For the past two weeks, I had the privilege of visiting NASA and attending a science and technology conference in Denver.

This year's conference was particularly impactful due to its significant focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and its growing role in education. I attended numerous workshops, presentations, and discussions led by experts in the field, and I was inspired by AI's potential to transform how we approach education.

Some of the key takeaways from the conference include:

The importance of AI literacy: As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, our students must develop a strong understanding of how AI works, its ethical implications, and how to use it effectively.
The potential of AI to personalise learning: AI-powered tools can adapt to individual student needs, providing tailored instruction and feedback to help every student reach their full potential.
The need for collaboration: Educators, researchers, and industry leaders must work together to ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly, with a focus on equity and inclusion.

It's essential to acknowledge that AI will have unintended consequences like any powerful tool. We've seen this with the advent of cell phones and social media, which have impacted our society positively and negatively. AI is no different.

At Tahuna, we're committed to staying at the forefront of educational innovation. However, we also recognise the importance of proceeding thoughtfully and responsibly. We will carefully take the time to evaluate AI's effectiveness and risks. I look forward to sharing our plan with you once our staff and Board have conducted further research and testing.

Once we have completed this evaluation, I believe that by embracing AI and other emerging technologies, we can create a more engaging, personalised, and effective learning environment for all our students.

On a completely different note, on behalf of our staff and the entire Tahuna community, I would like to express our heartfelt best wishes to Mike Jenkinson as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement.

While the world of education is ever-evolving as discussed previously, one thing remains irreplaceable: the unique skills and genuine connection a teacher like Mike brings to the classroom. His ability to foster meaningful relationships with his students is a true strength, a quality I've always admired in him. Mike's positive impact on our school community will be deeply missed.

We wish Mike all the best in his future endeavours. We welcome Xzenia Kutia who will be teaching in Room 8 for the remainder of the year.

Finally, I hope that you get to spend some family time together while your child is on school holidays. We look forward to seeing everyone back next term.

Kā mihi nui

Simon Clarke

Principal

July Newsletter

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