The school is planning to introduce a Professional Learning Session for teaching staff at the beginning of each Thursday morning from 8.15-9.00am starting in term 2.

The purpose of the Professional Learning Session at the start of each Thursday, is to enable teaching staff to have access to regular and quality professional learning opportunities at a time that does not interfere with other school activities e.g. after school coaching, arts and cultural activities, music events We want to ensure that all staff have access to effective professional learning to assist them with their role as a teacher and to continue to develop best educational practices. This year the school is focusing on developing Literacy, Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and Best Teaching Practice.

What does this mean for students? As teachers will be involved with the professional learning session from 8.15-9.00am, students will start school on Thursdays at 9.05am and go directly to their Block 1 class. (Currently on Thursdays, students attend an Admin class from 8.40-8.55am - this will no longer occur in Term 2).

We understand that some students arrive at school early and although we would prefer that students arrive close to the time of block 1 on this day, we will be providing adequate outside supervision on campus for those students that have to arrive early.

We appreciate that while this change to the normal start of each Thursday, may initially create challenges for some people, we believe that having the dedicated Professional Learning Session at the start of the day will benefit student learning and achievement, through increasing teacher capability.

You are more than welcome to contact us should you have any questions enquiries@papamoacollege.school.nz

Thank you

Steve Lindsey
Principal