Week 3 NEWSLETTER

How can I help at home?

We are often asked at school by whānau…how can we help at home…in terms of learning? The answer to this question is…how long is a piece of string? There could be endless things you can do…but here are some great ideas:

• Reading with your child: I saw this article recently about changing habits with parents reading a bedtime story…but it really highlighted the importance of trying to squeeze this in. Modern life is a rush, and full of distractions…but flicking off the screen and reading to your child is a very easy way to help learning at school. Lots of our juniors have readers shared digitally via HERO, and all our children go to the library once a week to get new books. For our older children…giving them the space to read for 20mins a day is also super beneficial. 

• Talking with your child: We all know the classic question…what did you do at school today…and the classic response of…nothing! But, change the question a little and you’ll get more. One of our grandparents shared with me last week that she asks…how were you kind at school today? Great question! Who did you help today? What was the best bit of the day? What did you get to create today? When were you in the Learning Pit today? Try one of those and see how you get on

• Sleep: Primary school children need between 10-11 hours sleep each night…sleep does so much to help at school. Helps with focus, concentration, helps with health (like our immune systems) and with regulating emotions. My boys are awake at roughly 6.30am…so for them to get enough sleep this means a bedtime between 7.30 - 8.30pm.  

Earlier this year the government put together a Parent Portal…this also has great ideas for how you might be able to help at home. But…you can’t go wrong with those ones above. A child that reads daily, has positive conversations about school and who is getting plenty of sleep…they are geared up for a great day of learning. 

Teacher Only Day - Monday 1st September

We will be having a second (and final) Teacher Only Day this term…please add Monday 1st September to your calendars. 

We are able to have two teacher only days in 2025 to focus on teacher development and the new curriculum. In September we will be diving further into the new maths curriculum. 

Thanks in advance for your support of this.

If you have moved house, had a change of phone number, or any other contact details of your child/children have changed, could you please let us know at the school office by calling in to see us, phoning us on (06) 370-0189, or sending an email to office@douglaspark.school.nz   

Kōwhai's enquiry topic this term is 'Our Stories, Our Places' - Ngā kōrero a mātou, ngā wāhi a mātou. We have been making a website blog to share our learning and this week room 13 has been focusing on Masterton then and now and early transport. You can check out our learning so far below

All school teams and draws will be posted on Hero.

Regular Dentist Visits:

Free dental care is available from birth to 18 years old. Call 0800 TALK TEETH for appointments or concerns. If your child is not enrolled, please contact us. The Wairarapa Dental team is based at Masterton Intermediate School: 06 377 9071 or oralhealth@wairarapa.dhb.org.nz.

Brushing:

Brush every morning and night with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for at least 2 minutes. Parents should help with brushing until about age 8, as young children struggle to reach their molars properly. When it comes to toothpaste, spit don’t rinse. To save water, turn the tap off when brushing. Replace your soft bristled toothbrush each school holiday.

Mouth Guards:

Always wear a mouth guard during sports to protect teeth. Injuries to baby teeth can affect adult teeth still in the gum. For any injuries to the mouth always register the accident under ACC with your GP or dentist, no matter how minor you may think the injury is.

Avoid Sweets:

Don’t eat sweets on your way to school otherwise the sugar will be stuck on your teeth all day. Sweets should be avoided as everyday treats or rewards and saved for very special occasions.

Fluoride:

Fluoride helps strengthen and protect teeth. The fluoride in toothpaste helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel. Not rinsing after brushing allows fluoride to remain on teeth and continue to help protect them. Your Oral Health team recommend toothpastes which contain full strength fluoride (1000ppm). Also seen as sodium monofluorophosphate and sodium fluoride.

Baby Teeth:

Baby teeth are important for a child's development and overall health, playing a vital role in chewing, speaking, and holding space for adult teeth. Teeth extracted on young children due to decay can affect speech as well as cause space loss later in life.

Cereals:

Many cereals are very high in sugar especially those recommended for children. That’s before we add our own sugar to it. In some of our most popular cereals up to 40% contain sugar. Try weetbix, oats or try a hot brekky if time allows. Read the labels to compare different cereals.

Limiting Sugary Drinks:

Keep sugary drinks to mealtimes. Most drinks brought from the shop have an average of 10 teaspoons of sugar in them. Imagine eating that out of the sugar bowl for breakfast! Teeth need a rest from sugar so water is the best drink for your teeth.

Safe Snacks & lunch ideas:

Try these healthy options for healthy teeth. Fresh fruit, dairy products, raw vegetables and dip, protein filled sandwiches, crackers, savoury muffins, plain popcorn, nuts, rice/pasta dishes, quiche/frittata, crumpets, pizza, toasties, fritters, simple sandwiches - marmite, peanut butter, cheese.

Adolescent Oral Health:

Dental exams and treatment (excluding orthodontic care) are free until your 18th birthday whether you are a student, in employment or seeking employment. All year 8 children will receive a transfer pack to choose your chosen family dentist either when the dental mobile visits the school, or when they are seen at the MIS clinic. If you have year 9 or older children still waiting to be seen by your family dentist, give them a call to arrange enrolment and an appointment.