Australian ‘Intercultural Understanding PDPL Journey’ – Day 6/7 – Reflection and Farewells

Australian ‘Intercultural Understanding PDPL Journey’ – Day 5 – Educational Visits 6-7

Māori Regional Speech Competitions

This morning we went to a Regional Speech Competitions where we got to witness New Zealand students compete in a Maori and English speech competition. The most overwhelming message from today was the sense of unity amongst students from the same school. Daph shared with us their belief that ‘One fails, we all fail – one succeeds, we all succeed.’ A message clearly displayed at the conclusion of each students speech with the coming together of a shared song. Awesome!

Merivale Primary School

On our way to Merivale Primary we travelled through the affluent area of Tauranga surrounded by the Bay of Plenty. As we approached the school we were struck by its bright colours and friendly faces. Principal Jan Trinett shared her inspiring journey to give the students and community of Merivale School a place where they truly belonged and could be proud of. This was a school where we were able to connect with its students and staff. It was an absolute pleasure to share with them a touch of Australia by singing, ‘Give me a Home Amongst the Gum Trees.’ Thanks Leonie for leading the tribe!

Australian ‘Intercultural Understanding PDPL Journey’ – Day 4 – Educational visit 5

Ngā Taiātea Secondary

A quick coffee break and then off to Ngā Taiātea.  I was blown away by this school and the philosophy behind it. This was a bilingual Maori Secondary School, a Wharekura, of about 260 students. We were welcomed by the staff and students. And even though we have now experienced a few traditional welcomes, I was still in awe of the powerful voices and this incredible language and culture. The year 13 students gave us a tour of the school. A student who showed me around was from a family of 11 children. Her parents did not speak Maori nor did her older 8 siblings but her parents really wanted their younger three children to learn their cultural language. They lived 300km from the  school. What an amazing commitment and it made me wonder if things are beginning to change for Maori education in New Zealand, but also what might this means for indigenous education in Australia? Can we achieve this same – from families, government and the schools? The principal, Weston, was passionate, strong and gentle. He was a real leader – prepared to sit in the back and do what needed doing!  I loved the way the graduating  class all go on a scholarship funded overseas trip where the students ‘gave back’ to a community– this fitted in with their school value of reciprocity (WOW!!!!!! Reciprocity as a school value! This was AWESOME to me). I loved that on graduation all past schools, favourite teachers Whanau  are all acknowledged in the student’s educational journey.  A great day, a great school!

Nadia Bettio

Mitai Māori Village

On Wednesday night we were driven to the Mitai Maori show at Mitai village just outside Rotorua. We were welcomed in 13 languages as the people of the four winds (Maori for this please). We needed a chief, and John ? from our group was selected, which gave us a chance to show off our song Te Aroha twice in support of him in the welcome ceremony. The show was powerful and energetic; Maori martial arts, dancing and singing. Then fabulous smoky hangi food; how much did we love stuffing and kumara? Afterwards we walked through forest to see glowworms and a clear, blue, spring-fed pool. In the pool, an eel and a trout, unaffected by our presence.

Prue Morris       

Australian ‘Intercultural Understanding PDPL Journey’ – Day 3 – Educational visits 3-4

After our visit to Kia Aroha School we left Auckland quickly to get to Te Awamutu to Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Kia Aroha College

We arrived at another spiffy school and were immediately jealous of the rooms.  We were greeted by some passionate students at our first formal welcome.  Dee led the girls in and Justin spoke on our behalf.  We attempted our “Waiata” first song after being welcomed/intimidated by the students.

A unique school with an extremely passionate Principal who was able to clearly articulate her visions and the values underpinning it!  She had an amazing presentation and it was lovely to be able to sit and eat and share educational passion!  With it’s Maori and Tongan separate immersion units there was certainly culture everywhere we turned.  The eLearning centre was amazing with it’s radio station and video filming centre.  

Kate

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

Having to travel to Te Awamutu that day for our next visit at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa…Aunty Mā (Marie)  Bentham Ōhia 

The story of the struggle to establish the College, its growth and development of extensive program provision is inspiring and visionary.  The program delivery strategies have enable the college to improve outcomes for many people previously denied access to education and training while developing close connections to local communities.  The energy, commitment and capability of the leadership of the college is impressive.

John Doherty

Australian ‘Intercultural Understanding PDPL Journey’ – Day 2 – Educational Visits 1-2

Today the group went to two schools, Southern Cross Campus and Bairds Mainfreight Primary School.

After navigating our way through the rain and traffic – which was made easier by having Kate and Donna as fantastic navigators we were able to find our way to Southern Cross Campus. As we approached the front gate we stopped for directions, little did we know it was the Principal Robin Staples who was there to warmly welcome us.

With absolutely no idea of what to expect, the huge campus was really interesting. The first thing I noticed was the BARE FEET. I love bare feet and there they were. Robin didn’t tell us why, he alluded that it was perfectly normal. I later found out that it was part of the uniform. EVEN better.

