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It’s been so nice enjoying the sunshine over the last little while and the tamariki have been making the most of it during P.E sessions, exploring and creating in the outdoor classroom and enjoying the fresh air at break times.
As I was driving to work I was listening to the radio about how children must be allowed to feel emotions, such as disappointment and frustration. This reminded me of what life was like with toddlers and the extent I went to avoid an emotional outburst, mostly to save my own sanity. I would try to preempt what might spark an outburst and avoid situations like saying ‘no’ in the supermarket that could result in an embarrassing scene. As I’ve learnt more and more about the brain and child development, particularly when thinking about children now they are school aged, it is important to teach children about emotions and normalise having them. It’s tempting to swoop in and want to protect our children from feelings as it often results in us having to stop what we are doing and possibly feel uncomfortable for a while while we ride the emotions out.
I came across some little tips to help our children develop emotional intelligence as well as self regulation skills…
- Teach children about emotions before they happen. Learn what they look like, feel like, situations that may create certain emotions and teach children to name them.
- Help children understand that having emotions is normal, they are not something to be afraid of. Talk about the appropriate ways to express these emotions.
- Talk about self regulations strategies. When a big emotion comes along, what things could the child do to calm themselves. Taking timeout, breathing, asking for a hug or maybe using positive self talk.
- When children are in the midst of big emotions, help them to name the feelings and validate their feelings.
- After the emotions, help the child bring perspective to the situation and see the situation in a different way. Talk about what they might do moving forward and some strategies they may be able to use next time.
- Avoid the temptation to solve the problem for them.
Then talking with friends who are in the full swing of having teenagers in their house, their advice is to just hold on for dear life.
On another note, Mr B and his wife Kayleigh announced the arrival of their new little girl on Tuesday. They have named her Estlin and she was a healthy 8 pounds. Congratulations from all of us! We are so pleased for them.
Earlier in the year our Writer's Club entered a writing competition. We are very proud of Poet Jackson who won the competition and has now had her story 'Sophia and the Big Strawberry' published in the most recent Toitoi publication (Toitoi 28.) Toitoi is a publication of compiled works by young New Zealand authors and artists. You can find more information at toitoi.nz. Congratulations Poet, we love your creativity and imagination!
Hope you all have a lovely Friday and a nice weekend!
Ngaa mihi
Nyree Olliver
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR SPORTS PHOTOS TOMORROW MORNING
Please ensure your child has their full winter sports uniform, this includes shoes.
If you child played a summer sport can they please have their shoes (and socks), and black shorts.
Netball photos will be taken first at 9am.
The link to order photos will be available once the photos are ready.
The PTA had a meeting on Tuesday and we are in full swing organising the Spring Fair. As you all know this event requires input from all corners of the school community by way of volunteers to help on the stalls, people spreading the word to family and friends to attend the event, plus companies/families to donate sponsorship or product to make the day a profitable one. Just a reminder that we are using the funds from this event to add some stage lighting in the PAC, plus to enhance outdoor learning spaces around the school.
We really require people who are happy to look after a stall for the day (organise the people rostered on to help etc) PLEASE can you let me know if you are happy to be that person. This is a chance to pitch in when we really need it. Our next meeting dedicated to Spring Fair is Tuesday August 23rd at the school staffroom at 7.30pm where we are looking to map out where everything will go and finalise stalls/events. Please show your support by coming along!
We require some hay bales for the “Needle in the Haystack” attraction if there was anyone who could help out with that please can you reply to the PTA email or let the school know, we would really appreciate it.
Also we are on the lookout for small prizes for certain event so if you have something suitable stashed in the back of a cupboard please make contact if you would like to donate it.
There is a wearable arts part to the talent show once again so we hope to see your/your children’s creative spirit shine during this event!
Finally, thank you to those who have offered their support so far. We really appreciate all that you do.
Kind regards,
Merynn Connors
E: pta@puketaha.school.nz M: 027 629 6820
Agricultural Day - Lambs, Calves & Kid Goats
Puketaha School Board of Trustees Elections
Voting Papers have now been posted to all eligible voters.
Completed papers can be posted or hand delivered to the school office. Voting closes on September 7th at 4pm.
We would love to have you join us for a night of Mindful parenting with the lovely Shirley Pastiroff. Fri 2nd Sep 2022, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm.
She is one of New Zealand’s leading mindful parenting teachers. She is passionate about helping parents take control of their stress and transform their families to become stronger and more connected using research-based mindfulness techniques that have transformed her own family life.
For more info about Shirley and Mindful Parenting you can visit her website, https://
A Copy of her book can be bought on the evening, cash or eftpos avilable
Plenty of free carparking across the road and on the street
Term Dates 2023
Term 1: 7 February to 6 April
Term 2: 24 April to 30 June
Term 3: 17 july to 22 September
Term 4: 9 October - 15 December