NZEI Award Ratification Meeting

As the NZEI rep for Otonga it was important for me to attend the meeting to vote on ratifying the new award. Despite my 'encouragement' I was disappointed that only one other staff member from school attended. I don't consider myself a strong union person but I think attending one or two meetings a year isn't too much to ask. Talking to colleagues at school and listening to people speak at the meeting, there seems to be quite a bit of disillusionment with the union and the award they have negotiated.  

Student/Parent/Teacher 3-Way Interviews

Student/Parent/Teacher 3-Way Interviews

Conducted 3-way interviews during the week with children and parents. I really like the format as it is  the best of both worlds. Parents get to hear about their child's learning and progress along with the child. It also gives the opportunity to discuss any classroom concerns with both the parent and child.

We also have to report in terms of National Standards. As far as I am concerned this is information for the parents and for those children below standard to hear this is unnecessary. Despite this  had some really positive interviews. 

House of Science P.D.

Have been trialling science kits from 'House of Science'. These fully contained kits have lesson plans and all the equipment for a small scientific investigation. Attended a P.D. session tonight run by the creator of the kits. We first talked about the Nature of Science and the capabilities. Then proceeded to have a look at the magnetism kit.
Really excellent kits and P.D. As the teacher in charge of science I will probably run  a staff meeting along the same lines.