HOPE CONNECT
a new and convenient way to connect the HOPE community
January 31, 2020
Important Dates
FEBRUARY
3rd ~ Volunteer Child Safety Training
17th - 19th ~ No School
27th ~ Parent Teacher Interviews
28th ~ Afternoon School Spirit Activities
MARCH
4th ~ YAPP Dodgeball & Capture the Flag @NISC
4th ~ FRIDAY Timetable
10th - 11th ~ IGCSE ART exam
13th ~ IGCSE ART exam
26th - 31st ~ Read-a-thon
APRIL
6th - 17th ~ No School - Khmer New Year
A message from our Deputy Secondary Principal
There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. (Luke 21:11)
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)
Whether reading through the Bible or studying history, it becomes clear that events like “earthquakes, famines, and pestilences” (or global health emergencies?) are not exactly uncommon. At the same time, this fact may not provide much comfort to those experiencing one--or all?--of these crises. Regardless of time, place or religion, humans have usually understood such events not as random occurrences, but instead as having a divine cause or significance.
For followers of Jesus, these events have often taken on added meaning, in light of his teachings about the end times, such as the one we find in Luke (above). There have been many points in the past where believers were convinced the end was near or at hand, and recent or developing events could certainly cause us to ask the question again.
In the midst of a new “pestilence,” school (and life) continues, and we may swing between fear or faith--all the while trying to help our students and children find healthy and appropriate ways to think and live. Being a hostage to fear does not seem a productive response. At the same time, neither does pretending there is no risk or chance of disease or death, or that life is not precious or fragile.
We appreciate your continued prayers for all of us during this season--not only prayers about how to respond, communicate, or “manage” risk--but also that we can see, hear and know God in all circumstances, and that the Lord will continue to “teach us to number our days.”
To God be the glory,
Eric Wolthuis
Notices
Mahiera is a student-teacher who has been completing her final practicum in Mr Kennedy's math class. Yesterday we had a morning tea together to say farewell and to pray for her and her teaching journey ahead. We are so grateful that you have been here at HOPE.
Tips for talking with your child about the Coronavirus
Children with existing emotional health challenges are sometimes particularly impacted by concerns such as these, as it simply adds "one more thing" to their existing worries.
Children with "big feelings" are also of course more prone to feeling worried and concerned for themselves and others.
It's important to be aware that some of these ideas and pieces of advice will be helpful for some children, but some might be less helpful. Different children, in different situations need different approaches. As always - as parents/caregivers you are the expert on your own child. so you should feel free to choose the ideas which you think might be most helpful for you.
Here are some ideas - a list which you might choose from - to use to support your child/ren who are anxious.
Allow children to talk and express their fears - try to avoid "shutting them down"
If a child is talking about or showing their fear or stress (remembering that children sometimes show us stress rather than talk about it), ask them a few short questions about what they are most worried about or what they think
Tell children that their thoughts, feelings and stress reactions are normal
Provide reassurance (information about why they are safe and how they will be kept safe in the future) - correcting misunderstandings where possible
Help children notice "the helpers", and how people/our society are working to repair, help and keep life safer in the future
Provide affection, warmth and comfort when children are feeling anxious
Allow children to express their worries or sadness using drawing or playing if they seem interested in doing this
Don't frequently or unnecessarily raise the conversation with children unless you believe they are thinking/talking about the topic already
Also limit exposure where possible to graphic images and extensive news coverage (keeping an eye on what they are accessing online/youtube etc)
Help children redirect their attention to other activities if they appear to be wanting to talk excessively about the topic (Let's take a break from talking about.....)
Provide normal (or "new normal" if "normal" is not possible) schedules and activity.
Give children a sense of hope and change for the future
Learning Hub News
Did you know…?
You can access and enjoy on-line Encyclopedia Britannica at home!
Follow this link to find out about all types of things!
This will take you to a login page.
The password is hope
Enjoy!
“It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it.”
― Oscar Wilde
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The Graduating Class of 2029
