Early Learning Regional News – February 2016

• Tai Tokerau
• Auckland
• Waikato
• Bay of Plenty-Waiariki
• Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne
• Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu
• Wellington
• Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast
• Canterbury
• Otago, Southland

Tai Tokerau regional update

Kia ora koutou

Happy new year to one and all.

Welcome and best wishes to 2 new early learning services licensed to operate in Tai Tokerau:

• Educare Totara Park Tikipunga, and
• Mauri Home-based Care in the Far North

It is exciting to be working with groups who are looking at how best to provide for the early years tamariki within the region in a way that is responsive to them and their whānau.

TAP in the Far North

The targeted assistance for participation project (TAP) in the Far North is progressing and will result in 3 immersion puna reo across the region, one whānau-focused centre in Kaitaia and one community responsive centre also in Kaitaia. New TAP applications are currently being considered for other target areas within Te Tai Tokerau and the successful applicants will be announced at the end of March.

Play Cafe

Play Cafe is an innovative playgroup in Whangarei that was recently set up in response to families who have children with special education needs.

In October 2015, Play Cafe was certificated. The playgroup runs every Friday morning of the school term for whānau of children involved in early childhood education (ECE) throughout the Whangarei area. This is a collaborative venture between Special Education and Te Ora Hou. The kaupapa of the playgroup enables tamariki and whānau to meet with Special Education staff and have kōrero around what is happening for them and their whānau. Whānau get to meet with other whānau and share the challenges and joys they face. Many of the tamariki only attend ECE for limited hours, so the creation of a playgroup enables a chance for whānau to meet with others while giving their tamariki the opportunity to be in a social setting with others. When Play Cafe first began there was a group of 4 whānau which increased to 11 just before end of term in December 2015.

Well done to the crew of Play Cafe and their insight into providing a much-needed service for the community of Whangarei.

Hira Gage
Director of Education Tai Tokerau
Phone: 09 436 8914
Email: hira.gage@education.govt.nz

Auckland regional update

An update on TAP projects in Auckland, locations and expected open dates

Across Auckland, 66 Targeted Assistance for Participation (TAP) projects have been completed since 2010. These have helped create 3,136 new places for children in early childhood education (ECE). There are another 40 projects in progress. More projects will start soon when the current funding round is completed.

These projects help ensure there is a place in ECE for the growing number of young learners in Auckland. Funding is allocated to the areas in Auckland with the highest number of children who do not attend ECE before going to school. The goal is to have 98% of children who start school this year arriving ready to learn because they have gained skills, knowledge and positive attitudes while at ECE.

An update on SELO 2016 workshop schedule and information

This year we will provide early learning sector forums. The first one in February is about Continuity of Learning. At these workshops we will look at the 7 key aspects to ensure a positive move to school that were identified in the Education Review Office (ERO) National Report on Continuity of Learning. Participants will explore ways to improve experiences, develop practical tools and come away with ideas to share with their colleagues. You can register for the workshop in your area at www.eceastute.co.nz

Other topics that will be covered this year are: Growing Social Competence, Improving Teacher Practice, Talking Maths and Science, and Professional Inquiry and Research. Each area will also have the opportunity to attend workshops on Child Protection, Autism, Bicultural Practice, Te Whāriki, Learning Environments, Self Review and ERO, and Business Strategy. We will be sending out a calendar to help with your professional development planning.

A quick note about Ministry forms

Ministry forms to apply for a licence or certificate and to make changes are regularly updated. Having the up-to-date form means we have the right information to process your application. To ensure you use the correct form please email the Auckland ECE Team at ECEAKRegulations.Funding@education.govt.nz.

Auckland Pasifika Education Team

Bula Vinaka and warm Pasifika greetings.

We are excited to introduce the new Auckland Region Pasifika Education Team. Our work programme for 2016 is near completion and we are excited about the opportunities available this year to work closely with various Pasifika communities, families, early learning services, schools and tertiary providers to support educational success for our Pasifika students.

