ICP Convention 2026: Call for Abstracts Now Open

Educational Leaders of Aotearoa: Share your Mahi Globally

The ICP World Convention 2026, to be hosted in Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland is seeking abstract submissions for break-out Workshops/Presentations (excluding Keynote Presentations).

Whether your mahi focuses on equity, innovation, Te Ao Māori perspectives, learning outside the classroom, or any other transformative educational practice - your insights can generate international debate. While the call for abstracts will be global, we are eager to showcase the exceptional work you are doing right here at home.

Submission deadline: 29 August 2025 [Submission link here]

For more comprehensive details on Abstract Submissions, click here.

This is our opportunity to demonstrate New Zealand's educational leadership on the world stage.

For those interested in hearing more from ICP, you can click here to read the most recent ICP Newsletter!

The School Onsite Training Programme (SOTP) is Back for 2026
From the Ministry of Education

The School Onsite Training Programme (SOTP) is returning in 2026!

The Ministry of Education has already started working with Initial Teacher Education (ITE) providers to kick off the funding application process — and we want you to be part of it.

What’s New?
The requirements for funded SOTP placements in 2026 have changed to better align with the Government’s current education priorities. 

🎓 Join the Ministry Webinar
The Ministry are inviting all primary and secondary school leaders to a webinar where they’ll walk through the updated requirements and what they mean for your school.

Date: Wednesday 30 July
Time: 4:00 – 5:00pm
🔗 [Click here to register and receive your meeting link] (insert link)

Visit the Ministry of Education website for more info!

Donations of books and educational games to Schools

Papawai Media is winding up the books and games section of their business and would like to donate remaining stock to schools. A list of the books and games appears below. The only cost to schools would be delivery, and if you are close by you could pick them up yourself. If this is of interest to you, contact Sue on: sue@papawai.co.nz

Click here for the list of available books and games!

International literacy specialists headline next month’s Auckland symposium as New Zealand schools enter a new era of literacy

The Cultivating the Literacy Landscape Symposium 2025, hosted by Learning MATTERS, is a high impact event designed for educators, leaders, and literacy specialists ready to embed structured, evidence-informed practice that lasts. Held in Auckland on the 20th and 21st of August, this is not about more change, it’s about doing what works strategically and sustaining it. Headlined by four internationally respected literacy leaders, Dr Kymyona Burk, Dr Daryl Michel, Natalie Wexler and Dr Lorraine Hammond this event is not to be missed.

“This symposium is about strategic implementation and sustained impact. We’re past the awareness stage. Schools now need clarity on how to embed Structured Literacy well across every classroom, with writing development included. We’ll also shine a light on the remarkable expertise we have right here in New Zealand.” Carla McNeil, General Manager, Learning MATTERS

These two days of collaborative learning include workshop sessions that support implementation at every level from classroom teaching to leadership and coaching. You will leave with concrete strategies and a clearer path forward.

Join a community of passionate professionals at the Cultivating the Literacy Landscape Symposium 2025 and be at the forefront of change.

Spaces are limited! For more information and secure your spot today go to www.learningmatters.co.nz/2025-literacy-symposium

Kia Tīmata Pai (Best Start Study)

Kia Tīmata Pai (Best Start Study) is a nationwide trial to promote young children’s self-regulation, oral language, emergent literacy and mathematics in early childhood education with >1800 kaiako and >1600 tamariki in 136 centres from 2021-2025.

Royal Society Te Apārangi is now funding a follow-up of the participants in primary school to assess benefits for children’s academic achievement, engagement, and self-regulation at age 6. If a participant from Kia Tīmata Pai is attending your school, you may soon be invited to participate.

Teachers will be asked to complete a 15-minute questionnaire on each study child in their classroom alongside a single 5-minute questionnaire about their instructional practices. Participating teachers will receive a koha and schools will be entered into a raffle for cash prizes.

We hope your school will consider assisting with this valuable study to learn more about the best ways to support children’s transition to primary school.