In the last two months the industrial action taken by Principals who are NZEI members has reduced our engagement with the Ministry of Education. Most meetings which would involve us and Principal representatives, have been called off as result of the withdrawal of engagement.  

During this time there has been advice on the Donations Policy and the the KPMG report on implications of Lock Down during the Christchurch massacre. Advice has been provided by APIS on the Donations Policy and once we have the opportunity to review the advice in the KPMG report we will provide more specific guidance to schools.  

In the meantime one of the key pieces of advice is that all emergency plans will be different because of the nature of the schools site. The best advice in the report is that emergency plans should be developed in conjunction with Police and other agencies who might have a lead role in a crisis. Having some food available and a plan to give access to some toilet facilities were seen as important issues taken from the Christchurch scenario. 

Ngā mihi nui

Paul Ferris

PRIME MINISTER'S VOCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD 

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has launched the Prime Minister’s Vocational Excellence Award. The award aims to raise the status of vocational study and recognise the achievements of students excelling in vocational education. The award  award and $2000 prize money can be presented to the top student in each school.

NZCEO and APIS CEO Paul Ferris, strongly encourages all state-integrated secondary schools to apply for this award.

State integrated secondary schools, including composite schools can now apply for $2000 prize money to present with an award certificate to one top student - who has demonstrated excellence in vocational studies - at end-of-year prize-givings. The Ministry of Education will consider applications from schools against criteria that has been developed with industry representatives.

To find out more about this award visit the Prime Minister's Vocational Excellence Award website.

Nominations close 20 September 2019. 

"WELLBEING IN EDUCATION" 

The Ministry of Education has launched a new ‘Wellbeing in education’ page.

'In the Kōrero Mātauranga | Education Conversation, we heard clearly that we need to make wellbeing a priority. In particular, New Zealanders want to see:

• teachers, families, whānau, and communities working in partnership to support children and young people’s wellbeing
• education free from racism, discrimination and bullying, and
• learners with disabilities or learning support needs having access to the support they need

The new page puts many of our best wellbeing supports and resources together, in one place, for the first time.'

INDEPENDENT REPORT ON LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES HAS BEEN RELEASED

The Ministry of Education welcomes the independent report from KPMG on the Lockdown by schools and early learning services that took place during the tragic events in Christchurch on 15 March 2019.

"We commissioned the review to ensure that any opportunities for improvement are identified and acted on, so we can strengthen any future response should a similar event occur." says Katrina Casey, Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Education.

To read the full report click here.

THE TEACHING COUNCIL HAS RELEASED THE NEXT STAGE OF TAPASĀ VIDEO RESOURCES

Releasing the potential of cultural capital

Tapasā nurtures prior knowledge

Tapasā responds to community voice

Tapasā supports pedagogies that value culture

INCREASED RESOURCES FOR ESOL IN SCHOOLS

More children and young people who migrate to New Zealand will benefit from specialised support to learn English, thanks to a $13.2 million increase in funding announced by Associate Education Minister Jenny Salesa.

Being able to communicate effectively in English is vital for students’ sense of wellbeing and belonging, as well as for their success in education. 

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provision in schools also includes encouraging and nurturing students’ first languages – this supports them to succeed in English.

In New Zealand, studies show that migrant students who receive our ESOL support achieve NCEA Level 2 to the same extent as students who are native speakers of English.

To read the full article click here

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK 23-29 SEPTEMBER - RESOURCES AVAILABLE

Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) runs from 23 – 29 September. Limited edition school explore packs are available from the Mental Health Foundation that have information sheets and activity ideas to help your school celebrate MHAW, as well as an A3 wellbeing plan template.

There are also posters available in both English and te reo Māori.

The school explore packs are limited edition. Order yours online now and remember to register for MHAW updates on the campaign.

PŪTĀTARA: A CALL TO ACTION 

Pūtātara: A Call to Action is a new curriculum resource for Years 7–10 for schools. Pūtātara promotes sustainability and global citizenship through inquiry learning using tūrangawaewae, kaitiakitanga and whakapuāwai as pou arahi. It provides tools for schools, teachers and ākonga (learners) to engage with sustainability and global citizenship in their own settings, and encourages ākonga to actively engage with activities that incorporate real world problems within their communities.

Pūtātara also aligns with The New Zealand Curriculum by encouraging schools and teachers to collaborate with whānau, iwi, industries, councils and stakeholders.