The team’s main role is to advise, facilitate and monitor activity that supports the achievement of Pasifika students and progress towards meeting the intention and targets of the Pasifika Education Plan 2013-2017 (PEP) in Auckland. Over the next 2 months we will be out and about meeting with key sector partners and Pasifika communities to identify and support areas of work that contribute to the PEP vision. That vision is to see ‘five out of five Pasifika learners participating, engaging and achieving in education, secure in their identities, languages and cultures and contributing fully to Aotearoa New Zealand’s social cultural and economic wellbeing’.

We are happy to discuss any ideas or concerns you may have with Pasifika engagement, participation and achievement.

We work closely with staff across all Ministry teams and you can contact us via your Ministry contact person or directly. We look forward to working with you in 2016.

Metaki Ma’ata

The Auckland Pasifika Education Team are:

Isabel Evans

Director of Education Auckland
Phone: 09 632 9333
Email: Isabel.Evans@education.govt.nz

Waikato regional update

Kei aku nui, kei aku rahi. Kei ngā pae maunga, ngā awaawa whānui o te motu. Nei rā ngā mihi ō te tau hōu.

Welcome to 2016

I hope that this first pānui for 2016 finds you all safe and well and that you have managed to have a break at some point over the summer period and are especially making the most of the long evenings. Long may they continue!

In this first part of 2016, we will be absolutely focused on encouraging and supporting young children and their families to participate in early childhood education (ECE), particularly if they have not done so before and if they are due to go off to school or kura in the latter part of this year. This priority will help support the achievement of the government’s Better Public Service target that by 2016 98% of children starting school will have participated in quality ECE.

In the Waikato we need approximately 75 additional children to be enrolled in ECE, the majority of which are Māori. We are working providers to specifically do this, but if you would like more information then get in touch with Gill Brown gill.brown@education.govt.nz to talk more.

Ministry of Education – Waikato Courses and Workshops 2016

The Ministry of Education – Waikato is offering a number of courses and workshops for parents and educators in 2016.

This programme of courses is designed to promote participation, engagement and achievement for children and young people while enjoying learning and sharing alongside other parents and professionals.

For more details about the 2016 programme of courses please see Ministry of Education Waikato Early Learning courses and workshops for Parents and Educators 2016.

Staying connected

Over 2016, I hope to visit and talk with you about your priorities and share ours with you. I would especially like to talk to you about Communities of Learning (COL). We have 10 that have formed across the Waikato and I expect that more will continue to be established over the course of this year.

COL are an excellent way of working with education colleagues in the primary and secondary school sector to support seamless educational pathways that will ensure all children and young people can reach their learning potential. You can learn more about COL and you can get in touch with me about this or any other matter at paula.rawiri@education.govt.nz.

Nancy Bell – new Director – Early Learning at the Ministry of Education

Last, it’s great to welcome Nancy Bell to the Ministry of Education for a fixed-term period of 2 years. Nancy will be taking up a new role as Director – Early Learning in our Early Learning and Student Achievement Group. She will be responsible for the group's activities around quality teaching and learning in the early learning sector, and how that supports every child's and student's educational success from the earliest years to age 18 and beyond.

Many of you will know Nancy through previous work and her current role as Chief Executive for Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand (ECNZ). I think it’s just great that we have someone of Nancy’s calibre joining the Ministry of Education.

Noho ora mai

Paula Rawiri
Director of Education Waikato
Phone: 07 850 8924
Email: paula.rawiri@education.govt.nz

Bay of Plenty–Waiariki regional update

Talofa lava, kia ora and welcome back to term 1.

I hope you had a well-earned rest with family and loved ones. It will be a hectic time for you as we get the New Year underway, although I also acknowledge those centres that have only closed for the public holidays. If there is anything we can do to support you, please contact us. To those of you who have suffered loss over the festive period, my deepest sympathies. This year, in particular, there appears to have been a high number of drownings throughout the country. I would especially like to acknowledge the drowning of Mt Maunganui College student, Hamish Rieger, which is a very traumatic time for his family and friends.

