MAHURANGI KAHUI AKO TERM 1 NEWSLETTER 2018 

 

  A WORD FROM HELEN, LEAD PRINCIPAL We really do have a fabulous group of schools, principals, and teachers working with learners in our community, and I am thrilled with the level of engagement as we begin to discover what it might mean to shift teacher practice and learner achievement together, with support of colleagues. I want to acknowledge your leadership - as those working with the children and young people - and work with our team to equip you to achieve your goals for your learners and your teaching. I believe that the vast majority of us have a strong moral purpose, work hard to raise achievement, and are willing learners. I also believe that we can raise achievement together and that when we share our learning with each other, we can learn even more than we would from the usual professional development programmes. It has been a great ride so far on this Kahui Ako journey. Thank you for your encouragement and your constructive feedback. All feedback is taken seriously. We are learning from YOU! And it is this grassroots involvement that will make our community rich in the most important ways. On the pages following, you will learn more about what we are learning in our community so far, and you can see our response to some of your feedback. I have also invited some guest authors to reflect on aspects of this term. Please grab a coffee and take a read. Thanks again for engaging so well in these early days of the Mahurangi Kahui Ako.  

 

 Helen Pearson Principal Horizon School Lead Principal for the Mahurangi Kahui Ako 

        

COLLABORATIVE TEACHERS HUI 

  This was a great start to our Kahui Ako. Here is the informative Mahurangi Matters article about it for those who missed out. We had lots of great feedback regarding this event. I won’t bore you with the positive feedback (though we certainly appreciated it!) We also had some constructive feedback. This is always helpful for us, so thanks for your thoughts! Here are our responses. 

YOUR CONSTRUCTIVE   FEEDBACK 

OUR RESPONSE 

Relating to opportunity/time for collaboration... Would be good to get together with teachers who are teaching at the same levels to discuss their inquiries. Sharing with teachers from other schools would be great.

Yes! Our Term 2, 3 and 4 Teacher Collaboration meetings will be highly collaborative. The entire time will be in a comfortable environment. You will choose from a range of great options who to collaborate with during this time

As we progress, a structured agenda and groups across schools meeting online would be better. Shared Drive to fuel collaboration would be good.

A Kahui Ako website will be ready for us to begin work in at the next Collaboration meeting. This will facilitate sharing of ideas with other teachers

Would like an opportunity to get to know the schools/communities of all the schools in our Kahui Ako. Could we visit/have meetings at other schools? Have opportunities to see good practice?

This is the plan. The next meeting will be at Warkworth Primary

Would like to collaborate with others across schools around Special Education.

Great Idea! We will have a hui for SENCOs and others interested in this topic

Having communal inquiries that you can join and contribute to and members meet regularly.

We are on the same track. The next meeting will provide opportunity for those who wish to do this.

Needed a little more time in groups. Not everyone had the opportunity to share. More time to talk in year levels. I felt the discussion time could have been longer. Would like more time to talk with other teachers from our level of teaching in other meetings. Would have liked more opportunities to share with other schools. Can’t wait to get more deeply into how we achieve success for all.

Entirely agree. Our mistake. Time for collaboration is our priority going forward.

More informal gatherings would also be nice. Great! Please organise a big mid-winter Christmas party!

Great Idea! Give us your suggestions!

Relating to content/approach… The Masterton CoL surveyed their students, parents, Maori community, to find out what they wanted before deciding on targets. Our CoL seems to have a top-down approach - we know the best policy. But do we? Is this a collaborative approach?

Fair point. Our Kahui Ako didn’t have any employed staff when we developed the Achievement Challenge and we do now. The targets are not our primary focus, but we believe they will be achieved if we inquire and shift practice in a collaborative and supportive community. The targets will be reviewed in 2019, taking into consideration all these voices and our learnings to date.

It would be great to have more focus at these meetings. Less analogies and more clear direction.

Point taken. Others appreciated this. Come to the next meeting! It will be quite different.

