Tēna koutou katoa e te whanau,
We are skating into the new year with the holidays already a distant memory, as we fight the budget and rush to get tamariki back to kura/school. The bound to happen ‘not available’ signs – due to supply issues, will be out and adding to the stress of stationery and uniform shopping. Other equally stressed people in the queues pushing in front of you for that last HB pencil that you almost had your hand on.
Thank goodness that the first couple of weeks are broken up by Anniversary Day and Waitangi Day. I hope you get to enjoy the first shorter weeks as our tamariki adjust into a new school year with possibly new teachers, classmates and maybe even a change of kura.
Denise Green
Upper South Regional Coordinator
03 929 6578 or 027 369 3333
SUPPORT
Please reach out if you think I may be able to lend you a listening ear, or can help support you in some way. Our support groups may take a few weeks to restart but we will let you know via our Facebook page when they are happening around the region.
Our closed Facebook groups are another way of connecting when you want to chat with someone but are unable to get away from the house. If you would like to join our Caring Families Aotearoa Upper South Support Facebook Group, follow the link and click on join group.
OFFICE HOURS :
My days of work are Monday-Wednesday 9.00am-4.30pm, and Thursday 9.30am-1.30pm. I am often away in my region for training and support so please ring me if you wish to pop in. 027 369 3333
Important Reminder
Just a reminder there is still time to apply for the School and Year Start-up Payment (closes 28 February) and the Extraordinary Care Fund (the next round of applications closes 17 February). More information about each of these Work and Income NZ entitlements can be found at School and Year Start-up Payment – Work and Income and Extraordinary Care Fund – Work and Income
TRAINING AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
We have a new learning module in term one – Helping Children Feel Safe – providing structure & supervision.
Looking after children with attachment difficulties is challenging for caregivers, so this workshop will give you strategies and tips to help you provide structure and supervision for tamariki in your care.
I look forward to catching up with you around the Upper South as we continue our DDP Therapeutic Parenting journey. It has been such a privilege to be on this pathway as a fellow caregiver.
To find out more about training, go to our Training Calendar below.
EVENTS
Foster Care Awareness Week is when we celebrate you, our wonderful caregivers.
I am busy working away organising some fun events for our Upper South region, and will confirm details to you all next week through the Caring Families Aotearoa website, email and Facebook. If you are not a member of our private Facebook group please join to receive the latest information.
Tiaki i a koutou anō, look after yourselves!
Denise