A special welcome to new staff starting work in the beautiful Bay of Plenty-Waiariki region – it’s the best place in the country to live and work and I look forward to meeting you in 2016.

It’s also a nervous time for parents, whānau and communities, especially those enrolling their children for the first time or transitioning onto school. My oldest child entered year 7 last week, leaving 3 in primary and my youngest still in kindy, although he’s ready to start university! So, all the best to our parents and I’ve found plenty of caffeine before 8am helps!

I was incredibly impressed with the high turnout of staff, managers and owners of centres at the round of ECE meetings I held in December 2015. It was great to see so many of you and listen to your thoughts and questions. 2016 is certainly going to be a year of change.

The Investing in Education Success strategy is now well underway with 12 Communities of Learning (COL) now established in our rohe. This is huge and represents 70% of our school-aged population and 48% of our schools. On the evening of Tuesday 9 February the team and I met with 92 ECE leaders and staff from across the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty to talk about COL. It was an excellent evening with great questions, enthusiasm and a real desire from these colleagues to collaborate with others. I was particularly excited when people organised themselves into various communities to discuss their next steps. Thanks to Dave Mudford at New Shoots for organising this. To find out more about your local COL I suggest you contact your local school or email Merle Ramsay in our team merle.ramsay@education.govt.nz.

Some of you will know that Nancy Bell, who is currently Chief Executive, Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand (ECNZ), will be joining the Early Learning and Student Achievement team in late March as Director – Early Learning.

Nancy will be responsible for the group's activities around quality teaching and learning in the early learning sector, and how that supports every child's and student's educational success from the earliest years to age 18 and beyond.

Nancy is a great addition to ELSA and the ideal person to lead this vital new work. She has great credibility in the sector, valuable knowledge of the portfolio she'll be working in, and is an experienced leader in education settings. I am excited for the early learning sector about this important appointment and will be inviting Nancy into our region to talk about her work with as many of you as possible.

I am always looking for opportunities to meet and listen to early learning leaders, so if there is something you’d like me to see or something you’d like to talk to me about please contact me on ezra.schuster@education.govt.nz or one of our friendly staff.

Ezra Schuster
Director of Education Bay of Plenty – Waiariki
Phone: 07 349 8309
Email: ezra.schuster@education.govt.nz

Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne regional update

Training to strengthen child protection practice

To support early learning services to meet their requirements under the Vulnerable Children Act 2014 and Regulations, the Ministry of Education is sponsoring training in Hawkes Bay and Gisborne on strengthening child protection practice with a focus on 0-6 year-olds.

We have contracted Eric Hollis to provide a series of workshops across the Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti regions. Eric will work specifically with teachers and educators in the early learning sector. Two of the workshops will be specifically focused for home-based managers and visiting teachers.

The seminars are being held In Gisborne, Napier and Hastings. Visit www.ecetraining.nz to enrol.

The seminars are designed to provide guidance to early learning practitioners that will better equip them to assist in supporting overall outcomes for all children and to build connections with other outside agencies who can provide support and guidance. It will also support early learning services to meet relevant licensing and certification criteria.

Read more about ECE sector requirements under the Vulnerable Children Act.

Fire destroys playgroup venue in Napier

The Eskview Community Playgroup building was severely damaged by fire on Saturday 30 January. The Playgroup was just about to start back after the holidays and other community groups were booked to use the building.

"As you can imagine, we are devastated at the loss of our much loved and well-used building," said Playgroup treasurer, Hana Ruth. "But it's the people who make our playgroup and we will work through this together."

The fire has gutted one room and left the rest damaged by smoke and water.

The community building was developed by the community from a former Scout hall at Petane Domain, off Onehunga Rd south of Bay View. "We had just had the bathroom re-done, with a neat trough sink that the kids were excited about. The new bathroom was the result of a few years’ fundraising work."

The Eskview Community Playgroup has around 30 families enrolled. The group are looking into alternative venues while the building is being repaired or replaced.

The donation of any resources, puzzles, books, toys and furniture would be greatly appreciated.

