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He aroha whakatō, he aroha ka puta mai.
If kindness is sown, then kindness is what you shall receive.
Kia ora e te whānau
The big news this week has been the findings of the latest ERO research which looked at the new Digital Technologies Curriculum, and how ready we are, as a profession, to implement it.
Before I talk about that, I want to first acknowledge the heightened interest in this year’s NZPF Executive elections: Two years ago, we had a record number of nominations for the National Executive and this year, you have broken that record again! It is great to see so many of you eager to serve your colleagues on the Executive and bring fresh ideas to keep our Federation relevant, vital and up to date. Congratulations to all the candidates who have generously put their names forward to ensure the voice for principals is constantly invigorated.
The names of all nominees for the 2019 NZPF Executive elections has been posted to the NZPF website, and you can access them here.
The elections are administered by Electionz.com. If you are a financial member of NZPF as at 24 August 2019, you will be emailed voting instructions together with profile statements of all candidates, prior to the start of voting. If you are not currently an NZPF financial member but want to participate in the elections, then please contact our national office ASAP.
Voting will open on Friday 30 August and close at noon on Thursday 19 September.
Digital Technologies Curriculum
The ERO report released late last week, has uncovered findings that would indicate most schools will not be ready to implement the Digital Technologies Curriculum in 2020 as expected. Over one third of schools surveyed indicated they have no understanding of how to implement this new curriculum. Other issues uncovered include that principals are finding relevant PLD difficult to access and resources are lacking.
I am also concerned about whether we have the teacher capability across all of our schools to grasp the content of this new curriculum subject. It is not about using technology, which schools do now, it is about designing technological solutions and computational thinking. Many teachers will be starting from the lowest level of knowledge in this area and will need to slowly progress through to where they can teach students to:
‘’independently decompose a computational problem into an algorithm that they use to create a program incorporating inputs, outputs, sequence, selection and iteration.’’
Given the limitations on PLD and resources, it is unlikely that many will be ready to competently teach the design of technological solutions by the start of next year. I am, however, confident that all schools will have plans in place to get this important area of learning underway.
I have written a column on this topic for the Term Three NZ Principal magazine. That is due in your schools next week.
I hope you are all surviving the volatile weather patterns we’ve had lately and are looking forward to the milder Spring which is just around the corner.
Ngā manaakitanga
Whetu Cormick
whetu@nzpf.ac.nz
APPA-NZPF Trans-Tasman Conference 2020
Next year's conference will be held in Melbourne from 15 - 18 September 2020.
Watch this video to find out more!
Spirit of Gold Mufti Day - Friday 23 August
Paralympics New Zealand are marking 1 year until the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. They have a shortfall in funding of $1.1 million and are asking for the support of New Zealand schools to get the New Zealand Paralympic Team to Tokyo.
It's simple - wear gold and make a gold coin donation to support the New Zealand Paralympic Team and help them identify future Paralympians through our community Para sport development programmes.
They have developed an extensive toolkit including a range of resources and activities to use in the lead up to and during the Mufti Day. The toolkit will assist to introduce Kiwi students to Para sport, Para athletes and positively influence perceptions of disabled people.
Schools can register their involvement by emailing spiritofgold@paralympics.org.nz
Global Challenge - Registrations close Today!
The International Confederation of Principals and Virgin Pulse partner to bring you the next Global Challenge, starting on 4 September 2019.
The Global Challenge provides a team-based challenge that improves employees' health, as well as workplace culture and is also fun and simple to roll out.
The 12-month membership fee of AUD$65+GST per person includes an activity-tracking device and access to personalised advice for nutrition, mental wellbeing and sleep.
To get involved, click here to register and find out more.
MACs - Calling for Expressions of Interest
The NZPF and Te Akatea are pleased to announce expansion of the Maori Achievement Collaboratives (MACS) principal professional learning and development kaupapa. We are calling for expressions of interest to participate from the beginning of 2020. We hope to provide this kaupapa in regions not currently catered for, including Wellington and Southland/Otago.
Please go to www.mac.ac.nz and complete the expression of interest form. If you would like further information contact hoana@mac.ac.nz phone 021 0664152
NZCLW 2019 - Get Involved!
New Zealand Chinese Language Week runs from 22-28 September 2019.
Show your support for NZCLW by organising an event or involving students in activities in the classroom.
Displaying NZCLW 2019 posters around your school is a great way to show your support for New Zealand Chinese Language Week. This year the posters feature thirteen common phrases, translated from Mandarin to English.
Click here for ideas and resources that can be used in school.
NZPF assures its business partners that, as members, you will contact them to have a conversation if you are purchasing products, services or solutions for your schools that a business partner supplies. Please support our partners as their assistance to NZPF means better membership services to you.
