Kōtui: School & Policy Updates - Term 3 Issue 2 2023 (NZCEO)

TĒNĀ KOUTOU KATOA: Editorial by Dr Kevin Shore, CEO

Kia ora koutou 

The Association of Proprietors of Integrated Schools (APIS) enjoyed  interacting with many of our stakeholders at the Association of Integrated Schools (AIS) Conference in Wellington this week. The opportunity to gather as a community is something that we no longer take for granted and I appreciate the efforts of Mark Larson (CEO AIS) and his colleague Rhonda Thorpe who put so much effort into the organisation of this event. APIS held a short AGM after the opening keynote address from Minister Jan Tinetti who made a special trip back to Wellington to join us at the conference. Her effort is appreciated by the APIS Executive. 

The Development of Video Resources on the History of the Integration Act (PSCIA, 1975) 

It has been a few months since I reported on the progress of this initiative. APIS signed off a contract with CORE Education who are now facilitating the video production elements. Sir Brother Pat Lynch, Paul Ferris and Susan Apathy have been interviewed and recorded on video and a script has been developed for the first six-minute video which will be a short history of private and state integrated schools, starting before the 1877 Education Act and going through to 2020. It is likely that further individuals will be interviewed as APIS looks to ensure all the essential elements and issues are captured in this series of videos. 

APIS staff have had to distil a significant amount of research information into key moments of most importance and some of the historical summaries developed may well be of interest to our proprietors, school boards and staff. APIS will look at making these available once the video production process reaches a conclusion and issues such as copyright of the original documentation have been resolved. 

APIS intends to develop five or six short 6-to-7-minute length videos which are focused on: 

• One hundred and fifty years of the history of private and state integrated schools 
• Maintaining and preserving Special Character 
• The role of the proprietor 
• Property and state integrated schools 
• Protecting the spirit of the PSCIA 

APIS is hoping to complete the first one or two videos in 2023 with the remainder being completed in 2024.  

Essential Property Maintenance Package (EPMP) 

The last two months has been a period of slow progress in terms of EPMP. APIS has about twenty percent of the total EPMP funds left to transfer to proprietors. Jenny Gordon and Karen Raitt will be attempting to contact proprietors where funds have not been released yet and offering whatever help they can to support progress. It is rather exciting to see how many projects have been completed and the difference this is making for staff and students in state integrated schools.  

Compulsory Requirements for Teaching Mathematics, Reading and Writing 

Core teaching requirements of mathematics, reading and writing will be released in Term 4 2023 and used from 2024. The policy is to ensure that these subjects are taught in the same way right across the country and incorporates the development of the ‘Common Practice Model’ which will drive teaching requirements. This would be the ‘how’ of teaching these subjects. 

While on the face of it, there are many potential benefits of having a research-based model based on progressions rather than standards-based assessment, there may be concerns from some of our proprietors. Some of our members have a long history of using philosophical education models that impact on the pedagogy they use in the classroom. These proprietors will need to engage with the curriculum development team at the Ministry of Education and bring their voice to the table if they have any concerns. I have just raised this issue with the Ministry of Education curriculum team and will keep an eye on how this develops. 

Touring the Otago Southland Region 

I will be travelling and visiting as many state integrated schools as I can in Otago and Southland during the week starting 11 September. With my normal impeccable scheduling, I seem to have picked the week when the NZ primary principals are gathering in Queenstown for conference. It is disappointing that I will not get to meet many principals because of this event, but nevertheless, the opportunity to visit many schools in our network in this area is important. It will be pleasing to farewell winter and experience some spring weather in the deep South.   

Ngā manaakitanga 

 Kevin Shore, Chief Executive Officer 

Catholic Education Convention 2024 update

The Catholic Education Convention 2024 will bring together Catholic educators, bishops, priests, school trustees and a range of others associated with our national Catholic education system.  The Convention will provide the opportunity to be strengthened by our sense of community and renewed in our sense of mission.  The following is a brief outline of what you need to know.

Convention website – the convention website is currently under construction and can be found here.  Bookmark it for easy access as we will be updating it on a regular basis. 

Convention theme - The theme of the Convention is: Tūhono Whakapono: Together, one faith community.  Find more information about the theme on the convention website.

Accommodation – we are working with the conference organisers to block book several hotels close to the venue.  You will be able book these hotels when you register.

