Rāmere, te 18 o Mahuru, 2020
Hana O’Regan reflection
On Thursday/ Rāmere we were delighted to host Dr Hana O’Regan who presented to our Kāhui Ako. While we were unable to all attend in person with our Level 2 restrictions, Zoom allowed us to be part of a virtual meeting across our kura. Thank you to all who attended.
Hana continued on from her 2019 message of understanding the untold narrative of māori and how we can respond positively so our tamariki are not confronted by the effect and enlightened by the cause.
A recent report He Awa Ara Rau – A journey of many paths was the basis of her message on her challenge of equity for our māori students.
As a Kāhui Ako we are in a prime position to raise our capability in effecting and advancing change in our kura by collectively working together.
Key points from her presentation to ensure our māori students stay engaged in the Awa of Education.
- Equity review in our kura – what is happening, what are our practices?
- Is there a systemic bias? How do we change this?
- Reflect on our teaching practice. Change our own attitudes.
- Understand our role in our awa and encourage a culture of change.
- Stop streaming māori students.
- Stop the exclusion of māori boys.
While Hana’s message may challenge us to question our practices, her message was strong. Having an expectation of success, where tamariki have opportunities through meaningful educational pathways, can make a big difference. As educators we all need to step up to get the macro shift of equity that is needed to enable better education for better outcomes for all.
He awa hōu. He awa ora (A new river, a healthy/living river)
Follow the link here to a pdf of He awa ara rau.
Tuhituhi / Writing: Curriculum Integration – Te Reo Māori
Following on from our Bitmoji classrooms in our last week’s update, I have tried my hand at creating a classroom for Te Wiki o te Reo Maori integrated with Language and Arts. Using an existing template I have added new links for students and teachers for Years 3-6. Follow the link here to view and make a copy for your own use. This could be easily extended for different curriculum levels.
As we look at our curriculum design, it is worth going back to the NZC and the key principles that underpin all school decision making: Link here
Minecraft: Education Edition
Minecraft:Education Edition is an open-world game that promotes creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving in an immersive environment where the only limit is your imagination. Follow the link here to the teaching resource page for lots of pre- prepared lessons in Language /Arts.
Minecraft link here to the unit on NGĀ MOTU – THE ISLANDS
The following task is an example of how Minecraft for Education is being used for year 10 students.
Ngā Mahi Toi/ The Arts i te reo Māori
Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori has brought out some amazing activities across our kura. Two of our favourites involve dance and music. They run themselves and can be applicable to most year levels.
- If your students like just dance, give this a try.
- Just Dance Te Reo Version
- Start off simple and junior focussed but then it progresses and becomes a lot of fun.
- Body Percussion
Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori 2020
Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori 2020 has been celebrated in kura this week. As a Kāhui Ako we have shared ideas and plans with each other showing collaboration and kotahitanga in our practice. It has been great to see the smiles on the faces of our tamariki as they have engaged in te ao Māori.
Wainui School Waiata and Haka
Silverdale School students entry into the schools Pūkana Contest
Hybrid Models of Education
A year ago, the very idea of having a hybrid model in education was not thought about, let alone written about. Fortunately in New Zealand we are not forced into a hybrid approach. But if Covid_19 has taught us one thing, it is never to say never. A hybrid approach looks at half the students being taught at school, and half the students attending via video conference. On a purely functional level, it works. But it doesn’t work well. John Spencer looks at possible solutions with a number of workable models: Full article here
Even the famous face anxiety
Anxiety does not discriminate on race, wealth or any other status. This video features some very down to earth experiences from some famous people including George Ezra and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. Their reflections are insightful and encouraging.
Celebrities share thoughts on anxiety and depression
This video is great for Year 6-13 students – giving tips to cope with anxiety.
4 Ways to cope with Anxiety (kid focussed)
Kāhui Ako Meeting Dates
14 September: Meeting at Orewa College all ISLs
14-20 September: Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2020
17 September: Hana O’Regan presentation / Zoom – All kura
15 September: Combined BoT (pōhiri at the marae) POSTPONED
24 September: Meeting at Orewa College all ISLs
Kāhui Ako ki Orewa 
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