Wairarapa College Newsletter Volume 5 19th August 2020 Kia ora e te whānau Welcome to the term 3 newsletter, my first one as Interim Principal for terms 3 and 4. During Upcoming Events the first three weeks of this term I have been welcomed by staff and students and am starting to meet more parents as I become acquainted with the systems and structures of the College 22 August and work to begin a process of review and change to support the Board’s vision and goals for School Ball—Postponed the school. New Ball Date As you will be aware, we are back into Covid 19 Level 2. We hope to keep working to keep Friday 23rd October students and staff safe and feeling that learning will not be interrupted. This year has been unique in the level of disruption faced, not only by the school, but also the communities that it 25 August serves. From some of my discussions with senior students the lockdown experience opened a Whānau Day greater sense of independence for them. Disruption can sometimes lead to positive change along with uncertainty and interruption. Reflecting on both of those impacts will help us review and move toward a more future-focussed and equitable education at the college. Staff 26 August and some students have indicated that over the past 5 years there has been a decline in school Cultural Photos pride and respectful behaviours. We want to restore that pride. Ideally the culture of the Readers Cup Final— school will reflect these values that you would expect - manaakitanga (care and kindness) , Postponed awhinatanga (support and help) aroha (respect and love for everyone) turangawaewae (a sense of belonging, identity), whanaungatanga, (connections and unity) - values that belong to Yr9 Speech Comp all and will be experienced by all. 28 August We have identified a number of pieces of work as priorities including: Yr10 Speech Comp • Class configurations for year 9 and 10 students in 2021. The organisation and make-up of classes at year 9 and 10 in 2021 will not be based on the Kamar Portal 2021 Sub- results of tests or achievement levels from previous years. This effectively means that the ject Selection Closes school will no longer “stream students”, a practice that has ceased in most secondary schools in the past 10 years. The English Department will apply the non-streaming 31 August practice in years 11, 12, 13 also. Winter Tournament Wk • Opening up the use of digital devices to all students in 2021 so they can access learning face to face and online. The parents of enrolling year 8s (year 9s in 2021) have been Work Experience Wk surveyed and there is a lot of enthusiasm for them to be able to “bring their own STAR Beauty Course device” (BYOD). A survey will go out to the parents of current year 9s to see how many will STAR Vet Nursing also want to purchase a digital device. The school has some laptops that can be used by Spinners & Weavers students in school and we will look at increasing the number of school-based laptops. However, it has been my experience that owning your device is very empowering for students and families because they can be taken home. This provides opportunities for 9 September families to see what is being taught and become more involved in their children’s learning. Wai Intercol Speech Currently many senior students already bring their own device so obviously we would Comp expect that option to continue. I am looking at ways in which we can make the purchase of digital devices affordable. More information to follow. Interhouse Quiz • Staff training in digital fluency is taking place each Wednesday until the end of the year. • Board review of Pastoral Care and Guidance. I am currently working gathering 16-19 September information to see how we could improve this for students. In the short term we have All ShookUp appointed an additional person to student support/Guidance - Olivia McHalick, and a Production mentor/learning coach for identified students - PJ Rimene. We welcome them both to the school. • Learning Support is well resourced at Wairarapa College and we are reviewing how we can integrate all the services to include behaviour (social/emotional) needs and improve the system to be more co-ordinated with communication going to everyone about the diverse needs of learners . • “The Tip of the Ice-berg” – I am aware from emails that there are strong views, both in favour and opposed, of the stance around grooming and uniform expectations. What staff have found this year (in particular) is a decline in stu- dent respect around following instructions in several areas- uniform, jewellery, using cell phones in class, inappropri- ate language and general lack of engagement. These reflect much bigger issues facing the culture of the school (the extent of the iceberg under the water). We have a set of rules and until such time as the Board has decided to alter the uniform and grooming expectations, we will adhere to what has been stated. We know that there has been a lack of clarity about what is acceptable and unacceptable to the school, including some things that I know all parents will be concerned about. This is a reminder that the “rules” apply to all until such time as they change, and staff will be applying them consistently. • School Culture. The issues below the water of our iceberg are yet to be agreed to by staff. We are working through ideas through the school’s professional learning programme to explore: - how we communicate as individuals and as groups within and outside of the school to express our needs and wants - how to improve engagement of students through improved learning and teaching in ALL classes at all levels - extended curriculum opportunities in year 9 and 10 so students have greater range of rich experiences - assessment strategies that promote student learning and don’t damage students’ belief in their potential and self-esteem - how to build a sense of pride in students and the school, learning ways to “protest” that is not defiant and disrespectful but acknowledges a right to express yourself. I have appreciated the warm, and welcoming interaction since I started at Wairarapa College. I am impressed by the hard work that goes into the school by Board and staff and I look forward to more opportunities to meet whānau and discuss the issues I have raised in this newsletter. Ngā mihi mahana Mrs Michele Whiting Whānau day—Tuesday 25th August Please put some time aside to meet with your child and their AKO teacher and discuss progress towards their goals and their results to date. To book an appointment please go to www.schoolinterviews.co.nz then enter the event code. The event code is 5ndzd Follow the prompts to enter email, your name and student name. In the subject box only select the AKO group your child is in. (Your child will know this; it is on their timetable). In the next box select the teacher’s name. Push go. Select the time you would like to attend. We realise it is not always easy for parents to attend during the day, but would strongly encourage parents to do their very best to attend this 20 minute meeting. It is vital that your child attend with you. A reminder that school is closed on this day, as staff are all involved with this academic mentoring programme. The KAMAR portal for 2021 option selection is closing on Friday 28 August 12 English at Wairarapa College becomes an option subject from 2021 and the introduction of ‘Bridging English’ One of the English Department’s goals is to ignite or extend the enjoyment of learning in this subject area. We are, there- fore, offering more choice and flexibility in our courses from next year. This will empower students to find the connec- tions between their interests and aims, and the opportunities given in English to understand the power of language (whether visual, written or spoken). Students and their whānau will be given descriptors of each course, and, with guidance from their English teacher, HOD and Deans, make a choice that suits their aims and in which they can experience success. This more flexible approach will continue to enable the English team to develop and create cross-curricular learning opportunities. New option at Year 12 - ‘Bridging English’ When you know you need Level 2 English for your next step (Trade/Defence force/Tertiary course/apprenticeship), and you have Level 1 Literacy, you would choose this course. You will create an individualised course, with your English teacher, based on your aims and interests. Highly recommended for students in their final year at College who are mov- ing into a career, apprenticeship, or other further training. To allow for this flexibility and differentiation, classes work within the digital platform, ‘Microsoft Teams’. This comple- ments teaching and learning within and beyond the classroom. All students are encouraged to bring a device to use in class, as well as at home. Course Content: A mix of Achievement Standards, as identified as desirable on Vocational Pathways website, as well as Level 2 (and 3 if appropriate) Unit Standards. Students would have the opportunity to work with their teacher to select tasks and topics according to their individual goals and aims. 2020 Senior School Ball Unfortunately, due to New Zealand entering Level 2 lockdown for Covid-19 we have had to postpone the Senior Ball on 22nd August. We have managed to secure a new date for this event (third time lucky) taking into consideration catering, music and hall availability.