Kōtui: School & Policy Updates - Term 2 Issue 1 2024 (NZCEO)

TĒNĀ KOUTOU KATOA: Editorial by Dr Kevin Shore, CEO

Kia ora koutou

I noted with interest a recent media article where two New Zealand researchers are leading the charge for an international policy guide and framework to evaluate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other new technologies. One of these researchers, Sir Peter Gluckman, in releasing his report argued that it is critical that rapidly developing technologies are subject to broad and multidimensional evaluation to maximise the benefits and minimise the very real risks to society and humanity. He states that “A systemic framework for analysis is needed and that has been missing”. What is required is an analytical framework that considers “…categories including wellbeing (including that of individuals or self, society and social life, and civic life), trade and economy, environmental, geo-strategic and geo-political and technological (system characteristics, design and use).

Continuing this theme, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the Australian Federal Police have also recently expressed their serious concerns about the escalating artificial intelligence threat. “We’re increasingly seeing AI being weaponised, particularly in the creation of child exploitation material. Technology is being used to manipulate innocent images of children for nefarious purposes.”

I read with interest a recent message from Pope Francis who in early 2024 and speaking on the 57^th World Day of Peace stated that we cannot presume that developments in technology such as AI will benefit humanity and peace. Rather than a secular focus on wellbeing, Pope Francis argues that developing technology must be evaluated against its impact on the dignity of the human person and accompanied by "…an appropriate formation in responsibility for its future use". 

There is no arguing that technology has supported positive developments that have been beneficial to society. In many countries, developments and improvements in health driven by technology and research have increased life expectancy and quality of life. While I could be critical that those who are the poorest in society have not always benefitted to the same extent, technological development is responsible for much that is good. However, the problem with technological development is it is often developed without any significant evaluation process that looks at both the potential benefits and harms that might arise. It is driven by economic imperatives rather than moral imperatives and as Pope Francis states, often develops  without a clear understanding of the essence of being human and without an awareness of a sense of limits.

As we have seen through the history of the development of communication technologies power ends up in the hands of a few and so humanity becomes controlled rather than being able to take control of their own lives. The need for a regulatory framework to evaluate technological development has become urgent as without it we are in danger of losing our humanity. I have included Pope Francis’ message on Artificial Intelligence and Peace in this edition of Kōtui and see it as a wonderful article that could be used in the classroom to highlight very real issues for our young people. Given the concerns expressed, I believe this message will resonate across all the varied and unique special characters and philosophies in our state integrated schools and is an area that we must grapple with as technological development advances on.

The New National Led Coalition Government

APIS / NZCEO had the pleasure of meeting with Minister David Seymour on Wednesday 20 March. Minister Seymour was very hospitable, interested, and supportive of our sector and views choice for parents as an important part of education provision. It is too early to discuss charter schools as we have yet to view any definitive guidelines on the operation and establishment of these schools and it is more likely that these will be available in the second half of the year.

APIS has a scheduled meeting with Minister Erica Stanford on Friday 31 May which follows shortly after the 2024/2025 budget announcement. We were always aware that there would be limited new spending in this first budget for the National led coalition government and are not expecting to win any additional funds in support of state integrated schools over and above Policy One funding. However, this first meeting is crucial in establishing a working relationship with Minister Stanford from which we can start advocating for our sector on those matters that we have identified in our briefing paper to her.

Essential Property Maintenance Package (EPMP)

This is a bit like a countdown, but I will continue to advise the sector through Kōtui on our progress in releasing approximately $4.4M in undrawn funding. These are the funds where proprietors have not submitted an application for transfer of funding and which APIS is holding on behalf of the Ministry of Education (MoE). At a recent meeting with the MoE, they were very clear that any EPMP funds where proprietors have not submitted an application to APIS for the transfer of funding by 31 August must be returned to the MoE. The EPMP team have made every effort to make proprietors aware of this but despite this I have concerns that some proprietors do not fully understand the consequences of not meeting this deadline. If proprietors do not submit an application for transfer of funding by 31 August then those funds will be lost to you.

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

Finally

Many of our colleagues in the Ministry of Education are currently going through a consultation phase as the Ministry  looks to cut costs to meet the new governments directive. The staff that currently serve our state integrated sector are highly valued by APIS and it is a very difficult and challenging time for them. APIS sends our support and best wishes to those who may be affected by any restructuring.