Registration – we are finalising the registration fee and will provide an update as soon as possible so schools can budget to attend the convention next year.

Keynote speakers and seminars – there will be four keynote speakers, some international and some national.  There will also be a range of selected seminars under the themes of governance in a Catholic school, Catholic special character, RE and the wider curriculum and the Church today.   

Please save Wednesday 19 June – Friday 21 June 2024 in your diary.  Planning is currently underway with more information to follow on speakers, seminars and much, much more!

The Convention will be held at TSB Arena in Wellington.

Catholic Special Character Best Practices

Each year NZCEO compiles examples of best practice in Catholic schools. These are primarily drawn from Catholic Special Character Reviews. We hope that schools may find them a fruitful source of ideas and inspiration. Examples of Catholic Special Character Best Practice from 2022 have now been uploaded to our website. These can be found at the link below. Focus areas include:

• Spiritual Formation
• Evangelisation
• Faith Leadership
• Religious Education 
• Catholic Curriculum
• Catholic School Community
• Partnership and Collaboration
• Pastoral Care
• Service and Outreach
• Stewardship

NZCEO & Te Kupenga 2023 Symposium Series

You are warmly invited to participate in the final session of the NZCEO & Te Kupenga 2023 Symposium Series. You can join from the comfort of your office, staffroom or wherever you have access to the internet!

There are three sessions in the series, each focusing on one of the theological Te Rama Aroha: The Light of Love Cross Themes in the new Religious Education curriculum Tō Tātou Whakapono: Our Faith. The first in the series was held on 31 May. In this symposium, Fr Merv Duffy SM facilitated a discussion on Whakaaronui Wisdom. The second session was held on Wednesday 2, August 3. Rev. Dr. Gerard Aynsley facilitated a discussion on Tika Justice. The videos and PowerPoint presentations can be found here.

The third (and final) session in the series will be held on 22 November, 3.30-5.00 pm. In this symposium, Murray Adams (Spiritual Director, Diocese of Palmerston North) will facilitate a discussion on  Īnoi Prayer. Īnoi Prayer is part of every aspect of living a Christian life. It is a critical area of personal and communal spirituality and Pope Francis tells us it “is both a challenge and an adventure”. In prayer we listen to God, discern God’s will and give voice to our heart’s desires. We enter into relationship with God.

Please find a PDF flyer below to download and share for Session Three: Īnoi Prayer:

Kāreti o Garin - Garin College Journey Camp Programme

Garin College in Richmond, Nelson, is reflecting on its 21 years of delivering quality Outdoor Education camps to all students in Year 9-13 each year, in collaboration with Whenua Iti Outdoors (WIO). As the Catholic College for Te Tau Ihu (the top of the south), Garin is blessed to have the Abel Tasman National Park and Nelson/Tasman Bay region at its doorstep. Journey camps are held in a range of settings including Whenua Iti Basecamp (Lower Moutere); Old McDonald’s Farm (Marahau); Abel Tasman National Park; and Lake Rotoiti. In recent years Canaan Downs in the Takaka hills has also been a key site for the Year 11 Journey Programme.

As an accredited EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom) provider, Whenua Iti Outdoors deliver the day programmes for the Journey camps using qualified and experienced instructors, while Garin College staff host the overnight aspects. A wide range of activities are attached to each year level including kayaking, paddleboarding, mountain biking, caving, low and high ropes courses, Waka, orienteering, haka, leadership development and more.

Journey for our Garin learners is a spiritual and reflective time guided by a specific theme established for each year level. God’s creation is explored in the beautiful outdoors with age-appropriate goals and challenges designed for teens to foster collaboration and problem-solving in these unique environments.

In partnership with WIO, Garin College seeks to make Journey Camp accessible and affordable for all students, with activities and programmes that cannot be imitated anywhere else. Attending Journey camp is an expectation for all students and a significant aspect of the school curriculum.

The term ‘Journey’ refers to faith and spiritual development and is experienced in the context of self, others, and the physical environment with a Christ-centred focus. All students receive a Journey Book at the beginning of Year 9 which they revisit each year as they progress through to Year 13, by which time they enjoy looking back on their personal and faith journey in that time. Garin’s comprehensive Journey book includes prayers and karakia for everything from the start of the day, mealtimes, through to specific prayers for the theme of each camp. Each year level has its own particular reflection guidelines and leadership topics.

