Health & Safety
Unlock the potential of a well-rounded education with our Health & Safety section dedicated to the world of education.
Delve into a collection of insightful articles that shed light on important aspects of health and safety in educational environments. From promoting physical well-being and mental health, to ensuring a secure and nurturing atmosphere, discover strategies, tips, and best practices to safeguard the well-being of students and educators alike. Join us as we navigate the intersection of health, safety, and education, empowering schools and individuals to create flourishing learning environments where everyone can thrive.
- Sep- 2018 -25 September
Water’s not optional, but its packaging is up to you
Whether you’ve thought about your water options or not, students and staff will be drinking water throughout their time at…
Read More » - 25 September
Students walk out of school over principal’s truancy comments
More than 100 students walked out of a Hamilton high school in protest after the principal said truants are more…
Read More » - 25 September
Fresh compost sickens school children
After it was dropped on campus, children began to fall ill within 20 minutes. Safety processes are now being put in…
Read More » - 18 September
OPINION: The mad hatters are now in control of our classrooms
Five-year-olds are ruling classrooms since ministry guidelines on restraint have been implemented, says Te Tai Tokerau Principals Association President, Pat Newman.
Read More » - 4 September
Positive change to school bus rules?
The issue of children’s safety when standing on school buses was raised by Wanaka Primary School Board Chairman, Andrew Howard…
Read More » - Aug- 2018 -28 August
The health initiative making waves in low decile schools
Eighty-three percent of principals said the overall health of their children would decline if FIS ended, with 74% and 62%…
Read More » - 14 August
STRIKE DAY: first educators’ strike in 24 years
29,000 primary teachers, principals and their supporters take to the streets in public events
Read More » - 9 August
Making energy efficiency part of your school’s culture
Saving on energy costs isn’t the only incentive for schools to take control of their energy usage...
Read More » - 7 August
$18.4m ‘Mates & Dates’ programme “will not prevent sexual violence experienced by Māori students”, says Te Whāriki Takapou
Māori sexual and reproductive health promotion and research organisation Te Whāriki Takapou is highly critical of the decision by ACC…
Read More » - Jul- 2018 -30 July
38% of school leaders experienced threats of violence in 2017
“There are two parallel issues going on here. One is children with learning difficulties trying to access the help and…
Read More » - 30 July
Finalised firearm guidelines for schools released
"We know there are differing opinions on schools allowing students to participate in activities involving firearms.... Earlier this year we…
Read More » - 24 July
On the trauma of keeping children safe: How to avoid emotional burnout
Following the devastating earthquake, UC College of Education, Health & Human Development senior lecturer Dr Veronica O’Toole interviewed twenty teachers about their experiences. Teachers…
Read More » - 3 July
Parents aren’t letting kids walk to school
and some ways that schools could help reverse this trend... Whether it's caused by safety concerns, inadequate infrastructure or simply…
Read More » - Jun- 2018 -5 June
Bomb threats & earthquakes: schools need to improve emergency preparedness
Research included three true-life case studies of Wellington schools that had experienced a bomb threat, flood and earthquake respectively to…
Read More » - May- 2018 -28 May
Managing food allergies and anaphylaxis in New Zealand schools
There is no cure or treatment for food allergy, and the only way to manage it and prevent reactions, including…
Read More » - 1 May
Why is this bank providing NZ schools with sanitary products?
One Wellington school principal says the donation supports 250 students....
Read More » - Apr- 2018 -10 April
When play is doing what comes naturally
It used to be just called ‘play’ – that glorious time when you’d be outside, splashing in puddles, climbing trees,…
Read More » - 3 April
School toilet controversy: is banning loo roll too far?
This was the measure taken by a primary school in the UK this week. Repeated toilet flooding prompted Oldswinford C…
Read More » - Mar- 2018 -26 March
Educators urged to take part in Road Safety Week 2018
Road Safety Week 2018 takes place May 7-13, and teachers and child-carers are being encouraged to plan activities and take…
Read More » - 20 March
Do schools need to improve policies on violence?
Three assaults took place over the course of several weeks and, although the students were suspended, they have people questioning…
Read More » - Nov- 2017 -14 November
Using mindfulness to build resilience
There is a lot of talk about New Zealand’s appalling rate of youth suicide, currently the worst in the developed…
Read More » - Sep- 2017 -12 September
Making your school safer with first aid training for all
School News looks at how to prepare your staff and students to deliver first aid, and why careful planning can…
Read More » - Jul- 2017 -26 July
How to mind that child in the school car park
Young children are extremely vulnerable on roads and in car parks. According to a recent report from the Ministry of…
Read More » - Jun- 2017 -27 June
New toolkit to help schools support student well-being
A new toolkit to help schools support students' mental well-being has been released. Sparklers is a collection of 36 activities…
Read More » - 20 June
Gisborne schools trial new life skills programme
The odds have long been stacked against the children of Gisborne, a city with the highest rate of childhood obesity…
Read More »