Update from Joyce

March 8, 2023

Kia ora everyone,

OUR PEOPLE OUR PLACE

The powerful concepts of whanaungatanga and pepeha, tūrangawaewae all weave together to make MNS a great place to spend the all important developmental years of school. Coming together gives children a sense of place and belonging. A place where their culture is reflected. Assemblies, the awesome Day of Play and taking part in the kokokaha sailing experience through Runa moanamana allow children to be together in their local environment and to have fun. Snorkelling at Worser Bay added another element to place- based learning.

THANKS TO THE SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Special thanks to my SLT for the phenomenal effort they put into getting the term started this year. I was overseas for a brief time but caught a couple of viruses (caught Covid before travelling, then a few weeks later another virus – always the way) so had to have time away from MNS. Thanks to Amanda, Sarah and to Vidisha who led the charge. Great to have such a strong bench.

REPORTING STUDENT PROGRESS: 2023 CYCLE

Our reporting cycle for this year is as follows:

Image by: Belinda Campbell

BRIDGETTE WARD

Bridgette Ward has moved on to new horizons. Bridgette has worked at MNS for more than twenty two years. She led in the area of special needs and teaching learners who have English as their second language. Bridgette also led our teacher aide team. Her accomplishments are too numerous to mention. We thank Bridgette for her awesome work and wish her well for the future.

We have advertised Bridgette’s role. I thought I’d place the advertisement at the end of this newsletter should any of our community be interested. So, scroll on down.

STRIKE ACTION – Reminder

Next Thursday 16 March, most teachers and principals throughout NZ will be taking strike action and therefore, Miramar North School will be closed on this day.

I’ve been in touch with Jacine at Kidshub and she has agreed to run a ‘holiday program’ for the day from 8:30am to 3pm with the usual Afterschool Care program after 3pm. Jacine will open the booking system for registrations as soon as possible.

Further information about why we’re striking

Last week, kaiako (teachers) across Aotaeroa rejected the Ministry’s second offer for the Primary Teacher’s Collective Agreement.

Teachers didn’t think the offer went far enough to support our tamariki.

Teachers are calling for more staffing for primary schools, so they can better support ALL students to get the education they deserve.

This includes:

• More time for individual students

• More specialist learning support staffing

• Improving student/teacher ratios

At Miramar North School, we have seen first hand how beneficial support staff and smaller class sizes are for supporting learning, behaviour and well being and we believe that our tamariki deserve more!

For these reasons teachers across Aotearoa have voted to go on strike on Thursday 16th March.

SENIOR TEACHER AIDE POSITION ADVERTISED

Leadership Position 15 – 20 hours per week.

This is a great primary school based, leadership role. It is well compensated and suitable for people looking for a satisfying part time position. Professional development opportunities and a high level of support are a priority for us. We are a collaborative team and well supported by our community. We are a well-resourced school.

This position would suit an experienced person who has had previous experience in working with children who have mild-moderate additional needs.

The position involves:

1. Oversight of a small teacher aide team: supporting and advising teacher aides on education programs for children with mild-moderate additional needs.

2. Administrative duties such as co-ordinating funding applications.

3. Some classroom support work will be required.

Please do email us if you have any questions.

Please email your CV along with a cover note outlining your suitability for this position, to appointments@mns.school.nz Applications close 20 March.

Enjoy your weekend!

Joyce