Year 9 Journey is known as “Basecamp” and focuses on Belonging. New beginnings and building relationships are important as the new year in a new school begins. The Garin values of Generosity, Aroha (love), Rangimarie (peace), Integrity and New Life (hope) are explored in the context of the environment, problem-solving and teamwork.

The Year 10 focus is ‘Te Haerenga Waka’ with the theme of Collaborating. Students explore the concept of Whanaungatanga - relationships built through shared experiences and working together. Camp begins with a pōwhiri and waiata, while whakataukī and karakia are consistent in all reflections, meals, and meeting times. Students are taught the tikanga (customs) regarding the use of waka, which constitutes one of the full day’s activities. The thrill and challenge of riding a waka is an exceptional aspect of the Journey programme, as is the participation and preparation required for all students to perform survival skills and cultural engagement under the passionate tutorage of Matua Mike Elkington (Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Kuia).

Year 11’s focus is “Kaitiakitanga” or Guardianship - accepting self, others, and our relationship with the environment. In 2023 students walked a significant part of the Abel Tasman track, from Marahau to Anchorage, camping out overnight and on to Bark Bay and returning to Maurahu via water taxi. Activities include tramping, safety and survival in the outdoors, care for the environment, swimming, night walks, glowworms & stargazing, preparation of food and cooking.

The Year 12 “Ascent” Journey has a focus on servant leadership, following Jesus’ model of compassion and leadership. This is based at WIO with a wide range of rope-based activities, problem-solving and team building challenges.  Year 13 is the “Summit” Journey camp, based at Lake Rotoiti. This is a highlight for many Garin students as they begin their final year at college. Activities including tyrolean (rope traverse across a stream), bush rescue, orienteering, paddle boarding, kayaking, raise-the-flag and shelter building all ensure a full-on three days with many opportunities to build on old friendships and make new ones.

It is a testament to the quality and consistency of the outdoor education experience delivered by Garin College and Whenua Iti Outdoors, that students will often acknowledge Journey camp as the highlight of their time at school. The Journey programme faces challenges due to the impacts of the pandemic and the escalating cost of living. There is no doubt however, that for students to continue to experience the outdoors and the unique opportunities, this faith journey is a high priority going forward.

Nathaniel Report May 2024

Participatory Leadership: Showing "Concern for all and without prejudice towards coming generations" 

John Kleinsman reflects on Pope Francis’ analysis of the dangers that arise when the “technocratic paradigm” and the “economic paradigm” merge, creating an alliance able only to respond to its immediate interests, at the expense of the common good. He argues the importance of robust public consultation in order to create policy and laws that serve the needs of all.

Artificial Intelligence and Peace

In 1968 Pope Paul VI issued a Message of Peace for January 1st, which he then declared to be the “The Day of Peace.” He and every Pope since have continued the practice, publishing a message that picks up on a relevant aspect of the “signs of the times”. Below, staff of the Nathaniel Centre offer a precis of the 2024 message which focuses on Artificial Intelligence. The full text can be accessed at: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/peace/documents/20231208-messaggio-57giornatamondiale-pace2024.html 

About the Nathaniel Centre

The Te Kupenga Nathaniel Centre for Bioethics was established by the NZ Catholic Bishops in 1999 and its key functions include:

• developing educational opportunities in bioethics
• acting as an advisory and resource centre for individuals, and professional, educational and community groups
• carrying out research into bioethical issues
• carrying out research and action to support the Church’s pastoral response to bioethical issues taking into account the needs of different cultures and groups in society

2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

APIS / NZCEO are very happy to report that our Chief Financial Officer Heather Richardson was involved in supporting the recent 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Heather was a volunteer at every match in Wellington-Te Whanganui a Tara.   Her team helped to make sure each match kicked off in an exciting atmosphere.  Heather led the left edge crew that unveiled the main tournament banner as part of the pre-match ceremonies.  She enjoyed working with a diverse group of people from all over the world who share her enthusiasm for football.  Among her favourite moments were the chance to meet Tazuni and to get up close to some famous footballers!

