Monday Mailing Week 10 15th Sept 2025

Few ramblings and some dribble from the Editor-Leo

Things that make me go mmmm......... ( C&C Music Factory or Crash Test Dummies references for people over 40!)

I've been thinking...... (I know this is unusual for me) about two issues facing the NZ primary sector, and both leave me a little perplexed about the Minister's potential shortsightedness, especially regarding outcomes.

The first is the proposed implementation of the new smart (Janison), aka ICAS assessment tool, that we are set to play with in 2026. I am not sure what your experience of ICAS is like in your context, but even a school like ours that is well-resourced finds it bloody challenging to facilitate digital testing.

Questions Minister:

• Are all schools technologically equipped to support the administration of tests for all Year 3-6 students, twice a year? Will there be a suitably aligned increase to our operations grants to ensure we are digitally able to implement the tools? Note old iPads, Chromebooks only last so long, and then start refusing to be updated.               
• How will rural schools cope with internet and bandwidth issues associated with living in isolated spaces? COVID would suggest some will struggle? 
• What happens to ELL kids who can't read the test or those who are digitally challenged? Who funds the LSA reader support for those adversely impacted by a test they can't access?
• Who is granted a dispensation from sitting an assessment tool?
• Has the Minister tried to support a Year 3 student at the beginning of a year login and complete a digital test? I recently watched a group doing a Math test. The login process took 20 minutes. By the time they actually got to the test, their attention spans were limited. Some kids spent more time logging in than doing the test!
• Having a look at some of the language used in ICAS-type tools (Year 5 example below), I would suggest that some kids (and teachers like me) are going to be stuffed.
• Will schools in NZ be allowed or encouraged to have prep assessment weeks like they do in Australia, so students are given the best opportunity to be successful?
• It took years to norm base PAT tests, yet we are being told that the new tool will be fit for purpose in 2026. How? My understanding was that these have been trialled on 1200 children (we have 900 kids here). How is this reliable or valid?
• Why the rush? You have already informed us that we are terrible regarding Reading, Writing, and Math outcomes. Won't increased testing detract from great teaching, contextual learning, or impact on our hour a day? (Sorry, that was sarcastic.)
• You have offered us 2 PLD days in 2026. If you look at new assessment tools, structured literacy, science of learning, Math tool implementation programme (Numicon, Prime etc), new Year 2 testing, phonics checks, and the wider curriculum rollout that we are having to contend with. How many minutes do you want us to spend on this? She's a fair bit to smack out in 16 hours.

The second issue is the recent pay offers received as part of the negotiations. These have been both insulting (1-4%) and frustrating. A little like all schools being offered an LSC and then told they may have to wait for 2 years! Not an easy pill to swallow.

Again, I have questions, Minister:

• How does this align with the rate of inflation? Read the article below on 'What are we worth?'
• In a time where teachers are under more curriculum development pressure than at any other time in our history, how is this fair?
• We are hemorrhaging teachers and principals. The turbulence factor is high, tenure is reducing, and we have a teacher shortage. How does this work? If you want professionals, then pay a professional wage.

So that's all I have to say about that! (Forest Gump reference). Have a wonderful week team, go enjoy your staff, smack around with a few dodgeballs, have a laugh, and remember, you are the LEADER in your school for all the right reasons. 5 sleeps till holidays!!!

Leo Spaans

WPA President- Lesley Lomas

Tēnā tātou katoa,Nga mihi mahana ki a koutou.

It was great to catch up with those of you who attended the NZPF Conference in Wellington last week. A reminder that we are supporting two of our colleagues, Nathan Leith and Geoff Booth, who are nominees for the NZPF Executive. We are supporting our two Waikato nominees in the hope that we can have two Waikato voices at a National level.  All the best to Nathan and Geoff.

Our next Connections Day was to be held on October 23rd at FMG Stadium.  As this is the date for possible Strike action, we are currently working through other options. We will let you know once a final decision has been made.
Have a great week ahead.

Ngā manaakitanga,
Lesley

Professional readings, viewings and learnings you may have missed.....

