New Zealand Principals' Federation eNewsletter

E ea ai te werawera o Tāne tahuaroa, me heke te werawera o Tāne te wānanga

Satisfy the sweat of the cooks by getting a good sweat up while learning

This whakatoki expresses the mutuality of responsibilities in our lives. Our efforts must be linked and not seen or experienced in isolation (Dr Hinemoa Elder)

Our young tamariki are our singular focus. Extensive support sits behind each one of them. The most important support comes from the teachers and principals who guide them. Our young people are at the centre of everything we do. Their dreams, ambitions, and educational experiences are our priority. Teachers and principals deserve all the support we can give them and they deserve our nation’s gratitude too.

Government decisions and resources directly affect the quality of education children receive. That means education policies and investment must align with the best interests of our learners, educators, and school leaders. Our education system relies on a harmonious partnership between these three vital elements: young people and whanau, educators, and Government. Together, we can create a brighter future for all New Zealanders.

Celebrating Kapa Haka: Our Tamariki, their Whanau and their Supporters

Te Mana Kuratahi, the highly anticipated biennial national primary schools Kapa Haka competition, is currently taking place in Nelson. This year the competition is hosted by Te Tauihu o te Waka a Māui. Te Mana Kuratahi is a celebration of the countless hours spent preparing and nurturing our young talent. Hundreds of devoted volunteers have selflessly given their time to ensure that the Kapa Haka brackets are performed with utmost pride in Aotearoa's rich culture, language, and heritage.

A total of 46 kapa haka groups, representing 16 regions across New Zealand, will gather for a spirited 4-day competition, from October 30 to November 2, at Nelson's Trafalgar Centre. Expect a captivating showcase of dynamic haka, enchanting poi, and melodic waiata as the nation's top primary school Kapa Haka groups take the stage. We wish our young tamariki, their whānau, and their supporters an unforgettable few days, where every performance will shine with absolute excellence.

Our Teachers and Principals

Last week, we joined with our NZEI colleagues to observe Mana Kaiako Teachers' Day on Friday, October 27. Schools nationwide united in a heartwarming display of appreciation for their teachers, acknowledging the profound mahi they undertake. Teaching is often described as a calling or vocation, as it undoubtedly summons the most compassionate and selfless individuals within our society. It's imperative to extend our sincere gratitude to teachers for consistently answering this noble call.

Today, marks Te Ra o Tumeke Tumuaki - A celebration of school principals. We recognize the pivotal role principals play in shaping the future of our young people. While teaching is a calling or vocation, one could say that aspiring to be a principal is about embracing the profound responsibility of stewardship and leadership of the educational journey. Principals are not just administrators; they are the guiding lights, the visionaries, and the unwavering pillars of our schools.

They lead with wisdom, compassion, and determination, setting the course for both teachers and students. Principals are champions of innovation and change, working tirelessly to create a nurturing and dynamic environment for learning. Their dedication extends beyond mere management; it encompasses the desire to see every child reach their full potential.

On this special day, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Principals across the nation. Your unwavering commitment to educational excellence, your ability to inspire, and your tireless efforts to make our schools better places for our children do not go unnoticed. Your service is a testament to your leadership, and your impact ripples across the generations, shaping the future of our society. Thank you for your dedication and for answering the call to lead with passion, purpose, and unwavering commitment.

Our Government

In anticipation of a new Government, New Zealanders wait with patience. This process may take some time, but behind the scenes, various essential preparations are underway to ensure a seamless transition for the Incoming Minister of Education. The Ministry is diligently working on comprehensive briefings, of the multilayered education system, ranging from finance, legal matters, infrastructure, assets and curriculum. These briefings will serve as invaluable information, offering the incoming Minister insights into the developments and challenges of the past six years under the former Government’s leadership.