Please contact Hana Ruth on 021 029 66728 or hanaruth4444@hotmail.com for more information.

Marilyn Scott
Director of Education Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne
Phone: 06 833 6898
Email: Marilyn.scott@education.govt.nz

Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu regional update

Director’s message

Ngā mihi mahana kia koutou katoa

Welcome back to the start of a new year.

Early Learning Sector Forums: Professional Development Opportunity

Over the next few months we will be providing sector forums for all early childhood education (ECE) services. This will give you an opportunity to meet Ministry of Education staff working in your area, network with colleagues in the ECE sector and take advantage of the information that will be presented. We will have further forums later in the year. The dates are to be confirmed. Further information will be sent to you.

Playgroup Information

The beginning of the year is a time to think about the curriculum that you are providing. Play ideas for playgroups provides a host of information and ideas about activities that you could include in your daily programme. We hope you will find this useful to support children’s learning.

PG3 funding forms

All playgroups should have received their funding forms and these should be in the process of being sent back to your local office. The close-off date is Friday 26 February. If you have any questions, please contact your Playgroup Advisor.

I’m looking forward to meeting more of you this year. Please contact me on 021 229 7685 or email jann.marshall@education.govt.nz if you wish to discuss any issues or ideas. I look forward to hearing from you.
Ngā mihi

Jann Marshall
Director of Education – Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu
Phone: 06 349 6352
Email: Jann.Marshall@education.govt.nz

Wellington regional update

Kia ora koutou

Our first story for 2016 is about the Taita Whānau Playgroup who recently celebrated their new courtyard and play space. My final message for 2015 touched on what the Wellington Regional Office is doing towards the Government’s Better Public Services target of 98% of children starting school  having  participated in quality early childhood education (ECE) in 2016.

The Wellington region has already reached the 98% target, but we don’t want to get comfortable and think we have made it. We want to make sure that 98% is also achieved for Māori and Pasifika who are currently sitting at 96.7% and 95.6%, respectively, in our region.

“We place an upmost priority on ensuring all children in the Wellington region have an opportunity to receive an accessible and quality early childhood education (ECE). We celebrate all the combined efforts that go into enabling a child, not currently enrolled in ECE, to have that opportunity for their continuity of learning.”

Let’s make sure we all work together so that in 2016 we ensure every child gets a great start to their educational journey.

Ngā mihi nui

Pauline Cleaver
Director of Education Wellington
Phone: 04 463 8668
Mobile: 027 229 6982
Email: pauline.cleaver@education.govt.nz

A great start celebration in 2016 for Taita Whānau Playgroup

The whānau and tamariki of the Taita Whānau Playgroup celebrated their new fabulous courtyard and play space that was officially opened at the Great Start premises in Taita on Friday 22 January 2016. The play space will provide a much anticipated outdoor area for the playgroup.

Several enthusiastic helpers who attend the playgroup, along with Chris Hipkins, MP for Rimutaka, were on hand to cut the ribbon. Activities supervisor, Clare Saunders, thanked the many organisations and members of the community who came together to help support the development of this project.

The new courtyard includes a slide, sandpit and garden. Children will have the opportunity to learn new skills, and explore the natural world in a safe environment alongside their primary caregivers.

The playgroup also acts as a community hub. Most families attending Taita Whānau Playgroup are from the local area but everyone is welcome to attend and become involved in the activities. Students attending The Learning Connexion across the road from the playgroup have already volunteered to add finishing touches to the courtyard by painting murals of New Zealand bush and native birds on the walls. 

Ministry staff will continue to work with the playgroup to ensure that all parents and volunteers are aware of the provisions outlined in the Vulnerable Children Act 2014 to keep children safe.

Any whānau interested in joining a playgroup in the Lower Hutt area can contact Julia Buckley on 04 463 7027 or Juliana Malaeulu on 04 463 7023 for more information.

Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast regional update

ECE Team Profiles for Nelson Marlborough West Coast

Erika Ross – Director Education, Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast

As Director I am ultimately responsible for everything that happens in the region. I can be contacted at:

Email: erika.ross@education.govt.nz
Phone: 03 5391533
Mobile: 0275090430

Deborah van Dam – Senior Advisor Early Childhood Education (ECE)

With a number of years of experience that includes Playcentre, teaching of adults, teaching in early childhood, teaching in home-based, overseas, community-based and commercial early childhood services, Deborah has significant management experience.

She is passionate about the rights of children to experience a quality, inclusive learning environment that is responsive to the individual needs of the child and their whānau. Her strengths are in community consultation and developing local networks. Deborah supports licensed services in Nelson, Marlborough and the West Coast.

Deborah looks forward to linking with each of you in the continual growth of ECE in our community.

Email: deborah.vandam@education.govt.nz
Phone: 03 5463473
Mobile: 027 248 0208

Elizabeth Hamilton – Advisor Early Childhood Education

Elizabeth is based in the Nelson Office supporting certificated playgroups in the Nelson and Marlborough regions. She has a Playcentre background and has taught English as a second language in France. Elizabeth is a keen linguist and has a passion for quality ECE that is responsive to the learner’s language, identity and culture.

Email: elizabeth.hamilton@education.govt.nz
Phone: 03 539 1504
Mobile: 027 836 4971

Joanna Lorimer – Advisor Early Childhood Education

Joanna has been in this role since 2007. She has been involved in various aspects of education throughout her working life. She is the only member of the Marlborough/Nelson/West Coast team to be based on the beautiful West Coast. She supports certificated playgroups on the West Coast and in Nelson. Believing early childhood is the foundation a person’s life is built on, Joanna is passionate about children’s well-being and their opportunity to participate in quality educational opportunities.

Email: joanna.lorimer@education.govt.nz
Phone: 03 768 2018
Mobile: 027 479 8750

Incredible Years Parenting Course

The Ministry of Education and Ngati Koata are facilitating an Incredible Years Parenting Course (IYP) early in 2016.

• IYP is for parents and caregivers of children aged 3 to 8 years.
• The course starts 4 March 2016.
• This IYP course will be held at the Ministry Of Education Office, 19 Haven Road, Nelson.
• There is no cost, other than your time and commitment.

The programme is designed to develop positive family relationships, empower parents to make change, give practical support to parents about how they can help their child learn, and to support their child’s social development. 

Please let your community know that if they are interested in the course they can contact: Della Drummond, Ministry of Education, 03 546 3470, della.drummond@education.govt.nz.

Erika Ross
Director of Education Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast
Phone: 03 539 1533
Email: erika.ross@education.govt.nz

Canterbury regional update

Director’s message

Kia ora

Welcome back. I hope you had a great summer break, and are all ready for a wonderful start to 2016.

This month will mark 5 years since the devastating earthquake of 22 February 2011. We will all remember those who lost loved ones, and I will especially remember the amazing work that you have done supporting children and families on that day and over the last 5 years. My appreciation goes out to you.

There has been an incredible amount of work completed over that time. This year we saw Marshland, Rāwhiti, and St Francis of Assisi, Waitākiri Primary, West Rolleston Primary and the Waitaha Special School satellite welcome their first students and all begin a new and exciting journey. This progress is testament to the dedication, hard work, strong spirit and commitment of everyone involved.

Most early childhood education (ECE) services and kōhunga reo have now completed their repairs or rebuilds with Bishopdale Preschool opening this year in their purpose-built centre on the grounds of Breens Intermediate. Some services are still working through repairs and I wish them well as they work to resolve these.

I am delighted to congratulate New Year’s honours recipients: Gary Endacott New Zealand Order of Merit for services to people with disabilities; and Graeme Daniel New Zealand Order of Merit for services to special education.

Gary works in our Christchurch office as a disability facilitator and has been actively helping disabled people in the community since he was 10 years old through mentoring and being a role model to others. He ignores barriers and focuses on what he can do to help.

