SPECIAL REPORT: Instilling Hope In Uncertain Times
Although life is always filled with uncertainty, the levels we are currently experiencing are unprecedented and it is becoming evident that this is taking a toll on our young people. In new research published on the impact of the pandemic, it makes clear the breadth and depth of the toll it is having on young people.
It appears that snap lockdowns and tighter restrictions will be with us for some time, but it is important in such times of uncertainty to instil hope and remain optimistic. Adult carers can play a vital role in helping young people reframe their worries, encouraging them to see life as it is and getting them to focus more on the things they can control, rather than those they can’t.
It’s important young people remain connected with their social networks during these times as often their natural response to uncertainty is to exhibit varying degrees of fear and anxiety. With the continued disruptions, mental health concerns are on the rise and it is evident that many students may need some extra support to achieve their goals. Parents can help their kids focus more on the good things in their life, rather than fill in the blanks with catastrophic narratives.
This Special Report outlines how adult carers can help instil hope and offer support in such times of uncertainty. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
If this Special Report raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.
You may have heard that the Lockdown Alert Level 4 has been extended to 11.59, Tuesday 31 August. As such there will be no significant change to the distance learning expectations we have already introduced and which were developed last year.
In summary we have well-established digital tools which can be used at any time at home including Reading Plus, Maths Buddy and Education Perfect. These platforms have been chosen because they promote our vision of personalised learning. Students are able to complete work set at their curriculum level and/or extend themselves when appropriate. Further, teachers have set work for students to complete and they may also have assignments to complete. Subject teachers are connecting by email or google meet and google classroom so there should be no excuse for students not to continue almost seamlessly with their learning.
Learning Advisors or Senior Leaders are checking in at least once a week to make sure students are connected and looking after their wellbeing. We have shared a lot of resources over the years about mindfulness and I also suggest you visit the Pause Breathe Smile website https://pausebreathesmile.nz/ https://pausebreathesmile.nz/. The School News website is another useful resource for these difficult times which can be found on our website https://www.mhjc.school.nz/?s=Wellbeing
We appreciate that many parents are working from home and trying to supervise their children/s’ learning which is a big responsibility. My instructions to teachers is not to have unrealistic expectations. There will be time for students to catch up on our return, hopefully next Wednesday, however it is equally important for students to keep to routines. Most students can work independently and make significant progress during this time. Many reported that, in some ways, they preferred distance learning as they could focus on work that needed to be done in “their time” which gave them more control over their learning. This was a positive outcome from a difficult situation.
Schools are social organisations so we will miss the students and they will miss each other (and maybe their teachers!). However let me urge you to keep track of your child/ren. They may need to go outside but Level 4 restrictions do not allow them to go to parks or meet their friends. The school is also out of bounds to everyone, including those who used to exercise there. I have had reports that these instructions may not have been followed by some members of our community.
Finally I thank you all for your support and cooperation. I trust all of you remain safe and healthy and we all appreciate those of you who are working tirelessly in our essential services to ensure we are all safe.
Following the PM announcement today I wish our community a safe weekend. Please note the new times and places of interest which on August 17 include:
– Bus 70 Pakuranga Town Centre to Botany Town Centre, 9.38am-9.52am
– Botany Town Centre Bus Stop, 9.52am-9.57am
– Countdown Botany Downs, 10.20am-10.30am
– KFC Botany Downs, 10.30am-10.40am
The close proximity of these places shows how vigilant we must remain and how important it is to stay at home so this outbreak can be contained.
May I extend our support to Whānau. Our Counsellors and Senior Whānau Leaders are available by email and can either provide immediate advice or direct you to an appropriate agency.
Kia ora koutou As anticipated, the Prime Minister has announced that Auckland will enter a level 4 lockdown for seven days from 11.59pm tonight, Tuesday 17th August. This means we will move back to distance learning and no-one may enter the school site. Whānau leaders will be in contact with students where and when necessary but at this stage, as we don’t know how long the lockdown will continue, students are to continue with their weekly homework drills using Reading Plus and Maths Buddy and/or complete work that has already been set. We trust that no-one is affected health wise and reinforce the Prime Minister’s message to comply with the instructions given this evening. Kia kaha
You may have seen press reports of a possible community case in Auckland today. We await news from the PM at 6 pm but alert parents and caregivers to the possibility that students may need to be supervised at home from tomorrow. Confirmation will follow the PM’s press conference.
World Vision is pleased to present MHJC with a Gold Award for participation in this year’s 40 Hour Famine. Congratulations to all our students who took part.
As part of our fundraising efforts for AIMS games, we sold raffle tickets. The draw was done by Mr. Morrison on Monday 9th August in the MHJC staffroom. Winners are listed below.
1st Prize: Sharp Top Mounted Fridge/Freezer
Winner: Fai Seumanutafa
Ticket No: 0697
2nd Prize: Botany Town Centre gift voucher valued at $200
Winner: Justin Martiz
Ticket No: 1952
3rd Prize: Mitre 10 gift voucher valued at $100
Winner: Adeenah
Ticket No: 1254
Bonus Prize: Click Chiropractic voucher valued at $235
A final update – After a great week, our students came home the Champions in Cage Soccer, Football, Indoor Football, Petanque, Darts, and Boys Volleyball. Overall, placing third amongst the schools attending! Students had a wonderful time and made lots of new friends.
A big congratulations to our students and wider school community for all the funds raised for the 40 Hour Famine. Mission Heights Junior College raised a total of $11,820.12!
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