Primary and secondary teachers working together at our staff only day - Hē Rā Kāhui Ako

On Thursday Wellington College hosted Hē Rā Kāhui Ako, which is a day of coming together of secondary school and primary school teachers from our Kāhui Ako. Our combined focus of developing student agency, culturally sustaining practice, and wellbeing was supported by an excellent keynote address by Dr Nina Hood, who delivered an overview of the science of learning and all the benefits and nuances that this involves, followed by a very entertaining and comprehensive presentation from Wellington Girl's College and Wellington College on literacy.

Throughout the day, multiple presentations were held by teachers for teachers, to share educational ideas and approaches. This was a great day of connection and critical thinking for our kaiako and we thank all of the hardworking staff behind the scenes who organised the day.

Spotlight on Learning- Progressive and Achievement Tests (PATs)

Earlier this term we used the PATs to supplement our assessments of students' progress and achievement. And as educators, we understand a single test should always be considered alongside other assessment information. This is the first time both Year 3 and Year 4 have been asked to complete a PAT, and the first time they have been offered online for all our Year 3-8 students, so support with allowing students time to learn how to log into a computer, find a web browser and log in to the website was also accounted for. 

The Moa, Takahē and Kiwi teachers have met together and looked at the information from these reports. We have identified areas to target. Tamariki at either end of the curve have been identified and will be supported or extended.

We use these results to help inform our teaching and learning programmes. This includes looking at the strengths and areas we need to focus on in our teaching. Overall, we were impressed by the results. An example of this was for our Year 8 cohort in maths, they were above the national norm in every question in this PAT which is an outstanding result.

Geometry and Measurement and Algebra were where they were at their strongest across the board.

Our Year 4 cohort have strengths in:

• Calculating two digits by two-digit addition

• Finding the axis of symmetry on a kite-shape

• Organising data into a bar graph

• Recognising ⅓ of a group of objects

• Algebraic equations, find the value of an unknown in an equation and continue a repeating pattern

The next steps being:

• Calculate what day the 1st of November will fall on, given a calendar for October (integrated into our day-to-day learning, by using a calendar in class)

• Match a digital time with an analogue time (can be integrated throughout the day)

Takahē Camp Sharing

We enjoyed seeing whānau come in and visit the Takahē today to see the tamariki sharing their 'Me & Camp Projects' as well as some other work that they have done during the term. There is a wonderful display on the wall outside our school library of camp photos and camp recounts.

Kiwi Open Afternoon

Kiwi whānau are invited into school, to talk with their child about their learning on Thursday 11 April, anytime between 3pm - 4 pm (this is the final Thursday of Term One).

You will see your child's finished Coat of Arms, and read their explanation of what it's all about. Your child might like to show you some other examples of their awesome mahi this term, particularly in maths, art and literacy. 

School Cross Country

This is planned for the 6th May, week 2 of next term. We are planning to hold this at the Prince of Wales Park which has reopened. Over the holiday break, we encourage your child to get some practice runs in. We will send out more information closer to the event.

Building Update

I've just had a tour of the newly renovated classrooms in Tūī Wha and Tūī Rima, the heat pumps are being installed and the carpet and autex are complete. They are looking fabulous. We intend to book movers in to move all the classroom furniture next Friday 12 April. We have ordered classroom whiteboard cupboards for these rooms. These will take a few weeks to be delivered.

The Takahē toilets will be complete by the end of this week. This will mean all our building work will be complete for the time being.

Anzac Day 

Brooklyn’s Anzac Day commemoration will be held at Brooklyn School on 25 April commencing at 10.30am, after which light refreshments will be served at the Community Centre followed by the laying of the wreath at the war memorial on Sugarloaf Hill. The Community Centre is organising this and is looking for volunteers to help out on the day. Please contact the Community Centre if you can help.

We hope you had a relaxing Easter break and that this break helps with the sickness that is around the school. The term ends on the 12 April and term 2 begins on Monday 29 April.