Kia ora koutou Witherlea whānau,
It is with such a sigh of relief that we move into Phase 3: Self Management of COVID and that as a school we have navigated our way through our first case.
What I have realised in the past four weeks is that whatever is thrown our way, as a school or community, we can deal with it as long as we do it together.
We have had our fair share of complexities already in this 2022 year however, every day our staff and students that could be here, have turned up to contribute to the environment and community of learners we have created. The students have adapted to the changes and so have the staff. Our families and whānau have followed the COVID guidelines and we have come up with really good systems to keep the students safe and happy so they can learn and the school can stay open.
Communication is always an aspect that we are working on so that we can connect home and school to ensure that our families and whānau know how to best support their children's learning and how we can make sure that every child has an opportunity to meet our VISION; Empowering ALL learners to reach their potential in an innovative community.
The part that we ask you to help with is the Whānau Survey each year and we are aiming high;
we want to get 100% of our families and whānau to complete this - we are currently at 52 which is approximately 24.7% = we have a way to go YET but I know you can do it.
The other part of supporting each child to reach their potential is being aware that every child is unique and has strengths and weaknesses. The partnership between the teacher and the family or whānau is vital and this takes time. This is one of the fundamentals that sit under Composite Class arrangements. Having a child with the same teacher for 2-3 years develops a deeper understanding of this child, their learning, home and school connections, and how to support them to reach their potential. There is strong research and evidence to support this and one of the advocates is our very own; Nathan Wallis - Neuroscience Educator (click this link to see more).
Education is moving and changing as is society. Our wonderful kaiako / teachers and kaiawhina / support staff develop strong relationships with each of the learners in their classrooms, Hubs and Teams which enables them to find the best way to teach and support, the progress and achievement of their learners, individually. So, no matter the class arrangement (age or stage) each child is on their own pathway. This is called Personalised Learning and is part of the modern-day philosophy embedded in New Zealand schools and the education system.
Former UK Education Secretary David Milliband - personalised learning:
"High expectations of every child, given practical form by high-quality teaching based on sound knowledge and understanding of each child's needs. It is not individualised learning where pupils sit alone. Nor is it pupils left to their own devices – which too often reinforces low aspirations. It means shaping teaching around the way different youngsters learn; it means taking the care to nurture the unique talents of every pupil."
This of course takes time. This is where the composite classroom philosophy starts to feed into our aspirations for our Witherlea learners - teachers and students having the time to develop reciprocal relationships and deep understanding to drive progress and personalise learning.
Here is the link to Steve Maharey's speech regarding the changes in NZ Education from 2006 (this is 18 years ago - hard to believe) and gives some important insights into WHY we talk so much about personalised learning and the changes to structures and systems to support this (composite/flexible cohort arrangements - which are seen in almost EVERY New Zealand school).
We will be working towards a Parent Information Evening / Hui this year in Orange Light to ensure we are all on the same page as we move further into the 21st Century and support our learners to reach their potential, make changes to our classrooms via our property modifications and move to a more collaborative style of teaching and learning. All of this requires up to date research and evidence, input from all stakeholders and a clear direction. We are looking forward to your involvement.
Make a start by completing the Whānau Survey so we can give these to our teachers and we will keep you updated via our usual COMs.
We are all in this together.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Andrea Harnett - Tumuaki