I feel that all the content here was covered in the CoL meeting at school. A bit disappointing really.

Relating to organisation... Get video/powerpoint working properly.

Yes! Agreed! If this is a strength of yours, please feel free to offer your expertise!

It would be good to have prior-notice of what we’ll be asked to think about so we could bring examples.

Good idea. Your WSL will prep you next time.

Don’t use Sharpies. They bleed on the objects under and are hard to read.

Another point taken

Feed us first or during. Food should be at the beginning, not end. Just want to go home by 5pm. Would have been appreciated straight after school though.

Absolutely. Our mistake. We will feed you before, during and after if necessary.

 VISIT TO NGATI MANUHIRI In February, the Inquiry Team and our principals attended an initial meeting of our Kahui                             Ako with the local iwi, Ngati Manuhiri. Many schools already have connections with them,                           but this is the first time we have met with them as the Mahurangi Kahui Ako.  A Report from Jennifer Gray, Across School Leader, about what we learnt: WHAT WE LEARNT FROM OUR VISIT TO NGATI MANUHIRI:

● Ngati Manuhiri iwi are willing to share local stories, histories, etc, with staff and students across our community. Within this, importance was placed on Ngati Manuhiri being acknowledged as mana whenua and the ones to tell the local stories.

● Ngati Manuhiri are keen to develop reciprocal relationship in which they could call on us for support e.g. a Kapa Haka roopu to perform at local Matariki celebrations. We discussed the importance of not developing a relationship that is ‘dial a Kaumatua’, or ‘dial a Kapa Haka tutor’.

● In terms of the education of Maori, Te Ao spoke of the importance of walking alongside the child; developing a strong relationship with the child; taking the child to the learning rather than the learning to the child e.g. taking her children out to Tawharanui to tell them the stories of that area; listening to our children; acknowledging that our children bring more into the classroom than just themselves… they bring their ancestors, their connection to their whenua, awa, and maunga, their culture, etc.

WONDERINGS FOR GOING FORWARD:

● Meet with the teachers of Te Reo/Kapa Haka and with kaumatua in schools and others who have influence in our schools individually or in small groups

● Consider having a hui or meeting about raising achievement for Maori in our area once we have heard from many groups.

● Contact others, including Maori language teachers in our schools, representatives from Ngati Wai and Ngati Whatua

CONTACT: Te Ao Rosieur Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust 09 4226548 t.rosieur@ngatimanuhiri.iwi.nz

   ECE AND NEW ENTRANT TEACHERS INAUGURAL HUI A Report written by Carol Howard, Lead Education Advisor, for Early Learning Bulletin  

New Entrant and ECE Teachers’ Hui – Mahurangi Kāhui Ako On the evening of 26 March, Ministry staff were privileged to join children, parents, whanau, primary teachers, and early learning teachers at the inaugural ‘New Entrant and ECE Teachers Hui’ hosted by the Mahurangi Kāhui Ako. The hui epitomised the leadership, teamwork, and collaborative practice that is found in the Mahurangi Community of Learning, which is led by Helen Pearson, Principal of Horizon School. The evening was made up of two parts: a dinner to foster connections and new professional relationships, and a seminar on play-based learning led by Pennie Brownlee. As attendees arrived, they were met by young children in their Sunday best, including a very dapper young man dressed in a suit. It was a hot evening, but this young man was incredibly composed and he and the other children formed a delightful welcoming party. Later in the evening, the children were honoured to act as waiters and carried out food to the guests. Pennie Brownlee’s seminar was thought- provoking, challenging, and well-received by the enthusiastic crowd. For many attendees, this was their first taste of what it is like to be involved with a Community of Learning. Attendees reported that it was a great way to start their new relationship with the learning community, and an enjoyable platform for professional development. Kāhui Ako represent a fundamental change in the way education and training providers interact, and it is great to see more Kāhui Ako taking a proactive approach to ‘joining up’ with early learning in their community. There are many different models for how early learning engagement in Kāhui Ako can occur.  