Graeme Daniel is Principal at Allenvale School, which is part of the special education network provision for the Canterbury region. He is also Special Education Principals' Association president. Graeme works tirelessly to support the success of students with special education needs. His dedication and commitment ensures that special education students have positive, productive and safe learning environments as well as programmes, pathways and opportunities to meet their needs.

Louise Hardham and Christine Kirkeby have recently left us to pursue new opportunities. Both are still involved in the early childhood sector and I wish them well in their new endeavours. In the meantime, please send any queries you would have directed to either Louise or Christine to ECE.Canterbury@education.govt.nz

I am looking forward to the year ahead with 2016 bringing many new opportunities for us all.

Mā te wā

Coralanne Child
Director of Education for Canterbury
Phone: 03 378 7345
Email: Coralanne.Child@education.govt.nz

Canterbury Education Sector Expo

The aim of the Canterbury Education Sector Expo, held towards the end of last year, was to thank you for your work in 2015 and provide an opportunity for early childhood education (ECE) services and principals and board chairs to come together to discuss the support and resources available to them from the Ministry of Education and support agencies. It was also a chance to celebrate our educational successes.

Canterbury has seen some difficult and challenging times in education and events have meant that we needed to take the time to imagine and innovate. We began to imagine what could happen, and there were some who doubted and claimed such things could not be done. The goal was seen to be too ambitious, too difficult with our demographics and too costly! But because of imagination, determination and a belief in our abilities, our education services and our students, we are making amazing strides.

Finding the right way to include education on such a long and complex renewal and reconstruction agenda is often not easy and the expo provided an opportunity where we could explore a range of education possibilities for Canterbury.

Each time the sector comes together I am reminded of a quote by Nelson Mandela that emphasises the importance of our collective work: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Exhibitors included Ministry teams from ECE, Property, Education Renewal, Youth Guarantee and Special Education. The NZ Police, Work and Income New Zealand, NZSTA and the Education Review Office (ERO) also exhibited and there was information about the region’s demographics and education profile. Education managers, school and early childhood senior advisors, advisors and property delivery managers were also available to provide advice and support. Again we have demonstrated that as a sector we continue to work together to provide the best possible future for our young people.

Thank you

Amanda Dowling
Senior Communications Advisor
Phone: 03 378 7337
Email: amanda.dowling@education.govt.nz

Cultural literacy – one service’s journey in a SELO 3 contract

The Building Blocks Community Trust governs and supports 3 licensed early childhood education (ECE) centres in the south west of Christchurch. In 2015, our services set 2 strategic learning pathways – ‘strengthening teaching and learning’ and ‘strengthening our centres’ key relationships’ at all levels. As we embarked on our adventure we had little idea of what this would look like, but we were ready, determined and committed to change. Our aim was to fully commit to any opportunities for professional learning and development, to work smarter, and to weave together information and learning from diverse sources. This included participation in the Strengthening Early Learning Opportunities (SELO) 3 literacy programme funded by the Ministry of Education and facilitated by CORE Education Ltd.

The SELO 3 workshops included phonemic awareness and letter sound relationships, cultural literacies, importance of oral language learning and indoor and outdoor use of literacy. It included aspects of cultural literacy that sat well with the journey we were already on. Our connection with the South West Baptist Church enabled us to work with them in closer partnership. We have been able to adopt the use of some taonga gifted to the church by their cultural group including kōwhaiwhai, waiata and haka.

Children practising their new waiata.

During our time in the programme we saw increasing interest from parents/whānau as they noticed and joined in with some new concepts and experiences being introduced to the children. At the end of the programme, as a great opportunity to learn from and encourage each other, each of the 3 centres presented their outcomes. We also decided to use our presentations to strengthen other key community relationships we hold by inviting a range of partners. ­­This was well attended with positive feedback given to the teachers who had put a lot of energy and time into the presentation. Each team was able to articulate the different literacy concepts used and evidence of the children’s learning was presented using digital technology. This included examples of children’s confident use of literacy concepts demonstrating infants, toddlers and young children in action, competently using sign language, embracing their family’s national culture and creating their own resources.