Kevin Shore, Chief Executive Officer

Catholic Education Convention 2024

Registration for the New Zealand Catholic Education Convention 2024 is open. The convention will take place at the TSB Arena in Wellington from 19 - 21 June 2024.

The convention theme: Tūhono Whakapono—Together, one faith community reflects how we establish links, make connections and relate to our sisters and brothers in Christ, who through the shared experience of baptism are kin.

All information relating to the convention including the registration fees, accommodation options, and a draft programme can be found on the convention website.

Discover Wellington

NZCEO especially want to highlight the National Shrine - Te Ara a Maria: Mary's Way and the Home of Compassion (resting place of the Venerable Suzanne Aubert) as must visit locations while staying in Wellington for the convention.

The final resting place of the Venerable Suzanne Aubert was blessed on Saturday 14 October 2017 on the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of Compassion.

In January 2017 Suzanne’s intact casket was reinterred in the new Resting Place beside the Chapel of Our Lady of Compassion. The Resting Place, designed by Tennent Brown Architects, is a tranquil but simple space accompanied by thoughtful design. Visitors may bless themselves upon entering and leaving the resting place. A sarcophagus of Waitaha stone is at the heart of this space.

The resting place is complemented by the adjacent Suzanne Aubert Exhibition, and the Retreat Centre along with several new spaces in the Heritage Centre and grounds.

The Chapel and Resting Place are open to all 10am-3pm Monday to Saturday, and 12noon-3pm Sunday. Please phone for opening hours on public holidays 04 383 7769.

On the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, Sunday 15 August 2021, we renewed our country’s dedication to Mary, Mother of God, Assumed into Heaven, and dedicated St Mary of the Angels Church in Wellington as a National Shrine to Mary.

This exciting initiative was called Te Ara a Maria – Mary’s Way. It brought us together as a country to honour Mary, as she is now - alive, body and soul. We united to rejoice in the happiness of Our Lady's presence in God’s kingdom.

The artwork is called Ko Hāta Maria, te Matua Wahine o te Atua (Holy Mary, Mother of God).

Calling DRS, Teachers, and Students! - Convention Prayer Room

The planning committee for the 2024 National Catholic Education Convention have designated a special space within the TSB Arena for quiet prayer and reflection. This space will be open every day of the Convention from 7:30am-5pm.

We are inviting staff and students to create and send into NZCEO art pieces and decorated scripture passages that invite us to contemplate the Convention theme Tūhono Whakapono: Together, One Faith Community. These will be displayed in the stair well leading to the prayer room and in the prayer room.

The art works should be:

• No bigger than A2
• Individual or collaborative pieces
• Sent to NZCEO by 10 June 2024:

New Zealand Catholic Education Office,

P.O. Box 12307,

Wellington 6144                      

 Or      

New Zealand Catholic Education Office,

 Level 1, 15 Guldford Tce, Thorndon, Wellington 6144

Please indicate on your contribution the name of the creator/s and their school.

We look forward to your wonderful creations!

Privacy Week 2024 Busting Privacy Myths

The following free one hour online events may be of particular interest to those in the education sector:

Safeguarding children and young people's privacy in New Zealand

May 15, 2024 10:45 AM

Children’s privacy is a big focus for OPC and is one of the priority projects for the Office over the coming years. This session invites representatives from three organisations to discuss their submissions to OPC on the Children and Young People’s Privacy project. They will go over the key issues they see around children’s privacy in New Zealand today, and explain the areas for improvement to strengthen children’s privacy protections in the future.

'Young people don't care about Privacy' - Debunking the myth

May 16, 2024 02:30 PM

This webinar challenges the myth that young people are indifferent to privacy and will explore what is required to foster awareness, develop essential online skills to navigate complexities and encourage the cultivation of a positive digital footprint. Join us as we unpack this narrative and the resources to support young people's privacy concerns and practices.  

Sharenting, Children and Privacy – The fine line between 'cute' and 'concerning'

May 17, 2024 09:00 AM

When parents overshare information about their children (known as 'sharenting'), this can lead to negative consequences, ranging from digital kidnapping to image manipulation and identity theft. 

In this webinar, Annette Mills explores sharenting, and addresses questions like: Is sharenting appropriate? Does sharenting infringe on children's right to privacy? What are the potential harms, benefits and privacy challenges?