 WONDERINGS GATHERED FROM ATTENDEES INCLUDED: 

Wonderings about what would happen if…..

● play could make a difference to the boys we have who are older, not learning academically and are disruptive to class?

● If I used more fun, laughter, songs through play would I have more success? ● If I slowed down and observed more would I learn more from my children? ● If boys I have who cannot recall frequency words/read no matter how hard I try is because they just aren’t

ready yet?….They love construction and play

Wonderings about the Possibilities for our Community

● Discussing the way children learn differently ● Transition continuity ● Have more PD involving other local schools ● Would be lovely to visit some ECEs (Primary teacher) I know some teachers have had the opportunity to

 Click here to see the responses and wonderings of all attendees 

We welcome up to two representatives from each Early Childhood Centre to join us at our Collaborative Teachers Meeting on 31 May at 3.30-5pm. Please indicate your interest here 

 THE PROGRESS OF OUR INQUIRIES What an impressive group of WSLs we are working with! It has been a pleasure to work together, to                                     inquire together and to learn together. We hope that, as they learn alongside you and find their feet in                                     this new role, you are feeling supported in your inquiries. Ian McHale, Across School Leader, writes: Our work this term has focussed on an agreed model and language for inquiry across the Kahui Ako.                                   The lead team (WSLs, ASLs and lead principal) have developed a draft discussion document which                             describes increasing quality of inquiries so we have a clear vision of where we are heading. All                                 teachers in all schools will be inquiring into their own teaching practise using the Spiral of inquiry. The                                   spiral of inquiry builds upon the teaching as inquiry model in the New Zealand curriculum and has                                 been used in many New Zealand and international schools. All of our schools have been involved in                                 inquiry but the spiral of inquiry supports collaborative inquiry. Once every teacher has decided on                             their inquiry for the year there will be an opportunity to share this information and form collaborative                                 groups within and across our schools. Now we are all speaking the same language of inquiry                               collaboration is a real possibility.  This term teachers have been getting to know their learners, they have used this information in the                                 Scanning and Focussing stages of the spiral. All teachers have been asked to share their initial inquiry                                 question by the end of term 1. Term 2 will begin with Hunches around what we could do better and                                       New Learning around what best practice is, for particular issues. The all teacher meeting in week 5                                 will give an opportunity for collaboration around key themes in our inquiries. Hopefully this will lead                               to shared knowledge across the community which will enable the Taking Action phase to be as                               productive as possible.  NEED SOME TIME TO PURSUE YOUR INQUIRY? Inquiry time is allocated to each school. Talk to your principal about how this can be accessed. 

● Each primary school in our Community of Learning receives a minimum of 0.05 FTTE = 50                               hours or 10 days inquiry time per year.   

● Inquiry time is for teachers and it is anticipated that the allocation within a school is spread                                 across those with teaching responsibilities (Teaching Principal, Teachers). 

● Whilst the resource is spread it does not necessarily mean that every staff member receives                             exactly an equal divisible portion. This is determined by the principal. 

● Inquiry Time is allocated to teachers to enable them to advance a Teaching as Inquiry                             investigation that remains consistent with the Mahurangi Kahui Ako Achievement Plan. 

This time may involve… ● Observation of other teachers. ● Observation by others of their own teaching. ● Discussion with an Across School or Within School Teacher. ● A professional learning experience. ● Follow up time from a Professional Learning experience to enable implementation and sharing                         

of new learning. 

● Analysis and exploration of next steps associated with student achievement information.. Inquiry Time is not for… 

● Jobs normally reserved for CRT or relief in relation to workload management. ● Supporting another programme within the school e.g. Reading Recovery. ● Sick days. ● Unit release 

    WHAT ELSE HAS BEEN HAPPENING? We have: 

● Had a meeting with Massey University to discuss a 0-24 years pathway and ways that                             universities can learn from our schools and contribute to our research 

● Held a logo competition. See the Mahurangi Matters article about this here. ● Developed a website, www.successforall.co.nz, which will be launched at the next                     

Collaborative Teachers meeting.  