Lolo models the lavalava she made from scratch with just verbal instructions from teachers to help her pin, cut and sew with the machine.

It was a successful outcome all around and a definite spring-board for future. We are seeing growing interest and engagement from parents/grandparents who have contributed their rich knowledge. There are so many more possibilities open for the future that we have to intentionally pace ourselves. As we continue, we can’t help but look ahead to the next challenge and see what risks we are willing to take to change our mind-sets.

Thanks to all those involved in the Building Blocks Community Trust’s journey.

Chris Reid
Director
Spreydon Baptist Community Early Learning Centres
Phone: (03) 3385466

Inter-agency workshop on dealing with at-risk children and young people – reminder

We would like to let you know about a workshop being run early next year: ‘How to recognise and deal with children and young persons exposed to or at risk of abuse’.

The workshop is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Education, Child, Youth and Family (CYF) and the NZ Police to prepare school and early childhood education (ECE) staff to recognise children and young people exposed to or at risk of abuse.

The workshop includes information about: the signs and indicators of children or young people at risk of abuse; the roles of professionals in dealing with suspected abuse; the process that follows a report of concern; and child protection policies. Representatives from the Ministry, CYF and the NZ Police will give advice and good practice examples on the topic.

The workshop will run on 2 different dates with a maximum of 50 participants per workshop. Please bring your child protection policy along for discussion.

When:

• Option 1 – Monday 14 March 2016 from 8.30am to 12.30pm or
• Option 2 – Monday 21 March 2016 from 8.30am to 12.30pm

Where:

• McFadden’s Centre, St. Alban’s Baptist Church, 64 McFadden’s Road, St Albans, Christchurch

Who:

• School principals or senior leadership members 
• ECE centre managers or head teachers (1 representative per school/ ECE)

RSVP:
Lynne James
Phone: 03 378 7771
Email: lynne.james@education.govt.nz
Please let Lynne know who will be attending and the preferred date.

Otago, Southland regional update

New Ways of Working and the Gore ‘Kids Hub’

Kia ora koutou and warm Pasifika greetings

Welcome back to 2016! I know you will have exciting plans ahead to work with the staff, parents, whānau and community to support the learning pathways of the children in your care. We too have some new plans in the Ministry to share with you. Four new education advisors have started this year and we want to ensure the multiple strengths across our team can be used collaboratively to be more responsive to your needs. Two of our new staff, Natasha Munro and Pip Laufiso, have extensive early childhood education (ECE) experience and will have prime responsibility in working with services, alongside Kurt Chisholm and Robyn Powell. Nikki Hosking, one of our existing advisors who has experience working in both ECE and schooling, will be leading an exciting new integrated approach to working in the Western and Central Southland area. Many people will know Nikki from her work with Southland schools, but she is delighted to share her expertise and passion for ECE in working with both ECE services and schools in this geographic area. Her work will pilot new ways of working that we hope are more responsive and integrated across ECE and schooling transitions within rural communities.

New ways of working

The focus of our work for 2016 is on ‘Kids and Communities of Learning (COL)’ supporting services and schools to lift the life opportunities and achievement of each child. This will involve working with representatives of ECE services, principals, communities and Boards of Trustees (BOTs) to develop COL based on children’s pathways through the education system. We want to work with you bringing a range of areas of the Ministry together, to provide a more cohesive service to individual ECE services and in COL through discussion around transition to school pathways for children and supporting you in making strong education links with local schools.

Your senior advisors are now called education advisors (to reflect a more generic role across the sector from ECE to the schooling interface). We have a number of targeted projects across our Otago/Southland region where we are piloting new ways of working with a strength-based group approach to our work with ECE services, schools and communities. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if any of our staff can assist in any way.

New Ministry of Education Advisors

Ros Allan: Lead Education Advisor: Communities of Learning

Ros has the new specialist role as Lead Advisor for COL. She will help work with groups of schools and ECE services to explore COL and develop their achievement challenges and support them to take action to meet the needs of their students and community. Ros has been a classroom teacher, teacher educator, literacy consultant and literacy advisor. Prior to working with the Ministry she was Programme Leader for the National Monitoring Study of Student Achievement and Co-director of the Education Assessment Unit at the University of Otago. I know a number of the ECE teachers may remember Ros from her days at the Dunedin College of Education.