Robin presented the data. So it rang a bell immediately with me. We do everything by our data. I could understand where they were coming from. The three campus thing spread over a huge area didn’t appear to be a problem. We didn’t see all of it but the bits we did see were amazing.

Our teachers would have had a pink fit if they had seen the classrooms. There weren’t many resources BUT amazing pedagogy and curriculum. Everywhere we looked we could see Learning Intentions and Success Criteria. Karen one of the Assistant Principals showed us through classes explaining the vision that Robin and the team were implementing. She was an amazing educator. Her passion as well as Alan’s was evident. Warren the other Assistant Principal was just beautiful. He understands boys really well.

The learning journal that is throughout the school outlines personal goals, learning goals and diary entries. We loved that one.

Southern Cross is a bit of a beacon. We saw Maori and Pasifica kids celebrating their heritage with support of the leadership team and the teaching team.

We saw some of the secondary school. We want to poach Mr Melton the beautiful Irish teacher. He knew his kids and this was the philosophy of the school. Know your kids and move them on. Loved it!

Marnie Cooper

Bairds Main Freight Primary School

Hmmm, a school named after a shipping company? Maybe they have a different approach to commercial sponsorship in New Zealand…

So yes, we heard correctly Main Freight is a sponsor of education as they contribute in terms of books. In Bairds Mainfreight Primary it may also be IT and support for innovative projects that the school may be dreaming and scheming for the benefit of their students. Maybe this type of support is not such a bad thing for Australia to be aware of!

Bairds Main Freight Primary School has got a serious commitment to ICT. Interactive Whiteboard’s in every classroom and everyone being used in a different way! Inside and outside space being used by learning students. So much choice as to how the students use technology to help their learning. These are primary children seriously conversive in the tools of 21^st century learning.  

Felicity

Dinner

After all the school visits we were incredibly hungry, so Kate navigated us an interesting route (through back roads, car-parks, parks) to get to the Lone Star where we were able to have dinner with the CORE Whanau. (Māori Team). Meals certainly squashed our appetite as they were very large – to the extent where we think John Powell pretty much ate a whole sheep.

‘Intercultural Understanding PDPL Journey’ – Day 1 Welcome

On behalf of CORE Education we would like to welcome our Australian neighbours to an 'Intercultural Understanding Professional Learning Journey'.

This journey provides an opportunity for Australian leaders to view how New Zealand teachers and schools cater for indegious education; within their practice, to connect with some leading New Zealand teachers, principals and educators, and to reflect on the potential application of this back in Australia.

On day One De and I (Matt) arrived from Christchurch and Palmerston North and waited anxiously at Auckland International for our Australian educator manuhiri (visitors).  Anxiously, because we didn’t know what they looked like.  I said to De “teachers have a particular look about them don’t you think?”  She agreed, rather skeptically, I thought.  Within minutes two women came out of customs and I said “Bet that’s them.”  I was right!  See De, women can’t do everything.

After a few van dramas – like too much luggage and not enough space, we left Lisa and John at the airport and checked the others into the hotel.  Whare Wano joined us from New Plymouth and finally we were all together.

At the hotel our first experience was a mihi whakatau (ceremony of welcome) afforded to us by Whare, De and Matt on behalf of CORE Education.  Whare explained to us the significance of the hongi (nose pressed in greeting) and the inter-related and supportive roles of both men and women in the ceremony.  We learned that the iwi (tribe) who have mana whenua (ancestral ownership) in Auckland is Ngāti Whātua.

We also learned our waiata that would carry us through the rest of the week.  It’s special, and it’s also ours to bring home to our schools and tamariki. (Children)

By the way…we did pick John and Lisa up from the airport!

Singaporean Educators ‘Learning Journey’ – Day 5 Rangiora High School, Antarctic Centre and Farewell Dinner

Day 5 and the last day of the Learning Journey. Upon discussions during the week it came apparent that Singapore does not have large ‘hardware’, ‘building supplies’ stores…this meant the first stop was Bunnings. Large shelves stacked with chainsaws to pink toolkits to irrigation systems was a site for sore eyes and well worth the impromtu field trip.

A short trip in the van and we were at Rangiora High School http://www.rangiorahigh.school.nz/where we were greeted by the four Deputy Principals. This is a large school that even has its own farm! We had interesting discussions around the transition from the feeding primary schools to the secondary school. In particular trying to have the teachers talking about what each other are doing in their own practice and even to the topics they teach, to build some consistency in what the primary and secondary are doing. Rangiora High School are very conscientous of trying to make the transition as stress free and smooth as possible.

After the good old fashion kiwi pie for lunch we were off to the Antarctic Centre. Here we were explained how facilitators implement theme of Antarctica and the NZ Curriculum into their teaching. Biggest thing we found is that every school is different with different needs. We were then treated with seeing one of the penguins up close – very, very cute! The mock Artic storm was certainly not what Singaporeans are used to – the cold and the added wind meant a very cold experience! The ride on the Haglen ride then made us all bones rattle. Heaps of fun!

During our debrief Matt came in and said he had a special surprise for us. We were all curious and followed Matt as he took us to the Avon, to go for a Gondola ride. What a fantastic experience lazily relaxing watching the world drift by. Thank you, Matt.

