Latest Newsletter – 28 October 2021

Newsletter Date:  28 October 2021

Issue: 15/21

Kia ora Team Bayview

This is not the beginning of term 4 we were hoping for but in true Baviewian style we will navigate these choppy seas together. We know the uncertainty around opening dates is very unsettling. We know because we find it unsettling as well! You are not alone and it is ok not to feel calm and settled. This feels hard because it is hard!

One thing we have noticed is that many people are feeling that they are not ‘doing’ enough with or for their kids in regard to schooling. This is simply untrue! Be aware that social media does not differentiate between what is true and what is false and anything you see may be just a snapshot in time made to look ‘perfect’.

If you see someone who posts something amazing they have done with their kids be aware that this is but a snapshot made to look good. It doesn’t tell the story of the other 5 hours of chaos and yelling and frustration and mess that happened. Full disclosure… when I have an online meeting I choose a spot in my house that looks tidy behind me, what you don’t see are normal life things like the pile of washing I haven’t folded yet or the dishes I am yet to put in the dishwasher or hand wash or Louis’ toys strewn across the floor! It’s time to cut ourselves some slack and say “I am doing enough”. At this moment in time if your children are safe and happy then that is enough! The learning they are doing around character strengths is what will see them thrive in the future. Don’t stress about reading, writing and maths stuff as we know they have not been onsite and there will be a major emphasis on making up any lost progress next year.

We know many of you have been listening to updates from the government around the road map moving forward. The messages around schools reopening have been a bit confusing. At this stage there is NO definitive opening date so we are focusing on learning from home and providing a safe space at school for children of parents who need to go back to work.

In summary:

1. We don’t know when schools will reopen for 2021.
2. Our staff will continue to provide learning from home opportunities for all students up until we return onsite or the 14th December, whichever comes first.
3. We will continue to provide school bubbles for learners who absolutely need to come to school within the health and safety mandates. These bubbles will comply with the Public Health Order in place.
4. Staff will pack up all your child’s belongings, including stationery, to support your child’s learning from home. We will let you know when you will be able to drive through the lower carpark and collect your child’s items.
5. We are currently discussing how we can provide an end of year report for your child, at this stage we are unable to provide a full report but we can provide you with an abbreviated version including which Habitat they will be in for 2022 and the name of their 2022 teacher.

We want to continue to reinforce that there are many different places for you to access food or any support for your whanau if needed. We do not want any whanau to be struggling so please ask us and we can support you.

Our message is and always will be whānau first.

If we can help in any way please email [email protected] , [email protected] or [email protected] or contact your child’s class teacher.

TEACHER ONLY DAY

On Friday 12th November we will be holding a teacher only day so we can sort out the end of year report. We will still set up activities online for the day but there will be no google meets and staff will not be able to comment on posts.  We thank you for your support around this.

OUT OF ZONE ENROLMENTS

Thank you to the families that completed an out of zone enrolment. Thankfully we did not have to conduct a ballot. Applicants should receive a letter confirming your child’s place for 2022 via NZ post.

TERM 4 EVENTS

You may be wondering if any of our usual term 4 events will be going ahead with the current pandemic. At this stage we are planning for all contingencies. At this stage it looks like most of our events will either have to be cancelled or held online. We are trying to be as creative as we can, but like you we are waiting to see when and if we can come back onsite fully and what health orders will be in place regarding this. We will keep you updated as much as we can.

Lastly I would like to give a huge thank you to Shelley Matuku and Jacob Allison for leading the school while I was on sabbatical. Term 3 did not turn out as expected and they had to very quickly move the school from onsite to level 4 lockdown, learning from home. They carried this out with grace and kindness and strength! I know you would have appreciated their communication and support during this time.

A huge thank you also to the staff who stepped up and led with love through this time as well.

Bayview is a special place filled with kindness, support and aroha and this is why we all make a great TEAM!

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini — (My success is not my own, but from many others)

Ngā mihi 

Di Raynes

BAYVIEW SCHOOL

A huge welcome to the following learners who have started at Bayview School.

Jaemin Han
Zoe Harris-Godoy
James Cowdrey
Joshua Oborn
Fred Meintjes
Lilly Montgomerie

Welcome to Bayview School! 

Dates for Diaries

Teacher Only Day   12/11

Last day of term 4   14/12