Newsletter

Doctor of Education 2021 Webinar

Making a difference: Harnessing the power of assessment and self-regulated learning

Tuesday 24 November

5-6pm

Online (Zoom)

Designed for educators and professionals in the education sector who are interested in assessment that supports learning and teaching, the Doctor of Education 2021 will help take your skillset and career to the next level and have you thinking critically about theories of assessment. You’ll collaborate with top experts, be supported by a cohort-based learning community, and will undertake a research project that addresses questions or problems of practice related to an aspect of assessment and/or self-regulated learning. Join our free webinar on Tuesday 24 November to learn more from the programme leaders. Secure your spot now: Event booking via Eventbright

Trying to find a time for a council meeting at this time of the year is difficult. We assume that council members will be coming to the annual lunch so we have booked a room at the Ellerslie Racecourse so that we can round Council business off for the year.

Date: 26 November

Time: 10am - 12pm (light morning tea provided)

Please signal to Sue Green your attendance.

As an executive we are here to help progress issues when schools seem to hit a brick wall. Property issues is one of the biggest issues that schools face.

We have been increasingly concerned about the provision for growth in schools. On Tuesday we met with the key staff of the Ministry in Infrastructure - Capital, Network Provision, and Property Management. This was chaired by Scott Evans who is the Deputy Head of Infrastructure Delivery.

We emphasised the need for Auckland to have more autonomy in reacting to changes in the high growth areas. The Ministry are facing some incredible challenges in the coming years. 6000 homes in the Mt Roskill catchment area is causing them some significant thinking.

We highlighted the plight of new schools coping with growth and existing schools coping with modernising their sites.

We have formed a small action group that will meet every month. Heath McNeil, Daniel Birch and Stephen Lethbridge will join the deputy heads from Network and Infrastructure. We need your stories to highlight the failings in the system. Please give us some data - This Google Form serves as a repository for issues we will hand over at meetings. Please take some time to fill it with your property issues.

We are also looking for principals to join us in these meetings. We need to keep the numbers small so we are looking to rotate membership around the growth areas in the region. If you would like to be a part of this dialogue please email Heath McNeil.

We want to see immediate action from these meetings otherwise we will be back talking with the Secretary of Education and the Minister around the issues we face.

Kia ora ngā Tumuaki ō Tāmaki Makaurau

It is hard to believe that this year is almost at an end. We are looking forward to celebrating with you at the end of year luncheon next Thursday. This will be a time to farewell retiring principals and to recognise our colleagues with the APPA awards.

The APPA Executive travelled to Wellington last week to meet with the various organisations that have a big impact on our schools.

We met with Liam Rutherford and Paul Goulter from the NZEI and shared our frustration around the support for Principals. There is a commitment that we need to work together more effectively in an effort to rebuild a trusting relationship. It would be fair to say that TAPAC was a key talking point, however we really wanted to focus on how the country's biggest concentration of Principals is being served by the Union. Talks are ongoing.

Our meeting with the SLT at ERO showed that there is a definite drive for systemic change from the top. There is a commitment to make sure that Evaluation Partners are working alongside schools to develop a forward looking partnership. We were assured that the current trial schools will be critical in shaping the next iteration of the process. We would like to connect with the 18 trial schools in the APPA region - please get in touch so we know who is in the trial.

The Teaching Council conversations focussed on Professional Growth Cycles and the nature of Principal apprasial moving forward. We will be around the table in those conversations. We also addressed issues around work visas expiring for some Overseas Trained Teachers who were then not renewed by Immigration. If you are in this situation please contact Steve King with your information.

We met with the Executive team from the Ministry of Education where we focussed on teacher supply in the Auckland context. We asked for more information around the supply details in our region in response to the assertion that primary and intermediate rolls are forecast to drop in the coming years. We emphasised the need for Auckland centred solutions being front and centre. We put the Auckland PRT Project back on the table as a solution. The APPA have developed a very good relationship with the Senior Team in Wellington. We find that we get more traction with this approach rather than being adversarial. We are in a great position to have challenging conversations due to the relationships we have formed.

Our scheduled 30-minute meeting with Chris Hipkins turned into close to an hour of conversation. It is refreshing to be in positive conversation with a Minister, rather than the brow beatings principals had when Ministers Tolley and Parata were in charge. There is passion and desire for change to address equity and systemic bias - we can see this direction in the recently released NELP. There is a commitment to ensure that Auckland issues are a priority.

We also took part in MoE consultation sessions around the Curriculum Leads hitting the regions next year.