Caritas updates

Te Wiki o te Whai Tika – Social Justice Week  

As always Social Justice Week (SJW) holds a special place in our calendars, and this year has been no exception. From September 3-9, as a catholic community, we came together to celebrate SJW. We marked the beginning of our three-year programme, ‘Imagine Peace For All / Pohewatia te Rangimārie mō te Katoa’ with a focus on ‘Peace begins with you! / Ka tīmata tonu te Rangimārie i roto i ā koe!’ 

This year’s resources emphasised the vital role each of us plays in promoting peace, both within our personal lives and the wider world. We understand that true personal peace starts with a loving personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  

Our Catholic schools have been thoughtfully educating our students during SJW, inspiring their hearts and championing peace, justice, and equity for all. We have 3 special requests for our schools: 

1. If you've used any of our current resources, we would love for you to share how you brought them to life. Send us a pictures or information about your students’ activities. We’d love to showcase these on our CANZ Facebook page.
2. Be a part of what we’re creating for our 2024 SJW resources. Share prayers, activities, stories or ideas about peace, forgiveness, or reconciliation that you have created with us. Send your contributions to education@caritas.org.nz. 
3. Participate in our Evaluation of SJW2023. Your input will assist us in developing future resources and will only take you a few minutes to complete. Please click here. 

Let's take this opportunity to inspire each other and create a ripple effect of peace that will bring about positive change! 

SINGout4JUSTICE – Be the Voice of Justice and Peace 

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's SINGout4JUSTICE competition! We were once again amazed by the incredible entries from talented individuals and groups, all sharing their favourite songs about justice.  

This year’s winners and our special award recipients raised their voices for justice and peace, and their impact is truly inspiring. 

 Winner – Senior Category: Oliver Lodge, Anamika Jones, Jamie Hall & Jayden Deutster Parker from Trinity Catholic College, Dunedin with their original composition Te Ao Mārama.  

 Winner – Middle Category: Georgia Jeffrey from Sacred Heart Girls’ College, New Plymouth with her original song Justice.  

 Joint Winners – Junior Category:  

• Herbie Concolis from St Joseph’s Catholic School, Takapuna, Auckland with a cover of Mariah Carey’s song Hero  
• Kāunga Class from St Francis de Sales School, Island Bay, Wellington with their cover of U.S.A for Africa’s song We are the World.  

YCC Day – Standing in Solidarity with Oecusse School, Timor Leste 

YCC Day has been a resounding success, thanks to our wonderful Catholic schools across Aotearoa who participated and brought this day to life in their school communities. Over 90 schools participated, involving more than 20,000 students and so far just over $30,000 has been raised.   

Upcoming opportunities with Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College

The Leaderhsip Webinar Series aims to develop leaders and their skills in understanding and addressing the needs of Catholic institutions. Full details can be found here https://www.tekupenga.ac.nz/catholic-theological-college-2/leadership-webinars/ and in the downloadable PDF flyer below:

G.R.A.C.E (Global Researchers Advancing Catholic Education)

G.R.A.C.E (Global Researchers Advancing Catholic Education) International Research Colloquium

G.R.A.C.E is an international community of practice focussed on Catholic education globally. G.R.A.C.E is a longterm research based partnership project between the University of Notre Dame Australia, Mary Immaculate College Limerick in Ireland, Boston College United States, St Mary’s Twickenham, UK and OIEC in Rome. 

The inaugural G.R.A.C.E Research Colloquium will be an opportunity for international and national researchers and practitioners to come together to explore the challenges and opportunities within Catholic Education. The theme of the gathering is: Head, heart and hands: together in faith.  17 - 19 Janurary 2024.

Further information can be found at https://www.grace2024.com/ and in the downloadable PDF flyer below.

Security Scoop Podcast from our Key Partner Gallagher

In this episode of Security Scoop, host Steve Bell, Chief Technology Officer - Gallagher Security, delves into the unique security needs of three schools in three different countries. Despite their differing challenges, all three schools effectively ensured the safety and well-being of students and staff by utilising the flexibility of Gallagher Security’s solutions.

In this episode, Steve is joined by special guests Paul Jamieson, Principal of Waipawa School in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand; George Dunleavy, Gallagher Technical Business Development Manager for South Australia and former Strategic Security Manager for the Department of Education in South Australia; and Chris Hoffman former Safe Schools Co-ordinator in Metcalfe County, in Kentucky.

Listen now via your favourite podcast streaming platform or our website: