zealand’s level 4 lockdown still apply.
Take care out there!
Ngā mihi nui
Daniel Wilson
Principal
By Daniel Wilson
