27 March 2020

Dear Families,

Well, it has certainly been another big week for all of New Zealand with Covid-19, let alone the rest of the world. Everyone is saying how things are moving and changing rapidly – that sounds like an understatement. 

I hope you are all safe and well and ready to hunker down for the next 4-weeks. I truly hope you can take this time to enjoy the small things within your home and quality time with those you are isolating with.

I totally understand how difficult it is for many families, juggling lots of balls from regular food prep, work ,learning and everyones wellbeing.  I have set up an outside PE circuit, which my family have all been making good use of.  

PE with Joe Wicks are 20 min workouts that the whole family can do. I did it yesterday and it certainly gets the heart rate up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6v-a_dpwhro

Amazon cancelled the subscription of books and audio stories for children and students of all ages, kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids.

All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet using the following link https://stories.audible.com/start-listen.

This is another gem for you all.

The Ministry of Education has also set up this wonderful website as well.

 https://www.learningfromhome.govt.nz/

Student Learning Goals will be in your inbox on Monday morning and then teaching staff will go offline for a short rest.  After the Easter break distant learning will start up again.

Key dates at this point in time

26 March            Alert Level 4 commenced
28 March            School holidays begin
10 – 14 April       Easter including the Tuesday after Easter
15 April              Term 2 begins (through distance learning)
22 April              Current date for ending of lockdown period
27 April              ANZAC Day observed

Further information to support wellbeing
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

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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.

I will continue to keep you updated. 

Take care of yourselves and your beautiful children.

Arohanui,

Bernadette Murfitt 

Principal

Sacred Heart Cathedral School

“Take care of our children. Take care of what they hear, take care of what they see, take care of what they feel. For how the children grow, so will be the shape of Aotearoa” – Dame Whina Cooper