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Brain Ways Nathan Mikaere Wallis

In the 90's what we know about brain development grew by 300%.
The environment designs the architecture of the 70% of the brain, particularly while the brain is developing In the first three years. Once established it is VERY difficult to change!
The critical attribute for us in New Zealand is the development of the cortex which is home to higher thinking and empathy. A Prime Ministers report clearly identified SELF REGULATION as the key to solve our high delinquency rates as well
as obesity, suicide and prison rates.
A good nurturing relationship, physical activity, laughter and singing are the key attributes to grow the cortex and stimulate learning. Punishment, Inconsistency and love withdrawal are the enemies of behavior change.
Inappropriate behavior is a result of the background of the child. The best approach is calm the child, go down and use your face and calm voice, validate the emotion and exercise the cortex by stating clearly the behavior you expect.
Research is clear that children are best equipped for reading and writing from age 7 or 8 and the social dimension and love of story is the best way to go.
These new understandings have deep implications for our practice. It is amazing that educational change has worked against these new understandings. The question is how do we make change at Saint Paul's that will grow our children's brains.

Friends of Saint Paul's

Kia ora Team, I have attached the Friends of Saint Paul's( FoSP) meeting minutes from last evening. I want to let you know some of the background to one of the items. We had a good turnout from our core group, many of whom have done a fantastic 5 years service (and more) of really committed work. These guys are getting to the end of their time here at Saint Paul's and want to support the newer parents while they are still around. When the school was in a 'low' financially they raised a huge $25,000 and because of this and their continued efforts we are now in a stable position. However, we do need to continue to raise around $10,000 a year for the 'extra's' that aren't possible or appropriate from Government funding such as the planting we did at the recent working bee. A hall( arts space, gym, chapel, etc) is seen by the community in the yearly surveys as something needed and this will be our focus in the next five years. We need new blood. For a start our new chairperson is unable to continue because of work commitments.This role is the key to the groups success because they keep things moving along and work alongside helpers as an enthusiastic supporter and organiser. Some of the issues around the problem of attracting new members was discussed at the meeting: New parents are often both working and 'time poor'. They rightly prioritise time with each other and their families. Some of these parents might prefer to just pay a fee. Fundraising generally means your time and our money. New parents are unaware of the Friends group and perhaps don't appreciate the sense of belonging to the community that can come from this involvement. The Friends have a more important vital role in bringing the community together. There is a perception that the current group is a closed group. It is true they have a strong friendship because of their shared endeavour but they have been working hard to bring others on board and have even pulled away to allow room for new people. The meeting time may be difficult because of child care issues. This could be flexible and the first thing to consider for a new chairperson. The workload is seen as too demanding. We do have a very supportive community that always do and will continue to respond positively to being asked to help. The Friends wanted me to let you know the current situation to encourage involvement. The friends group is rewarding and vital for our school both socially and financially. If you have thoughts or ideas you want to share email me back, respond on the blog or facebook.

Our Soccer team!

Board Report Presentation

This is a presentation made for a Board of Trustees Meeting that gives a good summary of the thrust of our achievement goals and achievement results in 2011. It is useful to see

Effective Teaching Strategies by JBoy

Effective Teaching Strategies by JBoy

Enhancing the School Climate