Staff and teacher training

Kia ora e te whānau | Greetings,

This term we have invested significant training in Mathematics for all year levels. We have been fortunate to work with Robyn McNeill (professional learning contract) and Rob Proffitt-White (through Tipu Māia Kāhui Ako) to improve confidence and consistency in Mathematics teaching - this will continue through this year. We are also working with Helen Walls to provide professional development in teaching literacy - this is also an initiative of our Kāhui Ako (cluster of schools).

We heard from renowned speaker Jase Williams on our last teacher-only day. Jase talked to us about trauma-informed practice where we continued our understanding of the impact on the brain of trauma in young people and responses to this. Also on this day, we listened to Grae Meek who discussed the basics of the LGBTQIA+ acronym and its cultural specificities, transgender terminologies and definitions, the statistics and supports required for trans youth in schools, as well as reflecting on her own experiences as a transgender woman growing up in Ōtautahi. This was followed by Megan Martin unpacking the Mental Health guide. The guide takes a whole school approach, which means that every member of the school community has a role to play in building policy, designing processes for ākonga, engaging community consultation and enabling student agency, leadership and activism. Finally, Kylie O’Keeffe took us through the OHO and ATA resources used to support social and emotional learning designed for Years 3-10. It is widely used as a tool to support pastoral care as part of a whole-school approach.

Kia pai te rā | Have a great day,

Mike Hart
Tumuaki | Principal
Te Kura o Te Poho Rakahua
Oxford Area School