A formal dinner to finish our night with exchanging of gifts and plenty of photos wrapped up a wonderful time in New Zealand. Thank you CORE Education for all that you did to make this a memorable experience.

Singaporean Educators ‘Learning Journey’ – Day 4 Mairehau Primary, Tait Electronics and Shopping

We started the day with a breakfast discussion with Nick. While savouring the food, we had meaningful discussions about New Zealand education landscape and future trends. To have had a sharing session with a passionate educationist is a real honour. The new ideas gleaned from the discussion set us thinking deeper into education issues and our beliefs. It was certainly a stimulating start to the day.

When we reached Mairehau Primary School, it was a pleasant surprise to see the pupils sitting at the gate awaiting for our arrival. That moment provided a glimpse of what is to come. The pupils leaders were provided opportunities to lead and they certainly rose  to the occasion, letting us know that this is a school-wide effort led by capable leaders. After a short brief by John Bangma, who  impressed us with his dynamic leadership, experience and passion in working with pupils, we plunged into the classrooms to see how the school’s vision is actualised. Wow! Were we impressed! The Year 7 & 8 students we met showed confidence and were able to hold discussions with us. Though it was their breaktime, the teacher and the teacher aide stayed behind to show us the pupil’s works. The classroom clearly was inviting and conducive. Beside academic focus, there was also emphasis in providing a holistic education. The student-led conferences policy was indeed mind blowing.

The Tait Electronics visit underline the altruistic belief in giving back to society. The manager’s comments about the correlation between the requisite qualifications and work performance reaffirmed our role in education . We ended the day with mouth watering Thai food.

Singaporean Educators ‘Learning Journey’ – Day 3 Windsor Primary and CORE

http://www.windsor.school.nz/.

Visit to Windsor Primary School

A school that is learning together with PRIDE. This was the culture that was evident during the visit. Students were able to articulate what pride meant to them and it was such a joy interacting with them.

Some interesting points to note are:

Children must want to learn rather than being told to learn and this is a cultute that ought to be explored.

Positive bahaviour modification – Muck up. Clearly shows teachers and pupils what are the steps needed for the student to move on after making a mistake which is basically focusing on self and social management.

Make the school fit the children than the children fitting the school which focuses on meeting the needs of the students.

A strong emphasis on teaching and learning grounded on sound pedagogical practices is key to any change that we want to see in the classroom- curriculum is not what is written on paper but what actually happens in the classroom.

Home Learning Challenge rather than Homework which is usually associated with extra work and continuation of what happens in the classroom. With HLC, pupils learning is extended beyond the curriculum.

Workshop with Lois

Lois took us through the NZ leadership where leadership has the capacity to change the culture of the school. What was interesting was the qualities of a leader who leads with a moral purpose, having the self belief in what she/he does, being the lead learner and providing the guidance and support where necessary.

Dinner

One of the group mentioned they would like to try ‘lamb shanks’ – so it was off to the Speights Ale House. Big tasty meals. After dinner there was time to go up onto the Port Hills where we viewed the Christchurch night lights and Matt explained to us what a ‘cattle stop’ was!

Singaporean Educators ‘Learning Journey’ – Day 2 Lyttelton West and CORE

Visit to Lyttleton West School

“Wow! The ground is not flat!”

“I’m falling over!”

Those were just some of the things that came out of our mouths when we arrived outside Lyttleton West School. We were awestruck by the view of the harbour and the hills up straight up the steep gradient.

The next thing we saw on the school noticeboard: “Small School….Great Education.” We were immediately impressed by the statement; the promise of the school and the vision of the Principal.

True enough, Mr Andrew Barker exuded the confidence and a nurturing demeanour. His clarity of the purpose of education came through very well during the children’s performance and school tour.

The classrooms were filled with demonstrations of exciting learning. Children were very enthusiastic and, more importantly, knew what they were learning. Real learning was taking place among passionate educators.

Mr Andrew Barker’s sharing of his school’s journey in doubling the student roll showed just how powerful community collaboration can be. We were impressed with his strategic plan and goals as well as how he got the whole school to live out the WEST way. Powerful!

We took away from this visit some interesting things like the Home-Learning Challenges and how the school took pride in informing parents of the child’s progress in school.

Indeed, small school…..great education!

A quick stop in Sumner (small Christchurch village beside the beach) to climb rocks, watch surfers and view the beautiful flowers before we drove over the Port Hills into Lyttelton.

Lyttelton West School was a very warm, friendly and family type school. You could really sense the respect and caring that everyone had for each other. Upon arrival we were entertained by the students singing which including a traditional haka. The Principal Andrew Barker took us through how he implements the NZ Curriculum and weaves this into his own school framework, and being by the sea a nautical theme.

It was back to CORE Education where we were facilitated through discussion by CORE staff, the NZ Curriculum by Mary-Anne Mills and trends on eLearning by Derek Wenmoth.

Back to the hotel for a debrief of what was a big day.

Useful links

http://www.lytteltonwest.school.nz/

http://edtalks.org/