Data Privacy: Protecting Children in the Digital Age

May 17, 2024 12:00 PM

We’ll delve into key issues concerning children's data privacy in the digital age, such as data collection and online profiling of children, third party data sharing, and implications of AI-driven decision-making and potential for algorithmic bias for children.

Global Compact on Education

On 12 September 2019, Pope Francis launched an invitation to dialogue on how we are shaping the future of our planet and the need to employ the talents of all, since all change requires an educational process aimed at developing a new universal solidarity and a more welcoming society. To this end, he endorsed a Global Compact on Education to rekindle our dedication for and with young people, renewing our passion for a more open and inclusive education, including patient listening, constructive dialogue and better mutual understanding.

The Seven Commitments for the Global Compact on Education are:

Pope Francis proposed these seven committments in his October 2020 video message Global Compact on Education. Together To Look Beyond. 

The International Office of Catholic Education (OIEC) has produced a set of seven posters designed with illustrations that help us to know, understand and deepen the meaning, significance and scope of these objectives. These posters are accompanied by a booklet with activities for schools to use that will help young people to reflect on each of the seven objectives. These resources are all available on the OIEC website here, you can also download the posters and booklet as pdf files below:

From the latest Nathaniel Report

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

Caritas Update, Term 2 2024

Thanks for the Support

A huge thanks to all our wonderful schools who continue to support the work of Caritas.

In term one the Caritas education team enjoyed connecting with schools as part of our Caritas Justice Chats, where student leaders explored current social justice issues and brainstormed ways to make a difference for those in need. You can learn more about these sessions and see many inspiring student ideas on our website.    

Many schools have taken up the Caritas Challenge, showcasing incredible creativity and passion as they brought their event to life, incorporating their school charism along the way. If you haven’t done so already and are interested in finding out more about how you can run your own Caritas Challenge event you can find resources on our website. 

Schools have organised other awareness and fundraising events, including non-uniform days, creative sales, using Caritas koha boxes in a variety of ways and inviting our education team to participate in face-to-face sessions with students and staff. These expressions of love and compassion go a long way in supporting the work of Caritas.   

If you haven’t already, join our CANZ Facebook group to stay updated on Caritas initiatives and see how schools are actively fostering social justice and faith in their communities. Join us here: CANZ Education

See you at the Catholic Education Convention

We’re delighted to be participating in this year’s NZCEO Catholic Education Convention in Wellington in June. Visit our Caritas booth or attend our seminar. We’re really looking forward to connecting with everyone. Schools attending the conference can collect their Caritas Social Justice Week resource pack in person – an early bird opportunity!   

YCC Day  

On the last day of term 2 (5 July), we invite all Catholic schools across Aotearoa to stand in solidarity for YCC Day, and to support Holy Cross Primary School in Papua New Guinea. Your participation will make a difference to their 400 plus students and help ensure they have essential classroom equipment. Be a champion and make a difference this YCC Day with a fun non-uniform day in return for a gold coin donation.   

Resources, including an e-Poster, Information Slideshow, and Student Activities will soon be available online. Watch out for a video from our NZ Catholic Bishops endorsing YCC Day that will be coming out soon. Remember, you can hold your YCC Day event any time before the year ends, not just on the last day of term 2. 

This YCC Day let’s show that Young Catholics Care as You + Caritas Combined create positive change and bring hope to others.  

Social Justice Week in September 

We’re currently developing education resources for Social Justice Week (September 3 - 9) which continues our theme of ‘Imagine Peace For All / Pohewatia te Rangimārie mō te Katoa’ and will focus on forgiveness and reconciliation.  

We shift the perspective from personal peace, which we explored last year, and instead look at how to relate to others from a Christian view and rebuild peace that may have been lost or broken. We have a number of special features as part of this year’s resources and we hope that these will engage students in rich discussions about the concepts and encourage greater empathy, understanding and dialogue.  

We are looking forward to sharing these resources towards the end of term two.

More Happenings in Term 2

There is lots going on during term 2 and we will be sending out more information to schools as the term unfolds. Look out for our updates and information about our competitions, Kaitiaki2Share and SINGout4JUSTICE. Additionally, a prayer resource for the Day of Prayer for Refugees and Migrants will be provided later in June.  

Get in Touch

Thanks for everyone who gave their feedback about the Caritas Lenten resources from last term. We’d still love to hear your thoughts if you haven’t already done so. You can complete the short survey here.

