Kōtui: School & Policy Updates - Term 4 Issue 2 2023 (NZCEO)

TĒNĀ KOUTOU KATOA: Editorial by Dr Kevin Shore, CEO

Kia ora koutou

I had the pleasure of travelling to Western Australia in October to visit my eldest daughter and three of my grandsons who live in rural Western Australia. The challenging spring weather we have all experienced in Aotearoa was replaced by shorts and tee shirts in temperatures of between 26-35 degrees. While this was a lovely change for my wife and myself the impact of their hot weather also has significant consequences in their lives. On their large cropping farm, the canola and wheat which would normally stand higher than my head did not even reach my knees in many places. Instead of harvesting 3000 tonnes per hectare the farm was only yielding 500 tonnes. It was another reminder, if I needed one, of the challenges of our changing world and the impact of climate on all our lives. 

In recent years, we have all observed how students in Aotearoa have rallied together to voice their concerns regarding climate change. They have been critical of the slow rate of change of government policy to mitigate the damage to our precious planet. Students have been very passionate in standing up for what they believe in and it has been pleasing to see students voicing their concerns in a constructive and peaceful manner. To protest is a democratic right and a sign that our young people care deeply for our precious world and are very concerned for both their future, their whānau and for those who will come after them. Given these concerns, I would like to recommend a recent publication that I believe could be useful as a teaching resource across wider society.   

Pope Francis has just released Laudate Deum, an apostolic exhortation building on his 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’ on the care of our common home, the Earth. Bishop Steve Lowe who is proprietor of our Catholic diocesan schools in Auckland described Laudate Deum as a “clarion call to us all, as individuals, as industry and as nations, to examine whether our attitudes and actions towards care of mother Earth are consistent with the passing on of this taonga, this treasure, to our future generations.” While this is a Catholic document, I would recommend this to a wider audience of our state integrated school stakeholders in that it is beautifully written and identifies those issues that should be of concern and is relevant to us all. With a bit of editing to meet the special character of the school, it could be easily used as a teaching resource within the senior school given the clarity of the issues identified.   

I also encourage you to read Dr John Kleinsman's article Laudate Deum – A Plea to “All People of Good Will on the Climate Crisis” in this issue. The text of Laudate Deum can be found using the following link: 

APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION LAUDATE DEUM OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS TO ALL PEOPLE OF GOOD WILL ON THE CLIMATE CRISIS

Congratulations to Prime Minister Christopher Luxton 

APIS extends our congratulations to Mr Christopher Luxon, who has been elected as our new Prime Minister. National will be in a coalition government with ACT and New Zealand First and, as I write this editorial, coalition talks are in full swing as all three parties look to reach an agreement that will lead to a “strong and stable government”.  Since writing this editorial the new National led coalition government has been sworn in and Erica Stanford has been appointed as Minister of Education with David Seymour taking the role of Associate Minister of Education with a focus on partnership schools. APIS and AIS have managed to build a relationship with Minister Stanford over the last eight months and we have enjoyed a number of constructive conversations with her.  

The period from September 2023 through to the new government taking power can be somewhat frustrating as progressing issues through the Ministry of Education becomes problematic until the government is sworn in and new Ministers are announced. Given the time of year, APIS is unlikely to be able to meet with the Minister Stanford until the New Year but the further development of this relationship is of the highest priority for us.  

APIS acknowledges the responsibility that rests on our government to shape the future of education which may look somewhat different under this new government. However, what has not changed is the importance of working closely with the government of the day and APIS looks forward to working with the new National led government. 

APIS would like to thank previous Minister of Education Jan Tinetti for her willingness to engage so positively with APIS over the last eighteen months and we wish her well in her new role on the opposition benches.  

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

APIS has just received a draft completed video on the history of integrated education in New Zealand from CORE Education. As the saying goes, good things take time, and so it has proved with this project. APIS and some of our stakeholders will be given the opportunity to critique this draft video and there is a possibility of limited changes if needed. APIS would expect to have this first video available for our stakeholders in early 2024. 

APIS will now focus on the development of a further four videos with the initial focus on videos that look at special character and the role of the proprietor. 

Essential Property Maintenance Package (EPMP) 

APIS is becoming increasingly concerned that some proprietors are running out of time to access the funding they need to initiate and complete their EPMP project by August 2024. Any EPMP funds that are unable to be transferred to the proprietor to meet this deadline will be considered as unspent and, therefore, must be returned to the Ministry of Education. APIS will continue to endeavour to communicate with those proprietors who may be at risk of not meeting this deadline. Alternatively, those proprietors who are struggling to make progress and are concerned about their progress should reach out to Jenny Gordon in the first instance using the email in the link below. 

