Dear Parents, Caregivers and Children,

Wasn't last Friday a blast! With perfect conditions our Try Challenge was always going to be a big success. One of the highlights of the year for many. While providing a chance for everyone to be involved and push play, it was a great opportunity for our Year 5 and 6's to show leadership and support of others. It really showcased the wonderful culture that has been a part of Puketaha School for years. Our children thrived during the day and it brought plenty of joy to all. Thank you for coming along, there was a great buzz around the place. Also, a big thank you to Miss Tritt for her organisation of the day. Her leadership with Sport continues to be first class and it is a credit to her with how days like this run so well.

This week in assembly I chatted to the children a little about choice vs obligation. The two can often be an interesting concept and either seen as a burden or opportunity. The message to our children was not as deep as that, but more aligned to the point that at times we are obligated to do things and at times we have choice. Sometimes, the obligation feels big or too much, even maybe a little unfair, the same goes for choice. What I encouraged the children to do is to quickly establish whether it is a choice or an obligation. As it is when we confuse the two that frustration can kick in. Your support as parents with understanding this would be valued. What I hope we see is that it is not about being heavy handed, but simply supporting our children and others being able to identify between the two.

Choice and obligation

If it’s an obligation, then you don’t have a choice.

Pretending you do is simply a way to create frustration. Free yourself to simply do what you have to do.

On the other hand, if you do have a choice (and you probably do) then it doesn’t make sense to treat it as an obligation. Own the choice.

As we enter into the second half of the term we have many more events to look forward to. Our first Powerful Learner Assembly for the year (where I must put in my apologies for), Year 3-8 Swimming Sports, Parent Information Evening, Book Week and Grand Parents Day. I hope to be able to connect with as many of you as possible at either of these occasions. 

Warm Regards,

Geoff