VLN Primary Pānui June 2022

Nau mai, haere mai ki te Kura Tuatahi - Akonga Aka Mariko

Kia ora koutou katoa, Kia orāna, Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Nĭ hăo 你好, Annyoung haseyo 안녕하세요, Namaste, Assalām alaikum, Hola, Bonjour, Hallo!

Now the shortest day has passed and we celebrate Matariki, I hope you and your whānau are keeping well 

Our team have been busy reflecting on the year so far and planning for the year ahead. We have been giving and receiving feedback to ensure our ākonga are successful in their learning as we begin our preparations for Semester 2.

As Gifted Awareness Week has just passed (13-17 June) our Gifted lead teacher Jen shares some of the highlights from our learners. These classes are humming with engaging and reflective discussion and inspiring projects. Students are tapping into their interests and connecting with others.

This pānui contains all you need to know about registering for Semester 2 programmes including information on funding support available (registrations close next Monday 27 June). 

A big thank you to the Ministry of Education for continuing our Gifted Learner funding till the end of the year. Also for their support for our trial funding initiative for U1 - 3 schools. We have already received a lot of interest from schools and anticipate a busier than usual mid-year. Evaluation of this initiative will help inform future funding models for VLN online learning. 

To strengthen capacity in our team two new specialist roles are being created. These roles specifically address the growing needs in the areas of Digital Technologies and Mātauranga Māori. More information about the kaiako Māori role is in this pānui and in the Edgazette here, and here for Digital Tech. If you know someone with these skills and experience please encourage them to apply.

A reminder that Kōtuitui Network of Expertise supports online teaching and learning. Read more about funding available for teachers and follow Kōtuitui on Facebook or Twitter to keep in the loop about how you can participate, contribute and access PLD opportunities.

Over the Back Fence update us on their recent connection with Indonesian students. Find out more about this exciting learning event and how you can participate in these kinds of global connections.

Finally we acknowledge Dr Michael Barbour, from our Governance team. Michael has contributed to the VLN and online learning in Aotearoa over many years through his work with us, contributions to research, select committee submissions and professional support. It's great to see him honored as a Leader and Legend of Online Learning. Listen to the podcast to hear more of his story.

Mānawatia a Matariki 

Rachel, Lucie, Jen and the team