The resource is available at putatara.education.govt.nz

NEW ZEALAND SCHOOL TRUSTEE ASSOCIATION  (NZSTA) IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THE APPOINTMENT OF ELISE ADAMS AS CHEIF EXECUTIVE.  

Paul Ferris, CEO of NZCEO and APIS sends his congratulations to Elise Adams on her appointment as the new CEO of NZSTA.

Hon Jenny Salesa, Associate Minister of Education, has invited members of Association of Proprietors of Integrated Schools to participate in the pan-Pacific fono she is hosting. These fono are noted below.

NZCEO and APIS CEO, Paul Ferris, encourages Proprietors, Principals, Teachers, and Pacific community family members to participate in these fono. 

The fono will provide an opportunity to work reciprocally on the design of the Action Plan and update you on key changes in the education system.

Hon Jenny Salesa wants to make sure our education system supports Pacific learners to succeed.

You are welcome to attend any of these fono. You also have the opportunity to attend a Ministry-led fono being held across the country, or to make a submission via email direct to the Pacific Education Conversation mailbox before Sunday 6 October. Pacific.Educationconversation@education.govt.nz

For a list of Ministry-led fono click here.

FlipRobot’s E310 Plus: The First and Only to Offer AIoT – Combining Artificial Intelligence with the Internet of Things

AI and IoT are two of the trendiest terms around. Combine the two, and the results are astonishing! We live in a world where there will be more than 80 billion connected things producing more than 180 zettabytes of data annually by 2025.[1] This data will lead to insights that will improve business processes and create new products.[2]

At Actura, we provide the essential tools for students to develop their STEAM robotic learning skills. Talent can only grow when the right tools are provided and we deliver the latest in AIoT technology.

FlipRobot E310 Plus

The technology means an algorithm can be designed that when one robot’s humidity sensor’s reading exceeds a certain value, then four other robots move to their designated locations. In agricultural settings, this enables things like machine-to-machine communication to avoid adverse weather conditions, eg. cyclones. Through robotic sensors, and cloud-based modules, the possibilities are endless – visual recognition and voice recognition become possibilities!

With the Bluetooth module, students are able to upload code anytime, wirelessly on either desktop, laptop or ipad (with all FlipRobot products).

With many educational learning factors students will appreciate the considerations that companies must contend with - issues such as latency, power, security and privacy concerns. This will provide students with insight for discussion in the classroom.

Essential Skills for the 21^st Century

FlipRobot’s STEAM robotics solution helps students develop the capabilities of creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, cooperation and communication to overcome challenges for the 21^st century.

For more information visit the website:

www.actura.co.nz

To Access the FlipCloud Online Resource Portal, Curriculum and Video Links at liberty:

https://cloud.fliprobot.com/nz/course/dancing-robot/

https://cloud.fliprobot.com/nz/course/little-drummer/

https://cloud.fliprobot.com/nz/course/robotic-arm/

https://cloud.fliprobot.com/nz/course/bionic-quadruped-robot-2/

For any feedback on the curriculum, or if you have any questions please contact

jen.jones@actura.co.nz

[1] https://internetofthingsagenda.techtarget.com/ehandbook/An-in-depth-look-at-IoT-and-AI

[2] Ibid

SHOWQUEST 2019 WINNERS ANNOUNCED 

Sacred Heart Girl's College, New Plymouth win Showquest 2019 with an emotional performance about the legacy of former student Gabby Devine, who established Starlit HOPE.  Today, Starlit HOPE continues to provide random acts of kindness to oncology kids and their families in NZ.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME TO PUT ON A FEAST FOR PEOPLE IN NEED. 

Jeremy Johnson of Francis Douglas, Larissa Wilkinson of Spotswood College and Anna Waayer of Sacred Heart, all gave up their time to help with the initiative.   Photo SIMON O'CONNOR/STUFF

Students from Spotswood College, New Plymouth Boys' High School, New Plymouth Girls' High School, Sacred Heart Girls' College and Francis Douglas Memorial College spent hours after school on Thursday preparing food, serving and cleaning at a new community meals initiative. 

To read more about this wonderful iniativie click here.

FRANCIS DOUGAS MEMORIAL COLLEGE TO USE DIGITAL DEVICES IN NCEA EXAMS

More than 200 students at a New Plymouth high school will ditch pen and paper for a computer keyboard when they sit their end of year exams. 

