10 February 2023

We started with 2 'school days' and doubled it to 4 this week. We will be increasing by 1 day next week ... that makes.... I think the teachers will tell me I am operating at the early stages in terms of number knowledge with this Maths problem! 


In terms of Maths - we set school wide ‘targets’ annually based on the analysis of the previous end of year data. This year, as well as delivering the full repertoire Maths programme, a specific focus will be on number knowledge and place value which underpins a lot of other learning.


Writing achievement continues to be a national area of need - and we are part of this trend as our Writing achievement remains a little lower than Reading and Maths in general. Learning to write is hard. Responding to feedback requires a degree of Grit, Open Mindedness and Perseverance. AND it can be SO much fun. Many years ago - I'm talking over 20 ++ ... I was part of a national team of 8 for a couple of years that were tasked with working with schools and developing tools to lift achievement in Writing. One fifth of a century later, some things remain fairly constant, it seems. Also linking to Reading, we are all geared up to crack this nut..... with a spring in our step. This is the main area for Teachers' 'Professional Growth Cycle' (PCG) work this year. (Apologies, our profession must be up there when it comes to acronyms.)


Other big areas for us in 2023 as a kura is our work in Te Ao Māori, Wellbeing/Positive Education, Diversity and Inclusion and Local Curriculum development as we look to work within the new National Education Learning Priorities  (NELPS) for Aotearoa/NZ.


In the next 2 weeks, you will be meeting with teachers and your child/ren to set goals for the year that are meaningful and relevant to them and their age and stage. We will do our very best to use limited jargon, to absorb your child's and your desires and make a meaningful plan. It won't be exact science but I'm sure it will create momentum and a shared understanding. Whatever the NELP, whatever the PGC focus, whatever the annual goal or target ...... it only is useful when it translates and becomes real in the classroom, in our daily work with your child - we want them to be engaged, curious, confident, to take risks, to know who they are, to do good and feel good.


Big aspirations, yes - but gets us out of bed in the morning - most definitely!