If you have any concerns at all, please contact our EPMP team using this email contact: apis.epmp@nzceo.org.nz 

Finally 

Let’s hope that the awful spring weather we have been subjected to in the last two months takes a turn for the better and that a benevolent summer arrives in Aotearoa. As it is the last Kōtui of 2023, APIS wants to recognise and thank all of the hard working proprietors and their staff, school leaders and school staff who have served their communities so wonderfully in 2023. It has been another challenging year requiring courage, perseverance, compassion and commitment and our state integrated school communities are lucky to have staff so committed to the pastoral needs of their communities.  

Meri Kirihimete me te Hape Nū Ia! 

 Kevin Shore 

Chief Executive Officer 

NZCEO Annual Report 2023 – we need you!

NZCEO were delighted to feature many of our wonderful Catholic schools in our 2022 annual report.

If you would like your school to feature in the annual report for 2023 please share a photo featuring your school by uploading it to our Dropbox account.  Photos need to be high resolution and have permission to publish in our report.  Photos available from school websites are always welcome. This report is for Catholic proprietors and shared with our schools and also features on the NZCEO website.

We look forward to seeing your pictures!

Catholic Education Convention 2024

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.

The Convention planning team have been busy uploading information to the convention website.  The latest update is the registration information which can be found here.  The team are working on the registration form and will update you when registrations are open. The website has information about the theme, venue and how to make the most of your stay in Wellington.

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.

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.

State Integrated & Private Schools: A Legal Guide

This guide informs you on the legal framework for schools and of key governance and policy obligations to give your school the best chance at succeeding- email krismorrison@parryfield.com for your free copy

2023 NZCEO & Te Kupenga Symposium Series

NZCEO in association with Te Kupenga – Catholic Theological College, hosted an online symposium series during 2023. There were 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. All are now available on the NZCEO website.

The first in the series was held on 31 May. In this symposium, Fr Merv Duffy SM facilitated a discussion on Whakaaronui Wisdom. Whakaaronui Wisdom is seeing with the eyes of God. In Scripture and the Tradition of the Church it is often referred to as a gift from God. It is also reflected, particularly in the Religious Education context, as the knowledge, understanding, Tradition and teaching of two thousand years of being Church. You can watch this session on our YouTube Channel here.

The second session was held on Wednesday 2 August. Rev. Dr. Gerard Aynsley facilitated a discussion on Tika Justice. Tika Justice is the sacred principle that each person receives that which they deserve by right of their God-given human dignity. It is always understood in relationship to God, ourselves and all creation. It encompasses the generous aroha and mercy of God. Tika is essential to our faith and requires us to act. You can watch this session on our YouTube Channel here.

The third (and final) session in the series was held on 22 November. In this symposium, Murray Adams (Spiritual Director, Diocese of Palmerston North) facilitated 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. You can watch this session on our YouTube Channel here.

Certification hours for those who attended the symposia are detailed in the document below:

NZCEO Leadership & Education Scholarships

Each year the New Zealand Catholic Education Office (NZCEO) makes a significant financial contribution to supporting the development of Catholic teachers in leadership and the teaching of Religious Education. The Board of NZCEO has generously allocated a limited fund to provide scholarships for teachers and aspiring leaders and those in leadership positions to undertake tertiary qualifications – in the main at post graduate level in support of our future Catholic leaders given their need to undertake qualifications in Catholic Leadership or Catholic special character including Theology and Religious Education.

These scholarships will be available again for 2024.

Further information about the application process can be found here.

The application form is available here.

Applications should be sent to Rosalie Connors (Manager, Special Character) at NZCEO: email r.connors@nzceo.org.nz by 28 February 2024.

Laudate Deum – A Plea to “All People of Good Will on the Climate Crisis”

Dr John Kleinsman is director of the Nathaniel Centre for Bioethics 

 On the 4th of October 2023, the feast of St Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis released Laudate Deum, a follow-up document (Apostolic Exhortation) to his 2015 Encyclical, Laudato Si’.

Much has been written about this Exhortation. American writer Michael Wright fears that “In US, ‘Laudate Deum’ won’t make it into many homilies or prompt any marches,” a function of underprioritising care for creation for many years. (Wright, 2023) ‘Will that also be the case in Aotearoa parishes and schools?’ I wonder.... (Dr Kleinsman's article is available in full at the link below)

Upcoming opportunities with Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College

Enrolment has been extended to January 2024 for the Bachelor of Divinity and the Graduate Diploma in Theology.