For any resource orders or queries contact the team at michaels@caritas.org.nz or justine@caritas.org.nz  

For more education related information check out the website at www.caritas.org.nz/schools 

'A Taste of Theology' Lecture Series

These mini-courses in Theology offered through Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College cover a range of topics including Scripture, dogmatic, moral and spiritual theology, Church history, Philosophy, pastoral and liturgical studies and Canon Law. Presenters are lecturers of Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College.

General Information:

Courses will be online via Zoom on Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30PM. Click the link(s) to register. Fee for all courses is $60 (one-off). You can register to all or as many as you want. Sessions will be recorded and made available to all registered participants.

Topics:

What is Spirituality? The answer depends on what you value. Building a relationship with God is a life-long process of transformation. The key is first figuring out where your heart lies.

04 June 2024 Dr Peter Ryan, FSC

Register here

The Liturgy as an expression of our Christian identity, life and mission. (Revisiting Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Constitution on Sacred Liturgy)

02 July 2024 Sr Susanna Yun, PDDM

Register here

What is Philosophy? A short introduction to the fascinations and frustrations of philosophical questioning.

06 August 2024 Rev Dr John Owens, SM

Register here

Christian identity, life and mission in Lumen Gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church

03 September 2024 Rev Dr Mervyn Duffy, SM

Register here

Vatican II in context: The age of Vatican II

01 October 2024 Mayte Ramos

Register here

Christian identity, life, and mission in the Third Millenium (Revisiting Gaudium et Spes, the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World)

05 November 2024 Dr John Evangelista

Register here

Application of Moral Theology to bioethical issues: Working with the Mercy Healthcare Group

03 December 2024 Rev Dr Bernard Teo, CSSR

Register here

Enrolment for study in semester two is open

Congratulations to New Principals

Our warm congratulations to the following new principals:

Hamilton Diocese

Brigit Nieuwboer at Bishop Edward Gaines School, Tokoroa

Christchurch Diocese

Adele Greig at Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Sumner

Dunedin Diocese

Anna Taylor, St Peter Chanel School, Green island

School security case studies from Gallagher Security

Following the devastating impacts of the Christchurch earthquakes, Shirley Boys’ High School and Avonside Girls’ High School suffered irreparable damage and were forced to look for new locations. As part of the rebuild, the two secondary schools now share a state-of-the-art new “super campus,” a 11.5 hectare (28.4 acre) site that caters for 2,500 students and 500 staff and includes a performing arts centre with two theatres, four sports fields, three indoor gymnasiums, a library, café, and fully equipped commercial teaching kitchen. But with new facilities came new challenges for site management, protection of assets, and student safety.

“There’s been a huge investment in the facilities and equipment for these high schools,” says Bharti Uppal, Operations Manager for Spotless Group, the school’s facility management team, who was tasked with finding a security system that both fit the schools’ needs and budget. “I have used various security solutions for educational facilities, and the Gallagher system is by far the best on the market in my opinion,” he says. “What you get from Gallagher, you don’t get elsewhere – it’s highly-customizable, cost-viable, and durable. When you invest, once, in a good quality security system, you don’t have to consider spending again.” Read more about how Gallagher Security is empowering Shirley Boys’ and Avonside Girls’ to grow their campus and young minds by clicking on the link for the full case study.

Opportunity to enliven your school's outdoor environment from Teamturf

Teamturf has been working in partnership with NZCEO / APIS for around two years and over this period have worked with several schools within the state integrated sector. Teamturf have installed artificial grass surfacing in a variety of areas, ranging from school courts, to playgrounds, landscaping areas, courtyards and cricket wickets.

Teamturf is thrilled to announce the winner of our  exclusive giveaway promotion tailored specifically for schools within the state integrated network!

For any playground, sports courts, landscaping or cricket wicket surfacing projects booked or quoted through Teamturf or one of our trusted nationwide agents, you will automatically be entered into a draw to win a complimentary Signgrass turf item valued at up to $1500 +GST!

Signgrass are top-of-the-line turf products offering a blend of fun, play, and educational components that can easily be integrated into any new or existing turf area at your school or affixed to an asphalt surface.

Seize this opportunity to elevate your school's outdoor environment. This promotion is valid for quotations or bookings made between now and 31 August 2024.

Reach out to Teamturf today to arrange an on-site consultation and secure your chance to win this amazing prize!

Signgrass turf options (click images to enlarge)