COLAB, our inaugural combined Teacher Only Day for our Pupuke Kāhui Ako, was held at Westlake Boys’ High School on Friday June 4. A bluebird winter’s day greeted over 500 Pupuke teachers who came together to share ideas, initiatives, and best practices designed to make a difference and drive change within our community.

The day itself was bookended by two outstanding keynote speakers - clinical psychologist, former teacher and author of the Bonsai Child, Judith Locke, and consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer in psychological medicine at the University of Auckland, Dr Tony Fernando.

In addition to the keynote addresses, 35 workshops and 18 professional kōrero, facilitated by a combination of Across School Leaders, Within School Leaders and teachers from within our community, combined to cement a superb day of collaboration and learning.

“It was such a great day - a day of learning, making connections and reconnecting. It was about ako and whanaungatanga. I am still buzzing after hearing Dr Judith Locke who was completely worth bringing over from Australia!
Sue Cattell – Principal of Milford School

“Dr Judith Locke got our attention from the start, she used her wit to engage the audience, and you could relate it to both your parenting and your teaching – I think she was the best speaker I’ve heard at Westlake.”
Fiona Scanlen – Gateway/STAR co-ordinator at WBHS

“One of the best professional learning days I have been to. Very well organised and lots of choice. Great to make connections with other teachers.” Loren Morris at Milford School

It was great to be able to share what we have been doing with a range of teachers from around our community. The experience of delivering a workshop was fantastic!
Karl Jorgensen – Teacher, WSL, 2ic English at WBHS

“My colleagues have all been raving about the workshops and the excellent choice of keynote speakers. It was also a great opportunity to encourage WSLs and other teachers to step out of their comfort zone and present and we received great support and encouragement in this area.”
Eugenie Middleton - Head of Music and WSL at Milford School