Newsletter 8th March 2023

Kia ora koutou,

Last week Andrea let you know of all the Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) learning activities that are taking place this week. We are so fortunate to live in such a naturally beautiful environment that allows us to be able to take advantage of our surroundings. During this week so far we have had a very quiet school and we are missing all our people!

Maunga Ngāuruhoe have taken part in the Te Wānanga Wai Whakarewa Floating Classroom Experience this week. The goal of this experience is to provide natural educational opportunities on Lake Taupō about our local culture and history. Hilltop School works alongside outside providers such as this to create a localised curriculum that is rich in learning opportunities and experiences for all our students.

Maunga Ruapehu have embarked on their Waihi Camp this week and are having a fabulous time - as can be seen in Mr Wiltshers amazing movies connected to this newsletter and our Facebook page each night. The experiences that our Year 7 and 8 students take part in all work to build the capacity and resilience of our students as they are challenged in a variety of learning experiences while living closely with their peers away from their parents! This camp is one of the memories made that we know our ex students and whanau greatly value and we are grateful for all the hours of work and the many people who contribute to making this happen!

Thank you to all the incredible Ironman volunteers last weekend - we received an email from a member of the public thanking our team - “I just wanted to drop a quick note to thank the school for their incredible efforts volunteering on the marathon course. I greatly looked forward to getting up the hill for the happy and friendly support. Quite an effort late into the night for the kids (and adults). I hope they are all proud of their efforts. It made a tough day a little less tough for so many of us.”

Last night I attended “What can we do as parents and community to Raise Resilient Children?” at Taupo Primary School. Kathryn Berkett presented key messages about

Raising Resilience
Understanding Behaviour
What’s Going On – Understanding the Adolescent Years
Device Zombies

A key message to parents in times of supporting their children through stress that resonated with me was to ask yourself:-

Is this tolerable for the child, are they able to work through this independently and come through having gained learning and confidence?
What is the least I can do? How can I let them work through this independently and come through having gained learning and confidence?
How can I stay with them through the stress but let them work through this independently and come through having gained learning and confidence?

Kathryn shared a link to her website here with resources that she encouraged us to share and use as a community. It was a great evening and was very constructive in our work as parents and educators.

We are delighted to let you know that Brittany and Ethan have welcomed Ivy Rose Christensen into the world this morning. All doing well. Congratulations from your Hilltop Family.