WHAT IS HAPPENING GOING FORWARD? New Learning Next term we are beginning to consider our Hunches in more depth and begin our New Learning. If you are bursting to get reading in the holidays, here are some resources and ideas regarding where                                   to find helpful material to support your inquiry Remember that a Hunch needs to be challenged, your initial hunch may be correct but it should be                                   critiqued by colleagues, trialled with students and considered through the lens of current research                           before you go ahead. This might slow down the inquiry process but it may mean you don’t spend a                                     year heading in the wrong direction. Don’t jump to a solution, suggest your hunch and then reflect                                 upon it before progressing.  

Collaborative Teacher Meeting: 31 May: 3.30-5pm This meeting will be highly collaborative, have food (!), and plenty of choice for discussions based                               around inquiries, hunches, interests, age groups, across-school 

Please indicate your name on the spreadsheet if you are intending on coming, for catering purposes. If you attended in February, your name is already here. Please remove if not attending. 

Our Learners In Term 2 we would like to develop a Student Leadership Team that has representatives                             from each of our schools and consists of articulate and reflective diverse learners. It will                             include learners who are often in our priority learner groups.  An Event Possibility Being Explored After feedback from the ECE-New Entrant Hui that requested more shared professional                       development evenings with a social, networking opportunity, we are exploring the possibility                       of inviting a dynamic speaker to speak on “Understanding Dyslexic-Type Learners in our                         classes”.   WITHIN AND ACROSS SCHOOL LEADER DEPARTURE AND APPOINTMENT We are sorry to receive the resignation from Charlotte Gipps from the role of Within School                               Leader at Mahurangi College. This position is now vacant for a College teacher. We are looking forward to appointing an Across School Leader. The process for selection                           and confirmation has been extended. We will let you know as soon as we know.  

● Please find here the information about the Kahui Ako WSL role. ● In order to apply for the Within School role, we need an expression of interest from potential                                 

applicants emailed to Helen at principal@horizon.school.nz by next Tuesday 17 May. ● In this email we suggest that applicants include: 

-name, school and current teaching and/or leadership positions -which role you wish to apply for - the Within School role or the Across School role, or both                                     

roles -a paragraph about how you see the Kahui Ako enhancing educational achievement in our area -a paragraph outlining the strengths that you would bring to this role 

● Whilst your suitability and enthusiasm for the role, and our own local criteria will be of paramount                                 importance to us, the Ministry demands that eligibility is also assessed against National Criteria on the                               basis of the application form and an interview.. 

● Please find here the National Criteria for the Within School role  ● Please find here the Local Criteria for the Within School Role ● WSL Appointment process and timeline  

Wednesday 11 April - Within school role advertised  Wednesday 18 April - Expression of interest to be received by Helen   20 April - Packs sent to eligible applicants   27 April - WSL applicants submit completed application pack.  30 April- 1 May - Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed and decision made  3 May- Inquiry Team Forum 

 DATES FOR DIARY  

3 May  Inquiry Team Forum 1.30 - 5pm Create Campus (Horizon School)

17 May  Principals Strategic Meeting 3pm Pakiri School

24 May  Inquiry team meeting 3.30-5pm, College Staff Room

31 May  Collaborative Kahui Ako-wide Teacher Meeting 3.30 - 5pm, Warkworth Primary Please indicate your name on the spreadsheet if you are intending on coming, for catering purposes. If you attended in February, your name is already here. Please remove if not attending. ECE and Massey reps and RTLB are welcome to join us.

14 June Possible Dinner and Collaborative Professional Development for those interested on Dyslexic-Type Learners - to be confirmed

28 June Inquiry team meeting 3.30-5pm, College Staff Room

26 July Inquiry team forum