Te Rangihakahaka

Attended our school's Te Rangihakahaka wananga at Paratehoata-Te Kohea marae. Where we experienced the marae setting and deepened our knowledge of Ngati Whakaue identity, language and culture through various korero about whakapapa, tikanga and whenua. We also learnt about the setting and significance of Ohinemutu and various other places in and around Rotorua, including the stories around the street names in the CBD. From the wananga experience we reflected and considered what we had learnt and how we can use this new learning within the school community and classroom, and what support is needed.

Managing change transition

Attended a two day course facilitated by Vikram Murthy on managing transitional change. This involved looking at different types of change and how organisations and individuals perceptive, react and respond to change. We questioned and self analysed our own organisations through many self tests and assessments and gave feedback and presentations of our findings/data. A force field analysis of the driving forces for change and the resisters for change was conducted for both the school and individuals. The effect of change on organisations and individuals was explored and the transitioning process identified. Changing output or skills or people didn't have as profound effect as changing a culture which needed complete change. One aspect that came from this was the need to have a vision that was actually attainable and measurable and the importance of all staff sharing, fostering and working towards the vision and believing in it and it's attainability.

Growing the Brain

Attended the course/talk below on what children's brains need to optimize learning.  

connected Rotorua meet

Friday evening meeting with people of Connected Rotorua.  Looking at ways of doing RTC on line. Discussed different ways of recording evidence. Also questioned ownership of material etc if leaving school if using on Blogger who owns it. Also security of pictures and videos  of children could be an issue.Shared my own RTC with the group.

Connected Educator month

Have been taking part in connected educator month and as part of this have been doing PD on-line and also attended the U-learn mobile day in the holidays, which i attended a workshop on Google apps for use on the Ipad and Torbay school presenting about BYOD. Still not sure about the ability and use of Google apps on the I pads, need to look at other way to collaborate, also need to look at task first rather than tool. As for BYOD not sure if we need to specify a device as this limits, however, would be good to have information for parents of what we are doing and what we may need and to offer some sort of package to lease or buy. As part of connected educator month students in my class have taken part in passing the blog, a blog which showcases Rotorua and is been commented on and accessed globally.

http://connectedrotoruaschools.blogspot.co.nz/

Recent Professional development

Taking part in the above which involves being connected with thousands of educators across New Zealand to partake in professional learning events and to access resources and connect with different communities. Taking part in a month long learning event involving taking part in events each day to complete a kete of PD

Attended Excel Rotorua "what does success look like?" in cooperation with Massey University worked on defining what and how success and progress will be and mean and hoe it can be measured. Felt a little out of my depth with so many distinguished guests at first. However by the end felt our school's input was more than valid and welcomed. Left excited about the future and hopeful that the initiative of having every child connected and access to a devise will be acted upon sooner rather than later.

Had a week trialing BYOD in the classroom, highlighted what we would need to implement to initiate a programme of BYOD.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Bx2pZgQDmDHKJ7lI6v6ffX-_B5ZmYTbiV3BZHO9NLQo/pub

TOD- PACT trial, had PD around what it is and for and how to use it with students. From this I quickly realized that there were areas/strands that needed to be learnt more. Also that we can't teach strands in isolation and at specified times of the year. We need to be using the different strands regularly and using them to enhance and confirm number knowledge and use of strategy.

Maths PD with Bruce Moody around fractions and games and activities to motivate and engage and reaffirm learning. From this have added to independent activities table.

Attended Connected Rotorua workshop on E-portfolios at Selwyn school.

Book parade

Was asked to help MC the book parade during book week. Liased with colleagues and delivered a fun event. Managed and guided children and questioned them about their costumes. Introduced and collaborated with the judges. Used humour and actions to enhance event.