In the next two weeks we will gather at the AIS conference in Wellington and enjoy time together. In the meantime I am mindful that there are a number of conversations in our communities about what schools might look like in the future and what changes might be suggested by the review of Tomorrow's Schools.

It is important to remember that no recommendations or plans have been sent to the Minister at this point but the conversations around NZ need your participation. If a local hui is held I encourage you to go and see what the prevailing trends are.

Integrated schools are an important part of the state’s provision of schooling and whatever iteration comes from the review we need to be a voice in shaping it.

Mā te Atua e manaaki,

Paul Ferris, CEO

BRIGHT SPOT AWARDS

These Education Hub awards are open until June 1 and worth up to $75,000 over two years to support the design, development and evaluation of within school innovation Visit their website for more information.

MAXIMUM ROLL INCREASE APPLICATIONS

The Ministry of Education has invited us to remind Proprietors to allow six months for the processing of maximum roll increase applications, due to the consultation required. Some schools may also require a site plan update beforehand if their information is not current. To check if a site plan update is required please contact Sarah Taylor (sarah.taylor@education.govt.nz).

EDUCATION COUNCIL - SEEKING PARTNERS

The Education Council is asking teachers and professional leaders to help with developing resources and facilitating workshops for the Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards for the Teaching Profession Ngā Tikanga Matatika mō te Haepapa Ngaiotanga me Ngā Paerewa mō te Umanga Whakaakoranga. Click here to find out more.

The Ministry of Education and the NZ Symphony Orchestra have created a new interactive, online story book to teach kids about about kindness and bullying. A free resource, it could be used as part of a Religious Education or English programme or any Health and Wellbeing aspects of the curriculum. It is designed for 4-7 year olds, is available in English and Te Reo and comes with associated activities. Click here to access.

Well done to the two winners of the SINGout4JUSTICE song writing competition. In the Y7-10 section, Sophie Frame from Hillcrest High School, Hamilton and for the Y11-13 section, Shanille Lat and Ngarangi Sadlier-Patmore from Sacred Heart College, Lower Hutt. Visit this site to hear the songs performed and see the highly commended participants.

One of our sponsors, Alsco, recently brought to our attention a Low Emission Vehicle Contestable Fund that the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) operates. The Fund exists to encourage innovation and investment to accelerate the uptake of electric and other low emission vehicles in New Zealand. Round five is expected to open in August 2018. Visit their website for more information and to sign up for updates.

Kingsway School, Auckland: Eden Laing has won a place at the prestigious California Summer State School of the Arts to do a four week program held in CalARTs.

St Mary's College, Wellington student, Dhys Faleafaga (Y13) has been contracted to the Black Ferns.

Hato Paora, Fielding was recently congratulated in national news for encouraging students to get their drivers license before leaving secondary school. The National Driver Training Centre, based at Manfeild in Feilding allows students gain at least a learner or restricted licence, associated NCEA credits and a defensive driving certificate.

The 2017 Dux for St Peter's College, Auckland, Alec Van Helsingden, was presented with a Premier Scholar Award at Parliament in Wellington last week.

For more of the amazing work of integrated school students and staff, click here.