Organisation logo

Kōtui Ako | Virtual Learning Network Aotearoa

VLN Primary Pānui June 2022

Nau mai, haere mai ki te Kura Tuatahi - Akonga Aka Mariko

Kia ora koutou katoa, Kia orāna, Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Nĭ hăo 你好, Annyoung haseyo 안녕하세요, Namaste, Assalām alaikum, Hola, Bonjour, Hallo!

💫⭐Now the shortest day has passed and we celebrate Matariki, I hope you and your whānau are keeping well 🌟💫

Our team have been busy reflecting on the year so far and planning for the year ahead. We have been giving and receiving feedback to ensure our ākonga are successful in their learning as we begin our preparations for Semester 2.

As Gifted Awareness Week has just passed (13-17 June) our Gifted lead teacher Jen shares some of the highlights from our learners. These classes are humming with engaging and reflective discussion and inspiring projects. Students are tapping into their interests and connecting with others.

This pānui contains all you need to know about registering for Semester 2 programmes including information on funding support available (registrations close next Monday 27 June)

A big thank you to the Ministry of Education for continuing our Gifted Learner funding till the end of the year. Also for their support for our trial funding initiative for U1 - 3 schools. We have already received a lot of interest from schools and anticipate a busier than usual mid-year. Evaluation of this initiative will help inform future funding models for VLN online learning. 

To strengthen capacity in our team two new specialist roles are being created. These roles specifically address the growing needs in the areas of Digital Technologies and Mātauranga Māori. More information about the kaiako Māori role is in this pānui and in the Edgazette here, and here for Digital Tech. If you know someone with these skills and experience please encourage them to apply.

A reminder that Kōtuitui Network of Expertise supports online teaching and learning. Read more about funding available for teachers and follow Kōtuitui on Facebook or Twitter to keep in the loop about how you can participate, contribute and access PLD opportunities.

Over the Back Fence update us on their recent connection with Indonesian students. Find out more about this exciting learning event and how you can participate in these kinds of global connections.

Finally we acknowledge Dr Michael Barbour, from our Governance team. Michael has contributed to the VLN and online learning in Aotearoa over many years through his work with us, contributions to research, select committee submissions and professional support. It's great to see him honored as a Leader and Legend of Online Learning. Listen to the podcast to hear more of his story.

Mānawatia a Matariki 

Rachel, Lucie, Jen and the team

Contents

Josh set to introduce himself in the virtual classroom

Registrations for Semester 2 online learning are open now

by Rachel Whalley

Find out all the important information on how to register, what you need to do to prepare and support your learners and funding support available. Current participating schools and new schools please read carefully and note actions you need to take.

Visit this article

Gifted Awareness Week - a time to reflect on success & next steps

by Jenni Hammonds

With the dawning of Matariki, it’s a perfect time to reflect on what we’re providing for gifted learners, how it's going in our eyes, but more importantly the opinions of students and their schools.

Visit this article

Going deeper for gifted learners - Semester 2

by Rachel Whalley

VLN Primary has recognised the need for affordable and specific opportunities for Gifted & Talented students to better understand themselves as learners. Our Gifted Learner programme funding highly subsidises school membership and student participation.

Visit this article
Rural Schools are special schools!

Funding support for U1 - U3 schools

by Rachel Whalley

This trial funding initiative is aimed at reducing barriers for small rural schools in gaining equitable access to a rich curriculum through online learning. Thanks to the MOE for recognising this need and supporting schools to participate in VLN classes.

Visit this article
Kapa Haka Kōtiro - Viscount School

e tu, te reo Māori kaiako!

by Rachel Whalley

Do you have a sound knowledge of te reo, tikanga & mātauranga Māori? Are you an experienced registered teacher with a high level of digital fluency? We would love you to join our team!

Visit this article

PLD funding support for teachers

by Rachel Whalley

Kōtuitui is pleased to offer funding to support teachers' research, inquiry, collaborative projects, resource development and PLD in online teaching and learning.

Visit this article
OtBF - Indonesian connection

Over the Back Fence Update

by Rachel Whalley

A combination of 51 Kiwi, Indonesian-Kiwi Rosmini College students and students from Surabaya, Indonesia, met up recently for a 90 minute exchange.

Visit this article
Dr Michael Barbour

Leaders and Legends of Online Learning Podcasts

by Katherine Stewart

This week, the popular podcast series features Michael Barbour, keynote speaker from our Nex Hui in December 2021.

Visit this article