Back to school costs hit families hard
Teachers are bracing themselves for a tough start as vulnerable families struggle with back to school costs due to the fallout from Covid-19.
Low decile schools are sourcing cheaper uniforms and stationery and informing parents that there is food support at school.
“For the more than 800 schools we support, this is a particularly challenging time of year, only exacerbated by Covid-19,” said KidsCan chief executive officer Julie Chapman.
“Children don’t arrive ready to learn. Many are hungry, missing a uniform, shoes, and stationery. They’re upset that they don’t fit in."
Chapman said one social worker told the charity about a "really smart kid who was so embarrassed he didn't have the right uniform he just stopped coming to school."
Education was a child's way out of poverty, she said, "so we're doing all we can to help remove these barriers."
Research has shown the challenges children living in poverty face every day, Chapman said.
"Some start the day sleep deprived in an overcrowded home," she said.
"There's not enough food for breakfast or lunch, no money for the bus.
"They don't have adequate shoes or rain gear."
Some of the children wouldn't make it to school at all, she said.
Others would arrive wet, in dirty clothes, feeling embarrassed, stressed and exhausted, she said.
The Colmar Brunton research found that teachers were getting hit from all angles with the job consuming their time, effort and money as they took care of child welfare before they could teach, she said.
One teacher was paying for pens, copy books and snacks out of their own pocket.
A principal was having to buy togs and towels at second-hand shops so students could attend swimming lessons, she said.
KidsCan aims to raise $350 000 to help support families with back to school costs.
You can go to www.backtoschool.org.nz... to buy items for school children including hot meals, breakfast, fleece-lined jackets, and shoes.
KidsCan’s principal partner, Meridian Energy, is kicking off the campaign by donating 25,000 hot meals to help fuel kids throughout the day.
People can also sign up to support a child on an on-going basis for $30 a month.
Go to www.backtoschool.org.nz... for more information.
Have you parents been hit hard by the impacts of Covid-19?
Will you find it hard to afford school uniforms and stationery for your kids this year?
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Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.6% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Harbour Bridge lane closure - protests
The Treaty Principles Bill was introduced to parliament last week and could have ramifications on the partnership between the Crown and Māori.
Hīkoi mō te Tiriti (March for the Treaty of Waitangi) set off from Cape Rēinga on Monday morning and is expected to reach Wellington next Tuesday. It has now passed through Kaitaia, Kawakawa, Whangārei, Dargaville and is passing through Auckland on Wednesday.
What you need to know today:
- The hīkoi is due to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge about 9.30am on Wednesday. Two northbound lanes will be closed at some point before the crossing, and remain closed during it.
- NZTA shared at 8:50am Wednesday:
'Curran St northbound on-ramp will be closed shortly, with two northbound lanes on the Harbour Bridge expected to close from approx 9.30am this morning. Allow extra time for likely delays through this area.'
- The hīkoi is expected to go across the Harbour Bridge, in a controlled fashion before marching through parts of the CBD towards Okahu Bay.
- Auckland commuters should expect traffic disruption in vicinity of both sides of the Harbour Bridge.
Stuff reporter Steve Kilgallon was at Stafford Park on the north side of the Harbour Bridge at 8.30am Wednesday and shared:
"I just walked through Stafford Park, where there’s about 400-500 people quietly assembled and more arriving; and about 20 police standing over near the motorway off ramp. Lot of Tino Rangatira flags in evidence, local streets very busy with parked cars."
Police have shared that they will respond accordingly to any issues that may arise along the route.
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