11 April 2025

We have high expectations regarding academic achievement at our school. For this to be the case teachers are constantly evaluating progress and their own and others' practice.

In the last week - with a focus on micro goals in writing - teachers have videoed themselves teaching a lesson. The next steps will be to review themselves and self assess against particular criteria and then sit with a 'buddy teacher' who will help them analyse what the strengths were, areas for improvement and links to student outcomes. So, like the children, teachers have more lofty goals and also their own micro goals, the little steps.

I've heard that change can be equated with growth. I guess it's how you frame things. We are thoughtfully managing countrywide curriculum changes and making sure we keep the pizazz! Rich, authentic learning experiences need to continue to be highlighted or we may as well be situated anywhere other than here! If you were in assembly last week you would've have witnessed Autahi becoming drain experts in the local environment... this is all part of the Inquiry 'Explorers of the World'.

The seniors have been very involved in map making and building collections as part of this topic and Tautoru focused on exploring whānau connections, emotions and the physical body.

With richness in mind we are thrilled that we will be launching our Whetūkairangi Curriculum in Term 2. While we were proud of our current 'local curriculum' it was time for a refresh and a changing gear. What we will be sharing with you I'm sure will feel like us, like it fits and also provide impetus for constantly 'raising the bar' and providing quality teaching and learning in all things academic, social, emotional, physical and maybe even spiritual - in it's widest sense - beauty and awe!

It's been a big term and now it's time for a 2 week wind down before accelerator mode once more.

Have a lovely break, thank you for all of your support this term.

Ngā mihi nui