How and why did you come to be involved with Taitokerau Education Trust?
I belong to Te Puawai Cluster. We are a group of like-minded principals who share the same vision and consideration for Māori succeeding as Māori. We formed an unofficial cluster five years ago. Leanne Otene who, at the time, was working closely with Darren at Northpower Fibre setting up the Channel North TV station at Manaia View School. In the meantime, on behalf of Northpower, Rangimarie was carrying out an investigation to launch a similar Manaiakalani endeavour in Whangarei. The connection was made with our cluster and here we are a few years later.
What is your role or relationship with the trust?
I am Principal at Whangarei Intermediate School and Lead Principal for our ‘cluster’.
Are there any particular highlights or achievements of the trust that stand out to you?
I am always astounded with how much the trustees donate their free time to support our students with their digital learning journey. I know that many hours are spent liaising with certain funding organisations, convincing them to consider granting the trust monies so our students have 100 percent access to devices beyond the school day.
What would you say to parents who are considering enrolling their child in the Digital Immersion Programme?
Our digital immersion teacher, Karen Hinge, says it best: In a digital immersion class the learning conversations don’t stop when the students go home! Working with online tools has extended the school day. Many students are much more willing to spend time at home on their learning activities. It is very common for students to access and complete tasks outside school hours. Using Google Tools, they can even collaborate with others from their own homes. When students are away from school, many of them can still access the classroom teaching and learning programme. Students are more willing to re-visit, edit and improve on their learning activities because they don’t ‘finish it’ by closing their workbook and putting it in their desk. I have found that because much of their learning is shared, students are more open to spending the time to create their best work. They enjoy the collaborative nature of working in an e-learning classroom. Another highlight of working with computers is that everyone can present their work beautifully and students aren’t limited by their own fine-motor, handwriting skills.
Why do you think the programme is so successful?
I believe we are successful because we are meeting the needs of every student, regardless of backgrounds and learning styles. We are providing a 21st Century curriculum for our students who will enter the workforce and be employed in professions that haven’t even been thought of yet. The world is forever changing and it is our responsibility to keep up.
Fun digital fact: What is the last thing you searched for online?
Recently discovered Grammarly. Brilliant editor! Makes my writing so much more exact!
