Rant

It was interesting to get clarification around the Tomorrow’s Schools Review. It was heartening to hear that the recommendations aren’t fixed and are still up for negotiation. It was also positive to be told that they are going for cross party agreement. This will be critical for any changes going forward. What really has not been addressed though is how are we going to get a highly trained workforce to implement the changes. It does talk about what would be expected from the work force, and the career pathways that would be available.

How are we going to attract and retain people into the profession> After seeing the latest pay offer one has to wonder just how serious this government is about getting the best people into teaching. We know they want teachers to work miracles, and at times we do, but the difficulties experienced by society seem to be directed towards the education system continually.

Where to now? Do we look further at the high performing countries? I wonder what would happen if they just trusted the people in the profession to deliver, be prepared to spend more money as a percentage of GDP. Only then can education be the fence at the top of the cliff, for those who are not getting the full benefits of the present education system.

Or another point of view;

Concept Cars

Every year, Audi, Ford, GM and the rest of the auto companies bring concept cars to the big shows. These swooping, modern, magical cars are in stark contrast to the cars that are actually for sale.

Why do they bother? It’s not a form of market research.

Begin with the fact that car companies need their product to be stylish. By making older cars seem ‘old’, they create social pressure to get rid of your existing car (even if it’s running fine) and keep up with the trends. And so, every year, cars are a bit different. Not in performance, really, but in the way they look and feel.

At the same time, though, consumers are really hesitant about buying a car that they’ll regret. It’s such a big purchase, it feels very different than buying a pair of purple uggs that might only be in style for a month or two.

Concept cars, then, are an assertion by the company: here’s where we think we’re going, thanks for paying attention, car nerds! Tell the others. We’re here to entertain you, have fun. We know it’s outlandish today, but by exposing you to these features over and over for five or ten years, by the time the cars actually arrive, you’ll say “of course,” not, “what’s that?”

They’re normalizing design progress. Making it safe over time.
As you’ve probably guessed, this doesn’t only work for cars.

Any idea that needs to move from early adopters to the masses can benefit from a preview that simultaneously delights the nerds while warming up the masses for what’s to come.

The Waikato NZEI Principal Council, has 4 scholarships to cover the registration costs to attend the NZEI Rural and Teaching Principals conference in Hamilton this year.

Available to any U1, U2 or U3 Principal within the Waikato area and who is a member of NZEI and is planning on attending the conference held May 29-31.

Each scholarship will cover the cost of registration valued at $650. Transport accommodation and Meals are the responsibility of the attendee.

Please email your interest in the scholarship to Scott Wilson from Puahue School by March 13th 2018;

swilson@puahue.school.nz

subject line: NZEI Rrural and Teaching Principal Scholarship

Your Name
School Name
U size

Recipients will be notified once drawn and results of the successful recipients will be published in the WPA Monday mailing 18th March 2019.

Regards,

Scott Wilson
Principal Puahue School
www.puahue.school.nz
07 872 1838
021 2149336