Dear Whānau
As we continue to hear about the impact Covid-19 is having on the world and on our own way of life, it is important to note this may be causing you stress and anxiety.  It is also important to note that your children will be hearing the same information and (possibly) impacting them in the same ways.

It will also be important to consider how your children are feeling as we think about returning to school under Level 2.

If you feel you're not coping, or maybe your child/ren isn't, then it's important to talk with a health professional. For support with grief, anxiety, distress or mental wellbeing, you can call or text 1737 to talk with a trained counsellor for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."

If you want to try some things for yourself, this is a great website with some easy activities on it:  https://sparklers.org.nz/parenting/

If your child is not coping well then they can call the phone counselling line for kids. "What’s up?" can be called on 0800 9428787

Parents can also call for support on Parentline: 0800 568856

There's also Anxiety Line but I'm not sure if they work with kids. Anxiety line 0800 111757 or free text 4202

The last place I have on my list is the Government Helpline on 0800 779 997, and they have access to lots of resources and should be able to recommend something.

I hope that, if you need them then these resources are useful to you and if things are going well for you then great!  Just tuck this email away somewhere so you can get to the information if needed.

On a side note, please keep a lookout for my next survey, which I will send out tomorrow.  I will be asking for your schooling intentions under a Level 2 lockdown as I am preparing the school for when this occurs.
In the meantime, we are still at Level 3 and students should remain home unless there is no one there to look after them.

Ngā mihi nui
TOBY