Term 1 Issue 3

Whangaparāoa represents at Oceans in Mount Maunganui 

Eight Whangaparāoa learners represented Red Beach Surf Club at the 25th Oceans: Festival of Junior Surf Lifesaving, competing amongst the best and bravest in their sport. 

Alexia Elmiger, Aron Walker, Jack Stephenson (Year 7), Ava Sunderland, Isaac Seedhouse, (Year 8), Mika Elmiger, Noah Elmiger and Yuki Cross (Year 10), alongside Dylan Blanchard (Year 12) as a coach, joined nearly 800 young surf athletes from all over New Zealand at the four day event. It was a fantastic event for them all, where they both enjoyed and endured the challenge of unpredictable waves, a gnarly shore break, scorching sun and some fierce competition. The athleticism and skill on display in a range of beach and surf events was awe-inspiring, but most impressive was the comradery, resilience and sheer joy for ocean sport. 

Mika surfs home in the Board Race.

Aron waits for a wave.

Yuki dives for the flags (He finished 5th in New Zealand, an event he had won silver at the Northern Regional Competition, where he also earned two sprint medals).

Level 2 Physical Education Camp

Our Level 2 Physical Education camp at Mangawhai Heads Holiday Park was a resounding success!

Learners tackled our "Group Processes" achievement standard through challenging adventure-based activities. The camp kicked off with the first stage of an "Amazing Race," followed by a final race and a memorable surfing experience. Under expert instruction, learners bravely took to the waves, showcasing impressive progress.

Te Whare Hauora Tips

Sleep is fundamental to a persons well-being and mental health.
Over the holidays, sleep patterns have likely changed for learners.

Here are some tips for establishing healthy sleep habits (referred to as sleep hygiene)

• Ideal sleep - 8 hours for adults, more for growing humans (9+ hours)
• Comfortable room temp (16-18 Degrees)
• Air room out during the day
• Dark room for sleeping, light room for waking
• Sleep pressure builds over the day (naps reduce sleep pressure making it hard to fall asleep at night).
• Create regular sleep patterns (go to bed and rise at same time)
• Exercise during the day
• Brain dump before bed (write a list of things to remember)
• Bed is for sleep, watch TV/ devices in other room
• Stop device use at least 1 hour before bed (blue light tricks our brain into thinking its daytime, therefore melatonin release is slow)
• If not falling asleep get up and do a quiet activity (read, puzzle, colouring) until feeling sleepy
• Turn alarm clocks around to reduce clock watching
• Remove phones/ devices from bedroom to reduce temptation to use them
• Place alarm in the hallway so teen has to get out of bed to turn it off
• Some people find magnesium helps (glycinate or citrate)
  

Road Safety Reminder

We have received a concerning report regarding learners safety while crossing the road on the way to school.

A community member witnessed a significant number of younger learners crossing against the red pedestrian light, while vehicles had a green light. This resulted in a prolonged period of learners running in front of moving vehicles, creating a very dangerous situation.

While we understand that learners may sometimes be tempted to cross when they see a gap in traffic, this incident involved a continuous flow of children, significantly impeding traffic flow and putting themselves at serious risk.

We are pleased to note that our older learners were observed waiting patiently at the lights, demonstrating responsible behaviour.

We would like to remind all parents and caregivers to reinforce the importance of safe road crossing practices with their children. Please emphasise the following:

• Always wait for the green signal: Learners should only cross when the pedestrian signal indicates it is safe to do so.
• Look both ways: Even with a green signal, learners should look left and right to ensure all vehicles have stopped.
• Never run across the road: Walking is essential, even when the light is green.