Newsletter

This continues to be something that concerns not only me as an educator and parent but also the wider education community as a whole. The online world and the development of artificial intelligence have crept up on us, particularly over the last decade. While we might think that this issue doesn’t really affect primary-aged students and families, this is unfortunately not the case as we, as a school, deal more and more with inappropriate use of technology and viewing content online.

To help with this issue within the Cambridge Community, the Principal Cluster has been lucky enough to use a grant from the local Lions Club to bring in a guest speaker, Filmmaker and Author Rob Cope.

We want our school and our community to be a safe place for all children. Our tamariki are growing up in rapidly changing times, and the risk, frequency and severity of online harm are increasing. We need to tackle this as a community.

As such, we have organised Filmmaker, Author and Speaker Rob Cope, Producer of the documentary "Our Kids Online" to come and give what promises to be a humorous and eye-opening evening talk to our parent community.

His talk will cover:

Cyberbullying - How bullies can reach our kids 24/7
Social media - How social media is affecting the mental health in 3 out of 5 children. FOMO, depression, anxiety
Gaming and the developing brain – An oversupply of dopamine leading to dopamine deficiency, synaptic pruning, and the underdevelopment of social skills and empathy
Naked Selfies - The pressure to send nudes from intermediate up through high school
Online predators - The methods they use, how to spot them
Online porn vs healthy sexuality - How consuming online pornography as a child or teen can create a sexual template where violence, aggression, and dominance are seen as normal and consent can become very blurry.

Solutions

Filters - Which filters are best and how to install them
Smartphones - How to lock down a smartphone to make it a safe phone
Boundaries - How to put good boundaries in place around device use
3 golden rules - The 3 golden rules that will keep your kids safe
Talking to your kids - How to have difficult conversations with your kids
Challenging our own phone and device usage - Reconnecting as a family.

Here is a promotional video for you to watch Our Kids Online Parent Evening.

The talk will be held at Cambridge High School - School Hall on 5th and 6th March from 6.30pm Light snacks will be available. Please note this talk is for adults only and is not suitable for children or teens to attend.

We request that at least one representative from each family attend, and hope you are able to prioritise this within your busy lives. This topic is too big for us not to pay attention.

"We have now reached the point where it is irresponsible of us as parents, teachers, health professionals, and policymakers to continue to put these devices, which are designed to elicit addictive-like qualities, in our kids’ hands and then expect them to be accountable for their own wellbeing." Dr Samantha Marsh- University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, July 2023

Included in your ticket is a one-year complimentary subscription to "Parenting in an Online World 101" from Rob and team at Our Kids Online. This is a cybersafety parenting course, designed specifically for NZ families. It usually costs $99 per family. So show up and get it for free! Course details can be found here Parenting in an Online World 101

Please sign up here to RSVP

"We need to tackle this as a community so that all of our kids are safe. When I protected my kids online, I also protected yours, so please, please protect your kids online so that you are also protecting mine" Rob Cope

Learner of the Week certificates will be presented at tomorrow's assembly at 2.00pm in the school hall. All welcome.

Koru 1

Oliver Jacques - Wow Oliver, what a stand out role model you are in Koru Tahi! You have made an excellent start to the year in your new learning space, demonstrating the Characters of Duty and Respect. Keep it up, Oliver!
Myles Cardale- McGregor - I am impressed with how brave you were on our Beach Education Trip. You demonstrated the Characters of Compassion and Consideration through the duration of the trip, which reflects your character. Ka pai!

Koru 2

Reshan Singh - Keep up the fantastic effort and positive attitude! Your hard work and willingness to help others and your teacher make a real difference in the classroom. I can't wait to see all the great things you'll accomplish this year!
Lewis Nelson - Lewis, you are a great example of a dedicated learner. You approach your work with quiet focus, always doing your best and taking pride in what you accomplish. Keep up the fantastic effort - you should be proud of yourself!

Koru 3

Miller West - Miller, your quiet and conscientious work ethic has not gone unnoticed. You strive to embody 'Always My Best" and have set about completing all your independent tasks every week. Keep setting yourself high standards, Miller...well done!
George Cleaver - George, I am really impressed with the way you go about ensuring that you uphold our class Tikanga. You role model our school Character Wheel, showing your Sense of Duty in everything you do. Ka pai to mahi!

