2014 is finished!

So school has finished for another year.  It has been a rewarding but challenging year at times.

There were some highs, lows and also a devastating tragedy with the death of one of my students mid year. At times the workload seemed impossible but with support from within our syndicate and senior management we made it through.

I've loved my class this year.  They have been great learners, challenging me and themselves daily to achieve and learn as much as they could.  Today we said our good-byes.  There were a few tears from my year six girls a few whom i have had in my class for three years.  They are lovely girls and boys and I will miss them all very much next year.  There were also lots of hugs too which is very special.

This holiday break it definitely well deserved and essential to maintain good health and my mental capability!

I look forward to resting and recharging ready for 2015.

Te Reo Maori me ona Tikanga at James Street School

So today I met again with our Principal Norah Schreiber.

As Lead Teacher for Te Reo Maori me ona Tikanga it is my responsibility to lead the Te Reo Maori Committee in order to meet our Charter goals and policies.  In 2011 Norah and I co-contructed our school's Maori Achievement Strategy, our Te Reo Maori me ona Tikanga Implementation Plan and our Two-yearly Te Reo Maori me ona Tikanga Foci Plan.

The aim of our meeting to-day was to reflect and revise these documents now that we are three years on since their implementation.

We have therefore made some additions to the M.A.S and I.P to include greater emphasis on Student Leadership, Well-being, Engagement and Hauora as well as fostering productive partnerships with students, whanau, teachers, school and community.

So we are all set now to continue teaching Te Reo Maori me ona Tikanga in 2015 with our updated documents which will be added to each teacher's resource Kete for future reference.

It was a productive, engaging and exciting meeting in regards to the future of Te Reo Maori me ona Tikanga at James Street School.

Year 6 Leaver's Evening

Tonight we farewelled  our Year 6 tamariki who head off to Intermediate next year. A lovely bunch of gorgeous tamariki all but two who spent all their primary years at James Street!

Appraisal Time

So this morning I had my Appraisal meeting with Norah.  The focus of the appraisal was using assessment data to inform teaching.  The appraisal went very well.  It was a pleasure to be able to discuss the learning of my students and the teaching that I have done which has made a difference to the achievement levels of the tamariki in my class.

Both Norah and I agree that I've had another good year.  I am proud of the small learning steps and giant learning steps that most of my tamariki have made.  Precise, timely, relevant and informed Teaching as Inquiry, At Risk, STAR data, ALL, implementing GGL effectively and all daily planning, teaching and assessment have meant that my tamariki have received quality teaching. 

Some areas for development over the next year are building my leadership capabilities-PD in leadership, taking on more roles/responsibilities within the school which contribute to my own professional development and career pathway as well as continuing to contribute to our school community.

Another year (almost) over, plenty more to come!

Parakuihi i te Kura

Parakuihi i te Ata

So I tried to blog this event when it happened but seems like the school's network doesn't like my phone and won't let me upload directly from my phone.  But anyway, I digress ... So these photos we taken at our whole school breakfast which is a community event we host usually once a year.  We invite all our whanau's to attend.  All staff are involved in preparing and serving breakfast.  Today was a lovely day!  

Participating and Contributing

We have made flower planters by recycling our plastic bottles from our gala day stall. Such fun!

Teacher Appraisal using Blogger - Teacher Only Day

Woo hoo!!!! My brains have expanded and shriveled and then exploded!

This has been such an exciting day filled with learning.  I've enjoyed the challenge of using Blogger.  Setting up and putting everything into place in order to have a 'living space' to share my teaching and learning as a Professional Teacher in New Zealand!

So I am excited about the possibilities that I now have to take what I have learnt to-day and blog about it everyday/week.

So often we are busy teaching and preparing for teaching that we don't have time to use pen and paper to write what we have done and who really wants to or can be bothered.  We discuss within our staff meetings and syndicate meetings but often it is not formally recorded.  Blogger provides a format for recording but more importantly on-the-spot self reflection of professional practice.

Aue!  Kei te harikoa ahau!  The tutu inside me just wants to TUTU!!!!!

Here is a link to our James Street School Reflection page from today's workshop.