I want to thank the Executive for their hard work - there was barely a minute to spare between meetings and we had a very busy two days.

Again we look forward to seeing you at the lunch next week, make sure you contact Sue Green if you are unsure of a booking or want to secure a place - why not bring along a colleague.

Ngā mihi

Stephen Lethbridge

President

This link will guide you through installing the APPA App on your phone.

To ensure we have the information we require from you, please click on this link to complete a short survey.

In order to give the Hilton time to turn the conference room into our dinner venue on the Thursday afternoon, we will have a similar event to last year’s successful scavenger hunt starting and ending at Vine Bar and Restaurant. 

This is a great opportunity for you to network and have fun with the delegates.

As mentioned in the previous email, for the conference we invite you to send an update for displaying on our Business Partners powerpoint. Gold & Platinum Business Partners can submit a 30 second video with sound or six image slides, Silver a 15 second video or four image slides without sound and Bronze two static image slides. If you want to discuss what this might look like, please call me on 027 292 7706. Please email these through your update to me at kevinb@tehihi.school.nz and if I have any issues with the format I will get back in touch with you.

Please click on the link for the information pack from the Hilton Hotel.

At registration delegates will select the table they wish to sit at on Thursday night. However, we have assigned Business Partners to the tables as follows:

Welcome to this update for conference. Our apologies to those who weren't able to open the information pack that was previously sent out. Hopefully, using our SchoolZine platform you will be able to access all the information you need.

Some of the information in this email is a repeat of what went out previously and some of it is new or changed.

If you have any questions, please call or text me on 027 292 7706 and I will endeavour to reply as quickly as I can.

Please read right to the end as there is a survey at the end to collect information I need from you and an opportunity for you to request anything you need.

Kevin Bush

Business Partners' Liaison

We have had to make some changes to our Expo Zone in the basement as we have fewer Business Partners needing a stand than in the original plan. Please click on the link below to view the plan.

The Expo Zone will be used at the following times:

• Welcome drinks on Wednesday
• Thursday morning tea
• Thursday lunch
• Thursday pre-dinner drinks
• Friday morning tea

Please note, the Hilton are not allowing EventRent to transform the basement into our Expo Zone until 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Therefore, Business Partners will not be able to set up until 3:00 p.m.

If you’re bringing in large items such as furniture or equipment, you will be able to access via the basement driveway but please note that there is a 2.2 metre height limit. If you wish to freight items ahead of time, please mark these for the attention of Milika Taukei and make it clear on the packaging that they are for the APPA conference. Please arrange for these to arrive on Monday 19 October or Tuesday 20 October only.

Pack-out is on Friday, 23 October from 10:30 a.m. after morning tea. Nothing is to be left behind and any freight pick-up must be arranged for Friday 23 October. The hotel is fully booked for Labour Weekend and, as such, there will be no room for any items to be stored.

Trestle tables measuring 1800x900 will be provided for you. Platinum and Gold will have two trestle tables with Silver and Bronze Business Partners just the one. To ensure management of the space, you will not be allowed to use any of your own tables. It is important that you work within the space provided, as we don’t wish to have to have any awkward conversations about removing items. 

Should you require power for your stand, please let me know so a power source can be provided close to your stand. You will need to provide your own extension cord.

For those Business Partners wanting to offer a prize into the Business Partner's Prize Draw, we have developed an online entry form attached to our app. It will be set up so that you get an email notification of who has entered your draw and we will provide you with a cs file of everyone who has entered. All you have to do is give me a word or phrase that you will give the delegates to enter.

The delegates will use the APPA app, select the conference tile, click on the link to the prize draw entry page then select your company's entry link. Very simple and of course we have designed it so that the delegates start using the app. You will note on the app there is also a Business Partners tile which we hope deleagtes will notice and use to get in touch with you when they need your service or product.

The screenshot below shows the ASB entry. Each one will be the same with the exception of the comnpany name.

Kia Ora koutou

You got there! The end of term three and only one more to go. Yes we have had a challenging term where we have focussed on remote learning extended level 2 status and the ups and downs of normal school life at this time of the year. Schools have cancelled camps, sports events, community events, fundraising opportunities and celebrations. We have endured parent emails that express the disappointment and pain casued by cancellations, you know the ones - My daughter was distraught that the cross country will not take place... We have handled those conversations with compassion and kind hearts.

Whilst those incidents weigh on our minds it is the small acts of kindness that make you realise that you have the best job in the world. The hand made card from a 5 year old or the smile and mouthed 'Thank You' from a parent at the gate. We hope that you take some time in this holiday period to focus upon those moments and recharge your batteries.