Celebrating Catholic Schools where God is transforming lives

Recently over 600 people gathered at the annual Auckland Prayer Breakfast to pray together for our homes and neighbourhoods, our workplaces and education, our government and society. The lead into the prayer on workplace and education came from Audrey Kippen of St Mary's, Papakura. Audrey spoke movingly of the place of prayer and the recognition that we can do all things as we are God's people. Audrey talks about how prayer sustains and helps both students and teachers.

Securing your school during the holidays - Gallagher Security

Securing your school during the holidays | Gallagher Security

Before classrooms across New Zealand wrap up the school year and the focus shifts from reading and math to Santa and togs, administrators have one final task ahead to prepare for the school holidays: securing the building. The school holidays present security challenges in education settings not typically experienced during the school terms, such as a lack of occupancy, the presence of contracted maintenance workers, and the increased risk of vandalism. Now is the perfect time to plan for the extended summer break and ensure the building where your students and faculty gather to learn and make memories is ready to welcome them back in the new school year.

Service your systems

A great place to start is by servicing your alarms, access systems, and CCTV for an annual tune up. It’s easier – not to mention more cost effective – to service these systems with fewer people on site and ensures they’re performing at their best when Term 1 rolls around. Providing a detailed 6-month “alarm events” report from your onsite system or monitoring company can help your service agent target any problem areas while you’re off enjoying a well-deserved break.

Examine your buildings

Taking the time to physically examine your building and sensors can help reduce false alarms and costly callouts during the holidays. Before staff leave, make sure hanging artwork, decorations, and obstructions (like cobwebs) are removed from areas with alarm sensors, windows are closed and secure, air con units are turned off, and all doors are functioning and properly closed.  Something as small as a breeze from a window, the movement of a spider, or a loose door can trigger alarm sensors and lead to unnecessary callouts. Furthermore, make sure laptops and other pricey electronics are secured and not visible from classroom windows and that all building keys are accounted for and safely stored. Consider using a new alarm code for the upcoming school year if you’re not using individualized ones already.

Remove access for departing staff

End of term can be a popular time for staff turnover. Make a plan to remove access cards and codes for those who won’t be returning in the new school year or reach out to your service provider for assistance. Similarly, take stock of how you’ll manage the contractors and staff entering the building for maintenance work during the break. Manage their welfare on site through your contract manager and Bluetooth mobile credentials; if you don’t have this capability, make sure anyone entering the site alerts your monitoring provider to avoid false alarms. At the same time, provide your monitoring company with a temporary holiday schedule for your school so any visitors have their welfare checked on while you’re gone.

Update server time schedules

To avoid doors unlocking when your buildings are supposed to be closed, be sure to update the time schedules on your server for access times and dates. This may include adjusting the auto alarms on your systems to ensure earlier auto arming than what you have set during the normal term schedule.

Prepare your CCTV systems

Double-check that your CCTV systems are working, updated to your holiday schedule, and aimed at high-risk areas, too. Lock down sports and grounds sheds, access gates, and janitor areas – if it can be opened, it can be damaged. If they’re not on an easy-to-use access control system, then make sure outdoor units are secured with a physical, hardened lock.

Don’t forget the basics

Even simple measures can be highly effective at deterring damage or theft. No one likes bright lights if they’re up to no good, so check your exterior lights and replace old bulbs as needed. Warning signs detailing the security measures you’ve taken to protect your school can scare people off – just be sure to post plenty of those signs in multiple locations to ensure you have enough coverage. 

Schedule regular onsite visits

Finally, consider mobile security patrols for objects that are particularly prone to vandalization and damage, like water drinking taps. While you’re out manually inspecting these items, be sure to also scope out the buildings and grounds to ensure no security issues have arisen. Staff popping in and out during the break can be in “holiday mode” and may easily forget to secure windows and doors before heading home for the day. Random patrol visits conducted at least once a day help you to not only quickly identify and correct security issues, but it sends a signal that your school is still being monitored even though your students and staff are off enjoying time with their families. 

Taking the time to plan for your school’s holiday security now is like giving yourself the gift of peace of mind as we head into the busy Christmas and summer seasons. While you’re off enjoying the New Zealand sunshine, you can rest assured that your school is well protected and ready to foster the learning and growth of your students and staff in the new year. 

If you’d like more information about security solutions for your school, contact your local representative.

Thank you to all our sponsors for 2023

We are very grateful to our sponsors who have continued to support APIS / NZCEO during an extremely challenging year. Their ongoing support is greatly appreciated and we look forward to growing these important relationships in 2024.