Pip Laufiso: Education Advisor

Pip Laufiso has been involved in a wide range of community-based organisations, initiatives and activities locally and nationally, with her key interests focused on arts and education. She worked for the Dunedin College of Education as an advisor and a lecturer for a number of years with a focus on Pasifika education primarily in ECE, but also in student support, Home School Partnership and socio-cultural studies. Her recent role has been with a local Private Training Establishment (PTE). She has been involved in the Otago Early Childhood and Schools’ Māori & Pacific Island Festival, Transforming Dunedin, Computers in Homes and other arts and cultural events. Pip’s major responsibility will lie with ECE services, but she will be working across the sector supporting our Māori Medium schools and providing support for teams in working with Pasifika and Māori students and whānau.

Natasha Munro: Education Advisor

With a 0-8 year Bachelor of Education degree, Natasha brings a range of experience from the ECE sector having worked in kindergartens in New Zealand, and in London schools as Head of Early Years and Deputy Head of the Coin Street family and children’s centre, a community hub. She is studying full-time towards her Masters in Childhood Studies and is an advocate for collaborative practice that provides the best support for children and their whānau in the early years. She has a particular interest in transitions and is a passionate advocate for ensuring ECE services are providing quality ECE for all children.

Karyn Fielding: Education Advisor

Karen’s work history includes 15 years of teaching experience in 4 Dunedin Secondary schools and 11 years working in teacher education. At the University Of Otago College of Education, Karen was the Co-coordinator of Secondary Programmes and taught in a range of cross-sector and secondary professional practice and curriculum papers. Karen has recently completed a MA thesis focused on what secondary student teachers can learn from field observations in a primary school. A real highlight of her work in teacher education was working with student teachers and teachers in Otago and Southland schools. She will be working with primary and secondary schools in Invercargill and is delighted to continue her previous connections with Southland schools in this new role. Karen has been the chairperson of a private kindergarten management group.

Gore 'Kids Hub' opening

After forming the Gore Kids Charitable Trust in August 2014, the team of representatives from the Gore Playcentre, Gore Parents Centre and Gore Toy Library has been successfully developing a purpose-built shared facility worth $1.7 million. The Trust celebrated this milestone with the wider community on Saturday 30 January with its grand opening.

Ministry of Education Advisors (ECE), Kurt Chisholm and Pip Laufiso, were impressed with the development of the project when they visited the Playcentre and the Hub prior to the opening. The Playcentre was taking shape as the parents/educators and committee members moved equipment and resources from the former premises and reorganised their new environment. The excitement was apparent as last minute touches were being added and the 254 concrete blocks representing each of the donors and sponsors were ready to be laid alongside the pathway.

The actual build began within months of forming the Trust, and once the complex is operational the work on the public playground adjacent to the hub will continue. The groundswell of support from funders, local businesses and individuals has made this possible. Chairwoman of the Gore Kids Trust, Bernadette Hunt, and the Trust members were also promoting the ‘Give Us a Hand’ project aimed at families and individuals in a bid to raise funds to build the playground.

The complex has been designed to be a learning hub for preschool-aged children, containing a one-stop shop of support services for families. Barnadoes was confirmed to be locating its services there and the Trust was expecting to take bookings from other agencies. The community rooms can accommodate a range of clinics, workshops and meetings.

The brightly-painted facility with an enclosed playground will spark some interest from other communities and organisations with a shared desire to work together. The 3 organisations had been looking for ways to do this, and when they were unable to find suitable premises in Gore the proposal to investigate building something new was initiated. Well done Gore community!

Please contact me if you wish to discuss any issues or ideas. I look forward to hearing from you.

Ngā mihi mahana

Julie Anderson
Phone: 03 471 5217
Mobile: 027 836 4846
Email: julie.anderson@education.govt.nz