A few great reading links are attached. Also, a neat MOE presentation on Anxiety, which I'd encourage you all to hold on to. The eligibility announcement around LSC is worth a read if you missed it. It certainly makes you feel for schools that will not be supported until 2027. Finally, we have included some very useful NZSBA new Board links that we recommend you all save. The last picture is an old doc I played with, which is good for articulating plainly what the Board's roles are and what they are not! Remember, investing in Board training is an investment in time and good practice.

WPA Events- Time to book is now!

Please be aware that the WPA are actively promoting both the Term 4 Connections Day with the highly motivating Andrew Millar and the 2026 Singapore Study Tour. These are incredible opportunities and should not be overlooked.

Ying and Yang of Principalship

This weeks edition is a critical one and we suggest you all download it and add it to your financial files. This directly relates to staffing which you will have recieved on Friday. DO NOT FORGET TO READ THIS!

Leading Learning

Try This Tip!

Dr. Mark Osborne shares a tip from his (free) fortnightly email ‘The Middle Leadership Manual’. Subscribe here: https://www.themiddleleadershipmanual.com/

The “Friday Five”

At the end of each week, take a moment to thank or acknowledge five people. Shoot off quick emails or text messages to express appreciation or gratitude. It’s a small investment that steadily grows trust, culture and goodwill. What a great way for them (and you) to end the week.

Dr. Mark Osborne - Director
Email: mark@leadinglearning.co.nz | Mob: (+64) 021 475 666CoteachingMadeEasy.com | The Middle Leadership Manual.com
Leading Learning - Ārahi Ako | www.leadinglearning.co.nz | Email newsletter

NZEI Principals Update

Update for Principals – Strike Ballot and Next StepsKia ora koutou,

By now you should have received your strike ballot notice. This has been sent to the email address you provided when you joined NZEI Te Riu Roa, which may not be your current school email. Please check all inboxes (including personal and spam/junk folders). If you still can’t find it, contact me directly, or call 0508 PRINCIPAL (0508 774 624 725).Many principals have asked: “Why are we voting to strike if we haven’t had an offer yet?”
Here’s the situation:

• Since bargaining concluded in late July, no formal offer has been received from the Public Service Commissioner.
• The Ministry indicated they wanted principals to limit negotiations to a total “envelope” of just 1% per year (to cover both pay and conditions).
• In early August, principals were asked if they would accept this mandate. The overwhelming answer was a loud no.
• Since then, nothing has been put on the table.

This is why the strike ballot is so important. Without pressure, the Ministry has little incentive to move. Industrial action is often the only way to force a genuine offer. Remember, NZEI isn’t “someone else”,  you are the union.  Your vote and your action are vital.The proposed strike is part of a united campaign with teachers and support staff, with nearly 49,000 voices together. However, this is one step in a wider strategy. At the end of this week, the NZEI Principals’ Council will also meet to consider additional principal-specific actions if needed.To make sure you have the latest information and a chance to ask questions directly, please join one of the online Principal Briefings next week:

• Monday 15th at 4:00pm
• Tuesday 16th at 11:00am

Links will be sent by email and shared on the NZEI Principals’ Facebook page please make sure you’re connected to this page.Your participation is not just critical; it is the only reason a union will be successful.  Any gains you are seeking, based on what we are currently seeing, will not be won over the negotiation table.  Through kotahitanga and the strength of your collective voice, you can ensure you, and your principal colleagues, are recognised and supported in the way your profession deserves.Ngā mihi nui,

Dane Robertson,

NZSBA Tip- Caretakers and Cleaners Collective Agreement

Kistry recently suggested to me that the information around the School Caretakers’, Cleaners’ and Canteen Staff Collective Agreement which has just been settled and in effect, is something you all need to be aware of. Note this has financial impacts now.

Few laughs and a giggle to end!

Business Partners 2025

From Nicky at Ricoh. A great lady whom we will miss.

Kia ora team,

Just a quick note to let you know that I’m moving on from Ricoh and heading off to do something new (no, sadly not winning Lotto or moving to a tropical island… yet). 

This means you’ll have a brand-new face at your meetings: Reece Johnson, who will be taking over as your go-to person, here are his contact details: Reece Johnson RJohnson@ricoh.co.nz, 021 943 503. 

It’s been such a pleasure working with you all, and I’ll really miss the laughs, conversations, and collaborations. Wishing you all the best going forward. 

Ngā mihi, Nic.