12 April 2021

Newsletter Articles

Principals supporting Principals… Principals supporting Principles!

Morena,

Happy final week of term 1!
Enjoy your ‘term break’.

Nga Mihi
Chrissy Wakeman
Orini Combined School

A message from Marcus

Kia Ora Kotou

Most you have probably read NZPF President Perry Rush’s message regarding Initial Teacher Education (ITE). This was a topic explored at the NZPF Moot last month and I would like to acknowledge Stuart Armistead for the presentation he presented on the issues with current ITE models. Stuart provided a detailed overview of some of the short comings of the current ITE model. This is not just a Normal School or Model School problem; I think it is something the entire sector needs to be addressing. Stuart’s view is the University’s need to engage with the sector to establish what the needs of a teacher in the 21st Century are. His view, which Perry reiterates, this is best delivered by experienced practitioners with recent experience, not theorists and researchers. Hopefully the universities are listening to this message and the sector can have greater input into how ITE is provided.

The Trans-Tasman bubble has finally been implemented which means we are able to host Andrew Jones for an extra Connections Day on the 14th of May. Andy has organised an amazing programme for the day. The basic Kaupapa is looking at systems review but putting our (principals) well-being at the center of the process. Andy’s view is “we can’t be good if we’re not well and we can’t be well if we’re not good”. The day is for principals and leadership teams. Booking details are on the WPA website, I look forward to seeing you all there.

The programme for our partnership day with Sport Waikato is almost finalized as well. This day is heavily subsidized by Sport Waikato and the plan is that curriculum leaders of Health & Physical Education will also attend. My understanding is Sport Waikato will cover the reliever costs for one teacher per school if you would bring your Health &PE leader. I will confirm this closer to the time.

Finally, I hope everyone has an enjoyable and restful term break. I think we have all earned it. Make sure you take some quality time out for yourselves. A group of us are going fishing so don’t be surprised if there is some banter about the ‘ones that got away’ at our next connection.

Nga mihi

Marcus Freke
WPA President

WPA Dates

Bonus Extra Connections Day with Andy Jones!

Andy will be holding a School Leadership Health and Wellbeing Workshop,
Developing a Whole School approach to School Leader Health and Wellbeing
to be held on Friday 14th May at FMG Stadium Waikato

Register now via the WPA Website!

Learning Lab

Leaving a high-flying job in consulting, Angela Lee Duckworth took a job teaching math to seventh graders in a New York public school. She quickly realized that IQ wasn't the only thing separating the successful students from those who struggled. Here, she explains her theory of "grit" as a predictor of success.

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