In tandem with these preparations, NZPF is committed to crafting its own briefing for the in-coming Minister. This document will encapsulate the key advocacy initiatives and aspirations that NZPF has championed over the past few years. Our statements align closely with the six principles we recently shared with you. We anticipate that the Minister will express a keen interest in engaging with us to better understand the critical matters at hand. We eagerly look forward to the opportunity for constructive dialogue and collaboration as together we strive to make our education system the very best for our nation’s young people.

Ngā Pou E Whā

To listen, to learn, to act.

Pou Tahi - Te Kaiarahitanga / Leadership

Tracy Fraser, Stephanie Thompson, Jason Miles, Leanne Otene

Mā tō Ngākau, mā tō hinengaro, ka hikitia ngāi tātou te iwi Māori

A Decade of Changing Hearts and Minds

In Tāmaki Makaurau earlier this month, four hundred and fifty MAC leaders attended the Māori Achievement Collaborative’s National Hui-a-Tau. The theme for the conference was Tino Rangatiratanga, explored in a range of different contexts.

Tumuaki, kaimahi and kaiako from all over the motu came to network and hear from some of Aotearoa’s leading academics and school leaders. With korero that ranged from how to re-indigenise our spaces to the practical steps we can take to revitalise te reo Māori in our kura, this kaupapa asked everyone to challenge the status quo and be courageous about how they lead and teach.

The attendees were privileged to have a private screening of the movie “Tātarakihi; The Children of Parihaka'', introduced by Whaea Jean Hikaka, which followed a group of Taranaki children undertaking an emotional, modern-day pilgrimage to the South Island jails, where their ancestors were exiled and forced to labour. This experience broadened thinking about what a culturally rich local curriculum could look like.

A special celebration dinner acknowledged the tenth anniversary of the Māori Achievement Collaborative as an organisation, and specifically honoured those individuals who have been central to the creation and growth of the kaupapa in those 10 years.

From humble beginnings in 2013 with 47 tumuaki, MAC now caters for 10 regions and supports more than 480 tumuaki.

Pou Rua - Te Marautanga / Curriculum

Heidi Hayward, Karen Brisco, Jen Rodgers and Blair Dravitski

Update to our work:

The NZPF national executive has met for the first time since the general election. We have been informed that the out-going Government continues to lead the country until the in-coming Government is sworn in. During this period, our day-to-day business continues as normal, but the regionally led engagement activities planned will be delayed.

Region	Engagements	Timing	Topics
Northland	12 sessions with individual schools, one with a kāhui ako, and one with the Far North Principals’ Association (date tbc).	Oct – Nov	All delivering TOD train the trainer activities.
Auckland	27 sessions with schools, kahui ako and clusters in the lead up period. 34 engagements within the TOD window. Note: hui planned also with North Shore and the West Auckland Principals’ Associations.	Oct - Dec	Face to face engagement with schools and kahui ako around Te Mātaiaho, the CPM, and strengthening literacy and numeracy. Subject-specific online hui offered by NCEA Implementation Facilitators
Bay of Plenty	14 sessions with individual schools	Sept – Nov	Predominant focus on Te Mātaiaho, with four also covering CPM, and five focused on Te Marautanga o Aotearoa.
Waikato	27 sessions with individual schools, 2 with clusters	Oct – Dec	13 are TOD facilitation. Mostly focused on CPM, with some specific work on Te Takanga o Te Wa testing, Hei Raukura Mō te Mokopuna Action Plan and Ako framework.
Hawkes Bay	12 sessions with individual schools	Nov - Dec	TOD facilitation on Te Mātaiaho and CPM.
Manawatu	7 sessions, four online, three in person	Oct – Nov	All focused on Te Mātaiaho.
Greater Wellington	5 sessions, with a mix of participants including two kāhui ako	Oct - Nov	All focused on CPM and TOD preparation.
Nelson	26 sessions, include 16 leaders’ and seven schools’ hui	Sept - Nov	All focused on CPM and Te Mātaiaho. Note: Intermediate Principals’ PLD was held 18 Sept.
Canterbury	17 sessions with individual schools, and one kāhui ako	Oct – Jan	Includes six TOD prep sessions and 12 CPM train the trainer sessions.
Otago/Southland	5 sessions (two held online)	Oct	All TOD train the trainer sessions.

