Knowledge based curriculum

As we head into the final weeks of term two it is interesting to look back on the two terms we have had this year focussing on the NZ Curriculum change led by the Ministry of Education.  We have been working so hard as a staff to get to know the NZ Curriculum, the changes that keep rolling through (even still changing at the beginning of this year).  The curriculum has been backward mapped from year 10, so each year level has been lifted.  All very important details to ensure kaiako are fully understanding what now needs to be covered.

Moving into the change in assessment tools.  The assessment tools we use such as PAT Maths and PAT comprehension were adjusted mid way through term one, after we had gathered our beginning of year data.  The data will now be skewed for the end of year collection as each of the year levels now covers new material.  We also trialled the new SMART tool for reading, writing and maths for our year 3 to 8 learners.  The tool is now being calibrated and results will then be shared at the end of the year.  A really good chance for us to check in on how our tamariki access tools.  For example, our tamariki have never typed a writing assessment, and their editing skills were very poor.  Their results are now skewed.

It seems like a rush and feels like a rush.  I am all for change and doing the absolute best that we can for our tamariki, but feel that this process could have been rolled out in a much more professional manner.  Give our kaiako time to know the refreshed curriculum.  Give kaiako time to adapt their teaching to account for a knowledge based curriculum, rather than building on what tamariki know.  Kaiako now plan to teach what is in each year level.  Let this happen over time, so that resources and professional development are accessed and our tamariki get the absolute best.  We are getting these changes the same time as whanau.  It seems unprofessional to not give kaiako the chance to upskill and be confident before they are expected to embed these changes in their teaching practice.

After reflection, I am so proud of our kura.  Our staff have grasped every opportunity to upskill, tweak and learn at pace.  We are not proclaiming to be perfect, but boy are we trying to adapt our practice at pace to be the best we can for our tamariki.  We are keeping calm, even though things are coming at us.  We want the very best for everyone.

Needless to say, as we approach the break, we need it.  Time to review, reflect and go again.  Education is certainly the most dynamic career to be in!  What a privilege and a blessing.  What wins everyday....our tamariki!  They are worth it!  Check out our recent Matariki celebrations.  This is what brings the joy as our tamariki thrive.

Kathryn Carey

2026 New Year - New Celebrations

Tena koutou

We have started off 2026 with a wonderful year planned for our tamariki.  Our school is brimming with chatter, learning and fun.  

Our goals this year will be around

- building on Christian Witness through our strong relationships, whanaungatanga, pastoral care and Catholic identity.

- continuing to implement the structured maths programme, including the changes to the NZ Curriculum.  Staff will be taking part in ongoing professional development around mathematics.

- formative assessment as part of our Manaiakalani cluster. We are looking forward to really unpacking this as a staff and setting some strong goals moving forward with our tamariki being confident in what they are learning and why

- PB4L - positive behaviour for learning.  Embedding our school values in all aspects of our kura. Our staff have been working with our Ministry lead to implement some positive systems for our tamariki to thrive at kura.

This year we are getting our brand new shade sail over our turf area.  This will make a huge difference to our indoor/outdoor play areas.  We are hoping to be able to use this area for our celebrations, events and to enhance our play space.

Our staff have recently taken part in whole school professional development around neuro-diversity.  Such a wonderful opportunity to network with other kura in our region and to meet specialist teachers who were able to share their knowledge with us.  We have come back to our kura and shared resources and expertise to action in our classrooms.

It is a privilege to be leading in our school and we value our community voice.  If you have any ideas/suggestions or just want to chat, come in and see us.

Looking forward to a blessed year ahead!

Nga mihi nui

Kathryn Carey

Principal

Term Three 2025 - Principal Appreciation Day

Principal Appreciation Day fell on Wednesday 23rd July.  I have been so spoilt by my staff and feel so appreciated.  They went over and above with a wonderful display of heartfelt messages which I treasure.  

I sent my tumuaki colleagues an email reminding them that they are awesome and are "seen".  I recognise the extra hours, stress, devotion and hard work that each of us as tumuaki are striving to continue to be the best that we can for the schools we lead. Some of us were "appreciated" and some were not. It got me thinking....the things that really make the difference.

- On Tumuaki Appreciation day I had cuddles and smiles from 5 year olds

- A year 4 eagerly shared the cave weta's that his Dad had brought in to school and he had shared with his classroom

- I received a gift from a year 8 whanau who had just got back from Japan

- Earlier in the week I had two staff members that gave me flowers after a surgical procedure welcoming  me back.