This week the APPA were asked to comment on the stance that NZPF have expressed around the Cannabis legalisation and control referendum. we issued the following statement ot media outlets.

"The Auckland Primary Principals' Association does not presume to speak on behalf of members around an issue that relates to a personal decision. We acknowledge that, like all voters, principals will have their own personal viewpoints and would encourage them to exercise their right to vote."

URF Funding

The Regional Group has worked hard every week to get through the approval process. Without exception we are impressed at the work the MoE have done in processing the huge volume of applications. One thing is clear to us all - Auckland is a massive beast - we hold half of the country's student population. As per the communication from Isabel Evans - applicants need to be specific and a greater emphasis will be on attendance. Some general advice for submitting a strong application include:

• Clearly defined need – that these issues have been compounded or impacted by Covid
• Linkage to attendance and engagement strengthens the application
• Emphasis on supporting attendance for Māori and Pacific learners
• Baseline information of current state -  a measurable need
• What actual support is to be provided – having a defined time-frame
• A break-down of costs that are realistic
• What is the planned outcome – what are you hoping to achieve for these
  individuals or groups. 

ERO trialling new review format

There are 25 schools in our region who are taking part in trialling the new approach to review by ERO. If you are part of this trial please email me - stephenl@ptchev.school.nz so that we can have a chat about how we want to approach this...

Media plea from the New Zealand Herald

Simon Collins at the New Zealand Herald has asked if any school is running a mock election for school students. He would be interested in covering this in an article - a good news story! Simon is also keen to hear from schools who have recruited new teachers returning home from overseas or who are returning to the profession as a result of COVID-19. Please feel free to connect with him on simon.collins@nzherald.co.nz

and finally

We know you will all be working hard these holidays, but please do take some time for you. Recharge those batteries and get prepared for the march to the end of the year, let us know the fun things that you are planning for next term.

Take care, stay safe and look after yourself

Stephen Lethbridge

President

We are looking forward to celebrating the end of your year with our awards luncheon, to be held at the Ascot Tote Room, Ellerslie Events' Centre on the 26th November, 12-3pm.  This is an opportunity to farewell departing members and talk to our alumni members.  We currently have John McGown, Bruce Trezise and Brian Bayly as retirees - please email Sue appavoice@gmail.com if you are aware of any others.  

Please let us know of any members you would also like to nominate for an award - a fellow of the APPA or distinguished fellow of the APPA award. Remember there are some criteria around these awards and all nominees will be considered.

This is also a great opportunity to let us know of any principals that are moving schools at the end of this year.

Kia Ora koutou

Once again our Auckland leaders demonstrate what quality leadership looks like. Thank you all for being the steady, calm face for your communities once more.

Attendance this week is a hot topic! We are heraring some schools have higher attendance at level two this time and others have lower attendance. In this Newsletter we have an attendance snapshot survey for this week, we have kept it brief!

NZPF Elections

The NZPF election information is live. The APPA has discussed the importance of having representation that reflects the issues that we face in New Zealand’s largest and most diverse region. There are 424 primary and intermediate schools in the Auckland region, not counting schools on the fringes of Auckland that fall under Te Tai Tokerau and the Waikato umbrella. Whilst this represents 21% of all primary and intermediate schools in the country, we have 51% of all primary and intermediate aged children in our region. Primary and Intermediate students account for two thirds of the total student population in our region. Even more telling is that the Auckland region caters for more primary and intermediate students than the next three largest regions, Canterbury, Wellington and Waikato combined (all data based on Education Counts 2019). Auckland also has the largest school aged population of Pasifika students in New Zealand. Please make your vote count.

Urgent Response Fund

The URF regional group meets weekly and we endeavour to put the Urgent in URF. The Ministry are doing an amazing job with application collation. The Regional group are working hard in the background to make sure we are getting the funds to where they are needed. Remember this fund includes ECE, Primary and Secondary. I would like to acknowledge Jason Swann for taking on the job of chairing this group. Make sure you get your applications in!

Website Update

We are close! There is a bit more background work to do - upgrading the Member Database is proving to be a challenge. We hope to launch very soon! thanks for your patience.

Council Meeting 10 September

Under level 2 with the Auckland restrictions it would be hard to hold this meeting in person. Council Members, please keep the time free. If we can't meet in person after the Alert Level announcement on the 6th of September, we will try to Zui. Thanks for your flexibility.

