Monday Mailing 18th August 2025
Few words and ramblings from the Editor-Leo
It's funny how the government seems to be so keen at present to give me things to rant, moan about, and debate. Every week brings a new announcement or fun initiative to explore and comment upon. This week is a prime example with both the NZCEA changes and the issues with the use of Te reo in Structured Literacy texts, providing ammunition.
NZCEA CHANGES....... SATS, CAMBRIDGE, SCHOOL C, What are we gonna get?
Like most current secondary teachers or the parents of todays' teens, I have questions about the existing NZCEA system, how credits are accrued, and the consistency across schools. I also realistically understand that some change is required. However, the Minister's announcement this week, highlighting pending systemic changes, did raise a few concerns about what our secondary colleagues can expect.
Here are a few questions that sprang to mind:
- What does this look like for our children who typically struggle and those who are overrepresented in our disparity data?
- How do children who are new to NZ or who are ELL cope?
- If you struggle with devices or access to devices, what then?
- If we have reduced the number of Poly Tech across the country, how does the proposed change then support students seeking alternative vocational pathways? One would suggest this has become a lesser priority.
- Will the transition process be as rushed and messy as the primary curriculum launch? God help secondary if this is the case.
- Is five weeks of consultation fair and appropriate? Will the feedback provided actually be listened to, or are changes already a fait accompli? (Means pre-determined in the French language).
- What research has underpinned the change in direction? I get the need for change, but I always like to know where we are going and what drove the decision-making.
- Again, who advised the Minister? The assumption being that she has gone to the same small handful of 'experts' in her inner circle?
- How far have we really come from School Certificate in the 1980's? Does this new model sound very English???
- If you are Year 8 or the parent of a Year 8 today, should you be nervous?
I have no doubts you all have your own thoughts and reflections around the two themes above. Some may align with mine and some not. That said, I have no doubts that you will all agree that with the exponential rate of curriculum change being unleashed upon us, we are definitely worth more that the 1% pay increase per year we were offered by the Government.
Professional viewings, learnings and interesting bits you may have missed.
Few good reads below. The one that grabbed my interest the most was the first one around 'innovations in education'. A snippet has been screenshot below. Does make you think about NZ's increasing onus on knowledge and recall and the why. If you then read the piece on 'Balance' by Kath Murdoch, this certainly leaves you pondering the ramifications of standardisation.
The Culture slides are awesome and were shared from a recent Kahui Ako event. Definitely lots to share and debate within. I have also attached a need ChatGPT cheat sheet and a draft attendance plan from the Waikato MOE office in the event you don't have one.
A reminder that if you come across great viewings or readings, feel free to send them through.
Delegation Trip to Singapore- Lock it in!
This is a rare opportunity, and one that is too good to miss out on. A chance to explore world class pedagogy and innovation, in a stunning context with great principals. A good initiative to table with your Boards and totally aligns with shifting paradigms in NZ education.
Making Connections Day Term Four Thursday 23rd October 2025 Andrew Miller - Roar Coaching NZ
ANDREW MILLER
Senior Coach
Real. Relatable. Impactful.
As the lead coach here at Roar Coaching, Andrew operates with genuine care and a clever curiosity for understanding what makes you tick.
He has a natural ability to work with individuals and teams to unlock potential, encourage deeper connections and overcome challenging situations. Andrew gets a kick out of knowing he is making a difference.
Andrew navigates life with his wife Hana and their children Brigitta, Quinn, Darcy and Zinzan, together they are proud to call Hamilton home.
NZEI Update
Don't forget that we need to take a stand and support the upcoming PUMs. Doing nothing and acceptance of the status quo won't improve outcomes.
Learning Matters-Literacy
Ahiahi mārie My name is Claire Hooton, and I am reaching out on behalf of Learning MATTERS, an education consultancy service for schools and educational centres. They are an approved MOE-funded provider of Structured Literacy PLD. I wanted to share an opportunity with you and your network regarding our School Support Pathway professional development and the free afternoon workshop we are hosting in the Waikato this term. Our Waikato consultant Paula Hastings will be at Maeroa Intermediate School on Wednesday, 27 August from 3.30-5 pm.
Here is the link to register via the Learning MATTERS website.
Few laughs and a giggle to finish
Ok I apologise but I do love a Little Johnny joke. Please don't read if you are sensitive.
Little Johnny's neighbour just had a baby. Sadly, the baby was born without any ears.
When the mum and baby came back home from the hospital, Johnny's family was invited over to see the baby. Before they left their house, Little Johnny's dad had a chat with him and explained how the baby had no ears.
Johnnys dad also told him that if he so much as mentioned anything about the baby's missing ears or even said the word ears, he would get the hiding of his life when they came back home.
Little Johnny told his dad he understood and agreed not to mention the babys lack of ears.
Johnny looks in the basonet and says "Wow, what a beautiful baby." The mother replies, 'Why, Thanks Johnny." Johnny says: "He has beautiful little feet, beautiful little hands, a cute little nose and really beautiful eyes. Is he able to see alright?"
"Yes", says the mum, "we are so grateful, the Doctor said he will have perfect vision."
"That is great", says Little Johnny, "cause he'd be stuffed if he needed glasses!"
Business Partners 2025