Koru 4

Evie Daly - I am so proud of your fantastic commitment to learning and your growing confidence! Keep believing in yourself and reaching for the stars!
Riaan Maharaj - You’ve made a fantastic start to the year, Riaan! You manage your time wisely and complete independent learning tasks with "Always My Best" in mind. Ka rawe koe!

Room 10

Emma Claassens - Emma, I'm really impressed with how you've started the year! Your leadership in Room 10 is already making a big impact, and I love how you always listen and make thoughtful choices. Keep being the awesome person you are, Emma!
Holland Gore - Holland, I am incredibly proud of the resilience you continue to show in everything you do. You’ve embraced learning with such a positive attitude, and it's clear you're thriving in our school environment. Keep up the amazing work—go you!

Room 11

Daniël de Klerk - Daniël, you've had an outstanding start to the year! Your eagerness to learn and unwavering commitment have set a positive example. Keep up the fantastic effort. Jy maak Juffrou baie trots!
Iris Quenby - Iris, you've had a remarkable start to the year! Your self-assurance and willingness to assist in class are commendable, and you consistently put forth your best effort. Tino pai to mahi!

Room 15

Grayson Pelletier - The determination you are showing with your learning has not gone unnoticed. It is awesome to see you growing your learning muscles and showing 'Always my Best' in everything you do. Ka pai, Grayson.
Alexandra Edmunds - Alexandra, you are so full of enthusiasm for learning. We enjoying hearing your stories and personal connections to the books we read. I am also very impressed with your creative stories. Tino pai to mahi!

Room 16

Maisie Peters - Maisie, the effort you have been putting into your reading sessions is awesome to see. You approach reading with a positive attitude and confidence in your abilities. Keep it up!
Eve Spence - Eve, you are a kind friend to others in our class and are always willing to help out. You have had a great start to this year, and work to show the spokes of the Character Wheel. Ka pai!

Te Puna 19

Hugo Chang - It is great to see you growing in confidence in class. I love that you are starting to share your clever ideas with us, keep this up, Hugo!
Surkhab Cheema - Surkhab, your enthusiasm for learning is already on full display! What a great start to the year you have had. Tino pai to mahi, keep giving everything your best effort!

Te Puna 21

Harry McIntosh - Harry, your positivity shines through and you demonstrate both empathy and kindness to all, leading by example showing others how to be a great friend. Ka pai and stay awesome!
Elaya Maharaj - Elaya, you are a kind and thoughtful member of the class, always striving to do your best. You confidently contribute your ideas, take risks in your learning, and are a great role model. Tino pai!

Te Puna 22

Mila Zhou - The care and attention that you take with your work results in work that is presented with pride. It is great to see you starting to share your ideas in class more. Ka pai te mahi.
Ciara O'Leary - What a place value whizz you are! You are decomposing and composing numbers like a star. Keep up the sensational maths thinking.

Auaha M

Corinthian Wendt - You showed so much enthusiasm during our beach trip to Omanu, Corinthian. You listened, joined in all activities and loved the waves. Tino pai!
Lochie Burton - We are seeing real independence from you this year. You plan your week, remember to write in your personal goal, and are quick to help others who need it. Kia ora, Lochie.
Marley Whittaker - What amazing resilience you have displayed when becoming familiar with life and learning in Auaha M. You should be proud of your efforts and we all appreciate the smile you bring to class.
Jake Johnson - You can be proud of your mahi when following your plan and completing tasks to your best. What a great example you have set in Auaha M. Ka pai to mahi!

Auaha S

Martha Cornege - You were an amazing, supportive and inclusive classmate on our beach education trip, Martha. It shows your commitment to making sure everyone feels welcome and part of the team in Auaha S. Thank you!
Mak Ryan - We have noticed how you are taking on the challenge of Year 5, Mak! You are doing your best to be independent, making very mature learning choices, and approaching new opportunities with determination. Ka pai for a great start to 2025, Mak!
Enzo Shiwa-McHale - You have shown a willingness to contribute and lead as a Year 6 in Auaha S, Enzo. We appreciate the chances and opportunities you are taking and look forward to seeing where it will take you this year. Keep it up!
Lucas Hart - Making choices that put your learning first, you are leading from the front, Lucas! You model the Three Golden Rules which is setting you up for learning success. We are lucky to have a learning role model like you in our space! Well done, Lucas!