How and why did you come to be involved with Taitokerau Education Trust?
I am the principal at Te Horo School. My two daughters teach at Hikurangi School and they often spoke about the digital technology mahi they were doing at their kura.
I was impressed with what I saw after attending an IT digital open day at Whangarei Intermediate School with my two teachers so I asked for more information from the trust’s Executive Officer Liz Cassidy-Nelson and was pleased with the information she gave me.
What is your role or relationship with the trust?
Participating principal.
Are there any highlights or achievements of the Trust that stand out?
- Receiving professional learning and development (PLD) facilitation and mentoring for our teachers through the trust’s Digital Immersion Facilitator Beth Lamb. We’ve really appreciated Beth’s modelling of how to teach students using devices.
- The fantastic liaison our community receives through the trust’s Whānau Engagement Officer Ross Tipene. His attendance at our school hui gave several parents the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with him to learn more about the programme.
- Seeing how engaged and enthusiastic of our students are when using devices in the classroom for their learning. They want to show staff members and myself what they are learning on their devices.
- The upcoming roll-out of internet connections in the homes of our students will create pathways for our students to have their own device and internet access so they can continue their learning at home.
What would you say to parents who are considering enrolling their child in the Digital Immersion Programme?
It would be best if their child had their own digital device in order to maximize their learning. I would also ask a senior student showcase their own digital learning to parents.
Why do you think the programme is so successful?
Schools involved are given huge support by the trust and the IT facilitators that implement the digital area of the technology curriculum.
Students are becoming digitally savvy. Those who are connected to the trust are holding their own nationally and internationally with the digital knowledge they have received and learned.
Fun digital fact: What is the last thing you searched for online?
Epic – free online reading books programme.
Anything else you would like to add?
Joining the Taitokerau Education Trust was one of the best decisions I have made as principal of Te Horo School. I can’t over emphasize the huge benefit our students have gained from being part of this programme.
