It has been a joy to watch the return of your children to school. As teachers we appreciate that you have placed your trust in us to care for your child and we are fully committed to giving them our best. It starts with the simple tradition of greeting every child on their arrival. This establishes a connection between the teacher and the child: in that moment they feel acknowledged, welcomed and appreciated.

Following Waitangi Day last week, the children have been contributing their ideas to the creation of a Class Treaty. The purpose of a having a shared agreement is to build unity in the classroom. By discussing the expectations they have of one another’s conduct and explaining what these actions look like in practice, we can establish a classroom environment that is positive for learning. Class treaties also promote peer cooperation, trust and responsibility. Click the link if you would like to read more about our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) approach.

In assembly this morning the children heard the story of St. Valentine, the patron Saint of Love. Valentine was a priest at the time of the Roman Empire. The Emperor, Claudius, angered at being defeated by the Goths, banned his soldiers from getting married, because he felt marriage was a distraction from fighting. Valentine disagreed and continued to marry Roman soldiers in secret.

When Claudius found out he was thrown in jail. The story continues that the jailer had a kind daughter named Julia who visited Valentine and brightened his dreary days with a little extra food, flowers and water. Knowing that he was being sentenced to death Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter thanking her for devotion and love. The first of many Valentine Day letters.

Following the story the children shared their thoughts and feelings on love with their peers. From “the bond that connects two people,” to act of caring for others it is evident that our students are blessed to recognise love in their lives.

Happy Valentines Day.