February 10 2011 - Message from Auckland Transport - Parents Please be Aware

Due to the continuing rise in complaints regarding illegal and dangerous parking at schools in your area, Auckland Transport Parking Services will be doing regular school enforcement patrols.

The stopping /parking restriction around schools are designed primarily for the safety of children by ensuring that the children are able to see and be seen by moving traffic. Stopping even momentarily can compromise their safety, this being the reason a zero tolerance practice is applied, and this is also inline with the NZ Police enforcement approach of zero tolerance around schools.

Definition of parking in the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 is as follows:
"In relation to any portion of a road, the stopping or standing of a vehicle on that portion of the road, (includes a footpath and vehicle entrance and the picking up/dropping off passengers, when the driver is present and the engine is running)."

Parking officers will no longer be asking parent/guardian to move vehicles from illegal parking area which will include parking on foot paths, vehicle entrances, broken yellow lines, bus stops etc. but will instead be issuing infringement notices in respect of the offence and will then post tickets out to the registered owner of the vehicle.

If you continue to endanger our children - you risk incurring the following fines:

Please choose safe parking over convenience at all times. Enforcement by Police and Parking Wardens is designed to keep all road users safe.

November 23 - Community Alert

Dear parents/caregivers

It is with concern that I write to alert you to unexpected deaths of young people in our community. The Coroner's office will be investigating the causes of these deaths.

With this purpose in mind, I would like to alert you to some of the warning signs that might suggest a person is vulnerable and/or in need of further support:
• Cutting themselves off - not talking, seeming withdrawn or spaced out
• Making final arrangements - giving things away, speaking of death etc.
• Showing an unusual interest in death
• Talking, writing or texting about death
• Reading or writing and/or creating artwork about death
• Reference to a dare 'game'

At this time it is recommended that parents and caregivers increase their supervision of young people by knowing where they are and who they are with. It is also important to talk with young people to find out how they are and to answer any questions that young people may have truthfully. It is a time where we need to be mindful about young people’s internet and technology use and to support them to communicate about things they may be hearing, writing or receiving. Risk behaviour for young children and people can change from day to day so keep close supervision of children and young people in your care.

The following websites have resources that will provide assistance in talking and communicating with young people:
www.spinz.org.nz
www.skylight.org.nz - Explaining sudden death to children and young people
The website www.thelowdown.co.nz has been designed specially for teenagers.

If you have concerns about a young person or family member RIGHT NOW do not leave them alone. Get help immediately by phoning a doctor, 111, a local mental health service or call an ambulance on 111. Try to make the environment safe from any means of harm (remove medication, car, knives, ropes, access to guns).

If you need support from your community, contact: 0508 FAMILY (326 459)

If you need someone to talk to about your own feelings, talk to your GP or contact the following support phone lines:
• Life line 0800 541354
• Youthline 0800 376 633
• Samaritans 0800726 66

If there is anything that school staff can do to assist you and/or your children to cope at this difficult time, please let us know by making contact with us at school.

Our thoughts and aroha are with the bereaved families at this time.

Yours sincerely
Gus Klein
Principal