Feedback from the voice collection from students at Mapua School in 2020 was analysed by the staff in Term 4, 2020. It came to light that the main area which will make learning more beneficial for students revolves around relationships.

They thought that relationships between students and relationships between students and teachers were very important. This falls squarely in line with the relationships-based learning approach we have been undertaking through our Community of Learning (Kahui Ako) with our associate schools.

Last year the staff brainstormed how we could improve relationships through the school and the wider community. This was revisited at our Teacher Only Day and we have made some changes as a result:

1. We have set up buddy classes (see photos below of one in action) so that teachers can buddy up and children from across the different levels can meet the younger/older students to share their learning. This will be changed each term so that a wide variety of levels and students can build positive relationships.
2. Teachers will read to a different class each week for 15 mins (Term 3 onwards), so that students can meet the teachers at the school, not only to break down any barriers or misconceptions which might have formed but to impart a friendly face to all.
3. He Waka eke noa is currently running each Thursday morning for 45 minutes. This is a programme where house groups work together in a tuakana/teina situation to create a shared piece of dance/drama/storytelling/art for Matariki. This will be an opportunity for mixing students and teachers, which in turn should build positive relationships.
4. An effort to be made to share work with children of other syndicates - with rich discussions about the learning.
5. Children surveyed also wanted a consistent approach to behaviour management throughout the school, something the staff is currently developing.

Alongside the relationships with the students, staff have been challenged to really consider the needs of other staff and how we interact with each other. There already have been incredibly positive impacts within teams after this was brought to light.

Our goal is to have children happy, kind, thoughtful, compassionate, self-directed learners. We really hope our focus on relationships this year will go a long way to help to produce outstanding citizens.

Simon Clearwater

Mapua School.