At the first assembly of the year I was able to reinforce the positivity that we have felt across our kura this year already - a feeling, a wairua that just feels great. This is something that we all strive for, put the mahi in to achieve and maintain in any way needed. The reality is that if our ākonga / learners feel at ease then they can attend to their learning better, much in the same way that we, as educators, know that if we have a cohesive classroom then we spend more time facilitating learning rather than managing behaviours, a win-win for all.
As part of my korero I also reminded our ākonga that while we are able to provide so many opportunities for them, it is up to them to take these on, to grab those opportunities and to make the most of them when they arise. What do we notice about the learners that have a go? We notice that they grow so much and gain so much. The self-confidence becomes apparent, the increased social skills and social networks are very evident and, because of all of that, they are more and more likely to try new things, take risks and push themselves.
I make no secret of the fact that there is indeed a uniqueness to each and everyone of our learners. No two are ever exactly the same and this must be nurtured. Without wishing to delve into politics, the national educational direction at present is very 'cookie cutter' and while this might have a positive outcome for some, there will be many who will feel alienated from school. Why? Because this age group, in particular, are the ones that want or need to jump into the unknown more than before, they are the ones that will create the future that we would have liked to have created ourselves but haven't quite managed to do. This age group still have that freshness and curiosity, that joy of life and love of learning, as well as a ton of confidence. We need to encourage that!
As part of leaning into that space we have made a wee change to our motto, from Discover Something New to Create Something New. Again, why? Because the language does make a difference. We want a kura where our learners are in the throes of taking what they know and using that to create something within their learning that they can control or which really ticks their box. Discovering has a suggestion that we provide all of the momentum and put that in front of them to navigate...a bit more passive than creating!
Lastly, as a kura we are working hard at ensuring that we are true to the age old whakatauki...
"He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata"
What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.
...because if it's not all about the people then why are we here doing what we do!
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