TOD #2 (Mon 13 Nov - Fri 24 Nov) remains as planned.

Next, we are seeking clarity on Te Marautanga o Aotearoa, Ako Framework and The Common Practice Model. This will occur after the incoming Minister is confirmed.

Pou Toru - Students / Ākonga / Inclusive Education

Shane Buckner, John Bangma, Phil Palfrey and Gavin Beere

Partner organisations for the 2024 Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) Conference, include NZPF, MOE, NZAIMS, NZSPANZ and NZEI. They are collaborating to ensure the success of this event. NZAIMS will lead the way in organising and coordinating the conference in 2024. To assist schools in preparing their plans and budgets for the upcoming conference, here are the key details:

Conference Details

Venue: The conference will be held at the prestigious Due Drop Conference Centre in Manukau, offering a convenient and central location for all attendees.

Dates: Mark your calendars for Monday, August 5th, and Tuesday, August 6th, 2024. The conference will span two informative and engaging days.

Accommodation: Several accommodation options are available, with 2-3 local hotels recommended for your stay. Consider booking rooms at Ramada, The Sebel, Manukau Motor Lodge, and other establishments near the airport to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay.

Key Personnel:

Conference Organiser: Julia Clancy, Eden Events, will be responsible for overseeing the logistical aspects of the conference.

Compere: Pio, a well-known, charismatic host, will lead the proceedings and keep your attention throughout the conference. His lively and engaging style will add a dynamic touch to the event.

This early announcement provides schools with ample time to plan, budget, and prepare for the 2024 PB4L Conference. We look forward to a productive and enriching experience, and we will keep you updated with further information as the conference approaches.

Pou Wha - Te Tikanga Ture/ Policy/ Systems

Hayley Read, Julie Hepburn, Cherie Taylor-Patel

Weather Emergency Readiness

This year, the Pou Wha team has met with representatives from Civil Defence to discuss ways we can support schools to prepare for weather emergencies. Combining recommendations from Civil Defence and the Ministry of Education, we have developed a form for you to use with your Health and Safety teams to prepare for a weather event. It asks you to scope your context, consider information and organization details to keep in one place, and the role you and your school might play in a weather event emergency. The goal is to be ready and responsive.

Te Rito

Te Rito is a national information-sharing exchange that enables information about ākonga and learners to follow them throughout their education journey. Myles Ferris and Graeme Barber (Co-Chairs) are very keen to speak to school leaders to explain the process of how to join and what it entails. Feel free to contact them anytime: Myles.Ferris@education.govt.nz, Graeme.Barber@education.govt.nz.

Purpose and Scope of School Attendance Regulation Review

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this review. Principals’ participation is critical, as you play a pivotal role in addressing attendance challenges and shaping the future of school attendance regulations. The Ministry invites your active involvement and collaboration to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive in our education system. To contribute, please contact Maria Kirkland at Maria.Kirkland@education.govt.nz or complete this form with your thoughts and ideas.

Provisional Roll Review

This is due by 17 November. You can find full details about how to submit a review on the website:

Provisional roll review – Ministry of Education

Your Mahi for Term 4

Download NZSTA's Principal Task Checklist, which covers the tasks you’ll need to undertake during Term 4 as the Board’s Chief Executive.

E ea ai te werawera o Tāne tahuaroa, me heke te werawera o Tāne te wānanga

Satisfy the sweat of the cooks by getting a good sweat up while learning

Ngā mihi,

Leanne

NZPF President

NZ Principal Magazine also Online

You and/or your team members can easily access the NZ Principal Magazines online, as an e-magazine or as a PDF. Additionally you can search for a previous issue, an article by title or by the author of the article. All magazines back to Term 1 2012 are available in this format. To view or search click here.