Fourteen subjects are being offered digitally at Francis Douglas Memorial College, meaning students will have the choice of taking the exam online using a laptop or computer, rather than traditional pen and paper.

Click here to read more

PRO-LIFE OUTREACH TO NORTH ISLAND SCHOOLS PLANNED

Pro-life organisation Family Life International (FLI) is organising a secondary schools outreach programme to teach young people about pro-life values, saying it is needed “urgently”.

The programme will involve the Gianna’s Choice mobile life centre, named for St Gianna Beretta Molla, the patron saint of mothers and unborn children.

FLI presenters will visit public and Catholic secondary schools in the North Island with the mobile life centre, and students will be taught about the “reality” of abortion. All FLI presenters are fully qualified teachers who hold pro-life values.

To read the full article click here

CONNECTING STUDENTS TO THE WORLD OF WORK

Liston College’s school hall was buzzing during Got a Trade? Got it Made! SpeedMeet, a unique event where secondary school students meet employers speed-dating style.

SpeedMeet involves each student and employers from a number of trades and services industries including automotive, construction, engineering, refrigeration, retail, support work and much more,  meeting for just six minutes.  This is enough time for both to work out if they’d like to know more – if so, then it’s a ‘match’ and contact details are shared for a follow-up meeting.

Host school Liston College fully supports the Got a Trade? Got it Made! SpeedMeets for connecting students to employers. “We are committed to ensuring that every student who leaves Liston College has the necessary information to make sound decisions for their future,” says Liston College Principal Chris Rooney. “We view the SpeedMeets as a great way to prepare students for life after school and connect them to jobs and training or apprenticeship opportunities.” 

To read the full article click here

For more information on the Got a Trade? Got it Made! SpeedMeets, go to www.gotatrade.co.nz/events

Thank you to Reignier Catholic School, Napier who sent in a photo of their sacred space.

Mel Davis, DRS says "This space has evolved over the last couple of years and children often go in there to pray at break times and for class prayer.  We are very blessed to have a lovely space in which to spend time with God."

We would love to see photos of the sacred space/prayer space at your school. Please email photos to office@nzceo.org.nz

What it is My Chinese Teacher? 

A fully integrated and comprehensive Chinese (Mandarin) language and culture program, catering for Primary - Year 10 in schools.

How it works?  

We utilise video conferencing technology to connect with our teachers live from China, via the classroom interactive whiteboard/screen or TV.

The sessions run for 25 minutes on the same day, at the same time and with the same teacher for the entire year. This helps to build consistency and a rapport between our Chinese teacher, students and the classroom teacher.

The Program

Our program is designed to align with the New Zealand Curriculum, with all sessions including language and cultural components with a strong focus on engagement with students.

The use of games, songs and even puppets is used for our junior levels, to ensure sessions are fun, interesting and always have an emphasis on engagement.

The program is run by My Education Group which was founded by Tom Shugg and Sam Dean. My Education Group is now the largest provider of online Chinese in the world and are teaching to 25,000 students across New Zealand, Australia, the US and the UK.

Click here to find out more from their website My Chinese Teacher.

If you're interested and would like to trial the program - please contact Ryan on ryan@meglanguages.com and start getting your students (and staff) excited about learning Chinese. 

St Peter's College, Auckland won a gold award at the NZ Concert Band National Festival.  Connor Gallagher won a bronze medal at the 51st International Chemistry Olympiad in France.

YES(Young Enterprise Students) and was the closing speaker at the NZ Business Hall of Fame, which is a black tie event with 400-500 of the most influential business people in New Zealand.  Mi Rae was also selected to travel to Latin America after successfully competiting at the Entrepreneurs in Action (EIA) business competition.

To read the article about her speech click here.

Celina Dong, Kingsway School, Auckland competed at the NZ Robot Olympiad Intermediate Division (Y7-9) where she built and programmed a robot within 3 hours.  Celina has now been selected as a member of  Team NZ to attend the International Robot Olympiad 2019.

Liam Back, Whanganui Collegiate School, won gold in the U18 6km race at the NZ Cross Country Championships.                                                                                                 

Riley Grover and Noah Boyce, Rathkeale College, Masterton represented NZ in U16 and U19 age group football.

Quinn Coutts, John McGlashan College, Dunedin attended the German Friendship Games representing NZ in Show Jumping. He performed very well on a borrowed horse and he went onto the Longine's World Equestiran Academy received tutition from some of Germany's top show Jump riders and coaches.