As one door closes, another opens...

While it has been a rollercoaster ride, it has been a pleasure to have been given the opportunities that have come with the Across Kāhui Lead Role over the past two years. Time will tell of the lens that we look back on this time of education upheaval; however, when you’ve been around for a while, you come to realise that you never quite know what is around the corner or what the next curve ball will be.

Highlights:

Feedback from schools has been that the opportunities offered to learners have had a positive impact on self-esteem, attitude and behaviour. This has been witnessed both in the classroom and at home. It was evident, particularly with one of our swimmers, where the Kaiako saw a direct improvement in the classroom, due to being given the opportunity to step up and improve her swimming skills.

I have seen a growth in social-emotional skills within the small robotics groups across two schools. The Digital Technology Component focused on algorithms, programming and debugging; Through this, the learners developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The outcome was enhanced resilience, collaboration and positive relationships.

Seeing our Learn Create Share pedagogy in action with our kids, through Matatiki, has been really exciting. Being creative, harnessing literacy skills and seeing the ākonga get excited about learning through engaging experiences and rich discussions; Visual Language Skills in design and colour. Writing Skills, such as setting and character development, using AI and 3D printing to bring their brainstorms to life. Watching the excitement when students listened to the podcasts that they had collaborated to write and edit was a particular highlight. Many of these learners didn’t see themselves as successful writers, yet they won awards for “Maintaining the theme throughout”, “Best Hook”, etc. Core writing skills were in action. On the night of the awards at Tūranga, Uru Mānuka monopolised the room. We had four schools take the stage on the night, some taking great prizes back for their schools. Among these, St Bernadette’s won a prize which enabled them to design and print Leavers Gear for their year eight students.

Personal Growth

Engaging in critical learning dialogues that challenge thinking and collaborative problem solving has been an opportunity I have relished. Developing relationships with fellow leaders across the wider Canterbury region has brought access to key resources and information that I have been able to disseminate to others, both within our Kāhui and beyond. The Canterbury Kāhui Ako Cluster Leadership Network, Grow Waitaha and Core Education have enabled this to happen.

I have been working closely with the GCSN and the Library Learning Team. Bouncing idea to ensure that not only do our ākonga get the benefits of a programme tailored to their needs, but also improve the programmes themselves for the betterment of all. This week, I  was asked to take a group of students to Matatiki to pilot a new podcasting initiative for the Library Learning Team, as they too are making adjustments to the way they deliver. They found it immensely valuable to be able to adjust and prototype while offering a quality learning opportunity to a group of our students. This very well may turn out to be a continued partnership in future.

Challenges:

Moving forward, I need to be more confident and assertive in making things happen, rather than running around trying to accommodate everyone.

An example of this is liaising with teachers for timetabling and trying to make things work for everyone,  rather than giving schools the options and putting the onus on the teachers to take up times on a first-come in first-served basis. Effective use of my time by others was a constant battle. Scheduled times would be taken up by finding equipment or students. I’d often arrive to find the students or classes had another commitment, and nobody had notified me.

Extension swimming squad. Utilising Matitiki, a small group of students with potential received weekly coaching throughout term 3, enhancing their swimming ability before Zones early next year. Dedication to this initiative was disappointing. Most weeks only saw four to six students present. Forgotten togs saw students listening poolside. The candidates weren’t all of the calibre that was expected either. Some were learning to float with a kickboard, rather than being swimmers with potential at Zones. The instructor was fantastic and divided them into two ability groups. The Matatiki team also provided information on options for funding for continued lessons for one swimmer who grew immensely in technique as well as self-confidence.

What next?

Sustaining Good Practice Through Collaboration.  Moving forward, we need to be utilising our Cluster Connections to maintain momentum. 

Opportunities from other agencies, such as the Library Learning Team, GCSN, etc, could be distributed via the Leaders of Learning. GCSN have a wealth of funded opportunities that our schools have taken advantage of. They can fund up to four programmes per school, per year. I would really encourage principals to forward the GCSN opportunity emails out to all Kaimahi and continue to utilise them moving forward.

If getting a group of learners to Matitiki is a barrier, the GCSN Podcasting Kit has everything you need to create professional-sounding podcasts with students (including easy-to-follow instructions). 

For my own professional growth, I need to ensure a clarity of shared vision, backed by a clear key action plan, underpinned by appropriate timeframes.

I am taking up an opportunity for leadership coaching next year to continue to develop these skills as I transition back to being a classroom teacher.