The stresses and continuing uncertainty as a result of the Christchurch earthquakes is leading to high levels of stress for both staff and students. The following excerpt quotes research by the Canterbury Primary Principals’ Association is quoted from an article in the Press.co.nz Read the article here
“Christchurch schools are dealing with more badly behaved children, stressed teachers and tired principals as they face an uncertain future, a survey shows. Two-thirds of the 140 primary schools that took part in the survey reported an increase in aggressive behaviour in the playground….About 70 per cent of principals said they were stressed and tired. The figures were higher for staff as the real impact of the prolonged earthquakes was now appearing, association president John Bangma said.
A further 27 per cent of principals were unsure about the future of their schools because of a drop in roll or damage to buildings and land. “We’ve got lots of children that are really nervous, hyper-vigilant and just not able to relax and enjoy being out playing. They’re worried about what might happen,” Bangma said.
Schools are a ‘litmus’ for the broader community. When things are tough in the community, this will be challenging for the school. Our thoughts are with NZ colleagues as they face exceptionally difficult circumstances both professionally and personally.