Hurunui parents invited to evening of connections and insights

Parents in Hurunui District are being offered a not-to-be-missed opportunity to hear how to support their young children’s brain development and ensure school readiness.

Award-winning researcher Miriam McCaleb will be guest of honour at the ‘Growing Great Brains’ workshop at Amberley School on Thursday 20 March at 7pm. The workshop is being delivered for free by Together Hurunui in collaboration with local Police and Amberley School, through funding by the Department of Internal Affairs.

Together Hurunui Chair Mayor Marie Black said the focus will be on child brain development in the first five years and the impacts of technology, as well as getting children school ready.

“It’s a privilege to be able to host someone of the calibre of Miriam, who is globally recognised for her insights into the impacts of digital devices on the brains of children during their important first five years. Miriam is a former student of Amberley School, so that is a very special connection to our district.”

A former Plunket Community Karitane, Mayor Black said community support is as important today as ever.

“We’re seeing parents facing more time pressures, as well as other stresses. One of the drivers of this workshop is to have a range of support agencies at the workshop available to connect with parents,” Mayor Black said.

“We know the saying it takes a village to raise a child. With today’s demands, it’s hard for parents to make those important connections within their neighbourhoods and community, but there is support out there for parents. We invite parents to come along and make those important connections, listen to Miriam’s insights and share their own advice with others.”

Refreshments will be provided on the night, and there will also be giveaways and prizes. The event is free to all parents of children under the age of five, whether attending early childhood education or not.

To RSVP, please email Hurunui District Council’s Together Hurunui Facilitator at natalie.paterson@hurunui.govt.nz

*Together Hurunui is a network of social services operating in Hurunui in partnership with the Hurunui District Council, health centres, schools and central government.