|
Kia ora koutou
During my sabbatical I researched how our Maori akonga could achieve as Maori. I have always been interested in biculturalism in New Zealand schools and how we maintain a focus on meeting our obligations to te tiriti o Waitangi whilst also acknowledging our multicultural akonga. Our vision is to ensure we meet the expectations and aspirations of whanau, hapu and iwi for their children. Our desire at QPS is for Maori to know who they are as Maori, where they come from and that they lead positive, successful lives that contribute to a global and Maori world. National statistics and data collected over many years in New Zealand proves our education system has consistently failed whanau and akonga Maori, so this statement became my starting point.
I visited schools in Auckland, spoke to staff at QPS and other local schools and attended the launch of Dr Melanie Riwai-Couch’s book named, “Niho Taniwha, Improving Teaching and Learning for Akonga Maori”.The findings shared in her book will drive change in our teaching and learning practices at QPS. I also reflected on what we are doing at QPS to ensure that akonga are learning about the significance of Maori as tangata whenua.
Interestingly, last week a group of teachers and I visited another local school and learned about the implementation of the “Aotearoa NZ Histories” curriculum. We discussed the impact of colonisation explored in a way that is not about guilt or blame but based on facts and recognition of a range of perspectives in relation to events that have shaped our country to what it is today. Currently we are planning for what and when the implementation occurs, working towards a 2024 curriculum where our akonga will learn about their local and national history.
I am off to participate in our QPS Quiz night raising money to support the Year 8 end of year experiences. This is a always a highlight in my calendar!
Have a happy and safe weekend.
Nga mihi nui
Fi Cavanagh
|
