Hereturikōkā / August Newsletter

Primary and secondary teachers have until September 11 to apply for this Royal Society programme, which aims to build leadership as well as knowledge, skills and confidence in teaching science. 
Teachers spend two terms away from school on full pay, working in a host organisation alongside scientists and participating in PLD on leadership, Science and Nature of Science (NoS).
     They then work for 18 months to improve the quality of science learning across the school (primary) or science department (secondary) while teaching. With release time and funding, these teachers review and analyse the current science programme and develop and implement a plan to improve it.   
     Teachers speak highly of this program - quality PLD, great learning with others, good support when back in school. They say they leave understanding NoS, with practical activities that help teachers and students better understand how scientific knowledge develops.
     You need to be a NZ resident with at least three years’ teaching. Applications for the 2020 February and July intakes close on September 11.

With more than 4,000 native species threatened or at risk and 1,000 in danger of extinction, Conservation Week is more important than ever. There are over 100 events across Aotearoa, including tree plantings, guided walks, scavenger hunts, beach cleans, bird counting and much more. Search the event listing by area and topic. Bring Conservation Week to the classroom through curriculum-linked activities aimed at all levels, as well as Squawk Squad’s seven-week online programme leading up to the week.

Teachers can track the Pacific voyage of the first vessel to set sail in the Tuia 250 event, which commemorates the sailing heritage of Pacific peoples who settled Aotearoa, as well as the 250th anniversary of the first onshore meetings between Māori and Pākehā. 

Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr (left) is pictured with the crew of the va'a tipaerua (double-hulled ocean canoe) Fa’afaite, which is travelling 4,300km from Tahiti to Aotearoa guided only by the stars, moon and currents.

 Crew members are representing their Tahitian ancestor, the revered navigator Tupaia who helped Captain Cook to communicate with Māori. The voyage is being tracked with the GPS-based technology developed for the America’s Cup.

Voyaging trainee waitlist

Applications for Tuia 250 voyage trainees have closed, but students can still apply for the waitlist in case some of the 450 applicants are unavailable. Voyages run from October to December, on different vessels with sailing legs from one day to two weeks. Students can apply online or by email.