Attendance Snapshot Survey

Level Two Attendance Week 7 Term 3

and finally

Take care of yourselves and look out for your colleagues. We are all charged with looking after the wellbeing of our staff and students, so please remember some self-care! Know that you are appreciated.

Stephen Lethbridge

President

Kia Ora koutou

Many of you may have heard Minister Hipkins mention further Government funding to aid with the device roll out. Please do not get too excited! As with any announcement in the public domain, limitations are rarely mentioned.

It is our understanding that any commitment of extra funding to address the device shortfall, with respect to the outstanding orders in the salesforce portal, will not apply to primary and intermediate schools at this stage.

The additional funding will go to addressing the shortfall from year 9 and above with the priority being Auckland Schools. We know this is disappointing and yet for many of us who understand IT procurement it will not come as a surprise. The Ministry are acutely aware of the challenges we face and are charged with prioritising a finite resource.

Despite this news, we will all continue to do the very best for the students we serve. Remember that under level 3, school devices can be collected by whānau - just make sure pick up is 'contactless'.

More information will come out in the bulletin today but we wanted to give you the heads up in order to manage expectations you may have had.

As always if you have any questions, or worries please get in touch.

On behalf of the APPA Executive

Stephen Lethbridge

President

Kia Ora Koutou

Thank you for completing the survey we distributed on Wednesday night, it gave us - and the MoE - a good picture of student numbers and preparedness.

There were 159 replies (more came in late today - I havent added them to the data set). Here are the general results.

Wednesday

• 35% of surveyed schools had 0 children
• 79% of schools had 5 or fewer children
• 9% of schools had 10 or more children
• The highest number of the schools surveyed was 20

Thursday (projected)

• 37% of surveyed schools had 0 children
• 80% of schools had 5 or fewer children
• 8% of schools had 10 or more children
• The highest number of the schools surveyed was 25

Friday (projected)

• 36% of surveyed schools had 0 children
• 76% of schools had 5 or fewer children
• 10% of schools had 10 or more children
• The highest number of the schools surveyed was 25

Prepared for extension to status quo

• 98% of schools surveyed are confident that by the end of school Friday they would be prepared

Online Learning this week in the schools surveyed

• 60% Yes
• 40% No

Number of Schools surveyed who have distributed devices

• 38

Devices already distributed in Schools Surveyed

• 1704

There were many comments around schools still waiting for devices from the Ministry. Unfortunately that boat has sailed - all devices that were available have been distributed. Any more would mean another budget bid. The ministry are acutely aware of our feelings around this.

Ministry Bulletin

Be on the lookout for a Ministry Bulletin later today. It may contain information around Hardpack Materials.

Finally

Remember to keep an eye on your colleagues, but more importantly look after yourselves. You are a precious resource for your schools! Take comfort in the fact that you are prepared, you have been there before, and if you ever need support you have us to lean on.

Kia tau te rangimarie - Let peace be with you

Kia hora te marino - Let the calm be widespread

Kia whakapapa pounamu te moana - Let the sea glisten like pounamu

Kia tere te kārohirohi i mua i tō huarahi - Let the shimmering summer forever dance across your path

Stephen Lethbridge

Kia Ora Koutou

I know that you will have been planning into the wee small hours after the announcement last night.

Once again it falls to us to be the calm and assured voice for our communities, something we did so well the last time.

Again, the APPA are here to help. We are in regular, direct contact with Isabel Evans and Iona Holsted. We will keep you updated, but in an age of breaking news and instant communication we tend to be informed at the same time.

Please reach out to us if you have any questions. If you would like to talk to me, send me an email with your mobile number and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

As expected there is intense media interest in the Auckland situation. The message you will hear from the APPA is that we are confident that Auckland Schools can manage this as we are a region of highly competent leaders with great teams supporting our learners. With the increase in media attention we do need some data. So please respond if we send you a question or survey - it helps to frame the Auckland picture.

Take care of yourselves, breathe, be measured and calm.

Stephen Lethbridge

President

The APPA Executive would like to gather data to understand how widespread the problem of not being able to appoint to a vacant position is and what impact this has on the schools affected.

It is really important that we keep putting current data in front of the Ministry and the Media to support our ongoing concerns about teacher supply.

Please fill in the survey as we are aware that staffing requirements and levels have changed since we last did this survey in August 2019 and we would like to present accurate data to the Ministry and media within the coming weeks.

We appreciate you taking the time to do this, and should take less than 5 minutes to complete.

Please complete this survey by 12pm Monday, 17 August. 

https://forms.gle/uAWtyX8VeY8EdPB38