13 June 2025

At our school, we often say that learning is a team effort. For a start, each child has a team of teachers around them, then their team of other children in their class and across the school. The most powerful team your child has though is the one made up of home and school together

Our Year 6 Leavers profile says - 'Our Year 6 Leavers will be confident, connected, curious thinkers'. When you think about your child in Autahi I wonder how far off you think this may be. Maybe they have already 'arrived'. Is there such a thing? Probably not as we are constantly helping them to expand their universe! 

As an aside though we had Chloe and Claire from Enviroschools here last week to work with the children. The feedback was - they were totally blown away by our children's curiosity, engagement and knowledge. Now, these mentors work with a lot of children in many schools... they know! So I was pretty chuffed to hear this.

Last week our progress meetings started. The reason we send the written report through earlier is so that you have a chance to digest the contents, gain an understanding of where we are aiming for for the year and where they are at after a term and a bit at school... and hopefully really enjoy your 'child's voice'. I actually love that part when I read them as I can hear each of their individual voices loud and clear! One of the most valuable gifts we can give children is the time and space to talk to us. When teachers sit alongside and ask gentle questions, and listen with curiosity, they know that their thoughts, feelings, and ideas matter - it really helps strengthen the relationship. 

Our children's reflections are often very real examples of a growth mindset in action. Children are recognising their strengths and learning how to set goals for themselves. They are often engaged in things here at school that many of us many adults find extremely hard to do. What happens to us? Eek!

I think what is important, as parents and teachers, we can keep supporting the development of these life long skills by celebrating effort just as much as achievement, and by reminding ourselves that learning is a journey, not a race - even though of course we have certain finish lines we want to have our children cross at different ages and stages! Maybe it is that some of them have quite unique running styles or we haven't found the right footwear... yet.

So here's to fruitful discussions. Let's keep the children at the centre, all arms of the flourish model alive and well. Basically, this is also a great time where just the adults can have a frank conversation about the where to next without having to talk in code with children present as well. 

Thank you for all the ways you support your child’s learning - whether it’s reading together at bedtime, helping with big questions, encouraging curiosity and interest in the world, or simply asking, “Tell me the best thing about your day today". 

These everyday actions make a big difference. Together, we’re helping our children grow not just as learners, but as confident, connected curious thinkers - and hopefully kind people I like to think!