I was able to enjoy these special moments with joy. These things all fell on Principal Appreciation Day quietly and I felt so good!  You don't do a job for recognition, appreciation or kudos, but boy it helps when you get to see the great things in your role too.

The week has been a challenge.  Staff unwell, trying to find cover, jumping in the classes, juggling as staff have things on and I try my best to jump in to alleviate stress by taking their class.  Three late nights in a row with 11 and 12 hour days with board meetings and then first aid training.  So much "extra" to fit in. However, peel back the "extra's" and the best times are always with the kids.

I look outside at my own home and see the uniforms that I have brought home and washed.  So many things you do to keep everything rolling along to the best that you can.  Such a small thing, washing uniforms, but one of the many extra things that go unnoticed. I wonder if people realise the depth of the role in a small school.  You simply do not have the manpower to get the little things done, so they are done on top of the massive amounts of administration required to keep a school rolling along.  Often the administration takes more time than it should. I have spent the majority of my year trying to get funding for buses, so our tamariki don't miss opportunities.  Funding for devices, so no one misses out.

The absolute best part of the job is the students.  Seeing them experience new learning, opportunities, special moments.  It is gold.  Not only are you working with the best age group, but the support with the extra things are huge.  Staff that are part of the waka and on a journey to support the kura is vital.  Connection with whanau, tamariki and the community is vital.  How blessed we are as a special character school with our Parish working alongside our kura in such a supportive way.

As we roll through the immense changes that the Ministry keep throwing at us, it reminds me to keep things in perspective.  At the end of the day, our tamariki are the ones that keep us in our jobs.  Those supportive staff members that quietly go about to make you feel appreciated are gold.  No matter what your role is, know that you make a difference with the small compliment, the offer of thanks and noticing the small and big things that are happening. 

I always make sure my teaching staff and support staff are acknowledged on their appreciation days.  I believe it is important that they feel the awhi and feel valued. We have the very best morning tea's celebrating birthdays and achievements.  Each staff member gets flowers or a voucher on their birthday and any milestones are celebrated together, just like we do for our tamariki.  I hope that it brings some light into their lives too.

So, Tumuaki Appreciation Day 2025 was an opportunity as always to reflect, be thankful and continue on the journey in education which is dynamic, challenging, rewarding and hard!  What a privilege to be a Tumuaki in 2025!

Clean uniforms, all ready to go for week 3!

Term Two, 2025 - Te Ao Mārama – Embracing Hope through Aroha and Whakapono.

 It has been a real privilege to attend the NZCPPA Conference in Wellington.  A really important time to connect with other Catholic Principal's throughout Aotearoa.  

The theme Te Ao Mārama – Embracing Hope through Aroha and Whakapono really resonated with the importance of connection.  God made us to connect with others to support our faith as community.

Keynote speakers

Vince Ford

Suggests that we ask an open ended question of students who are in our office “What does it feel like to be you today?”

See things from their perspective. He challenges us to connect through storytelling.  As leaders, imagine the stories behind the behaviour.

In daily interactions - Take a breath before you judge. There is more to the story. 

Mass with Archbishop Paul Martin in the Wellington Cathedral. This beautiful church has only been open for one year, as it was made earthquake proof which took approximately 5 years. It radiated peace and hope. The homily from Bishop Martin was truly inspiring. He spoke about being a secondary school teacher and understood the significance of education. He prayed for our hope, wisdom and passion as we head for Pentecost Sunday this weekend. An absolute highlight of my time away.

Maggie Craig was a keynot speaker who linked parables to communion with others.

She spoke about the "Road to Emmaus, 7 miles - 7 is a significant number". She spoke about Jesus is not a subject to teach but a person to engage with. 

Do not be afraid appears 365 times in the bible. One for each day of the year 

Theology of friendship. Friendship has power.You are built to be in relationships with others. Spiritually we need friends 

4 levels of friendship 

Heart - very rare - take time. Lot of honesty. Defined by vulnerability 

Common interest - see the world the same way

Convenience - see each other regularly- work, live nearby 

Functionality - mutually helpful to each other

- very basic 

We need each other - to send the devil back. The devil brings doubt, criticism and loneliness. Work on developing friendships of the heart. Be vulnerable. Be courageous.

Term One 2025 - TTPA Conference - "Navigating New Horizons - people, place, environment"

Kia ora

As I reflect back on the term, we have had so many new opportunities as kaiako and for our tamariki.  Highlights have certainly been the recent professional learning opportunities. Most recently is the Te Tai Tokerau Principal Conference "Navigating new Horizons - People, Place, Environment".  Discussions on the use of AI in schools.  Encouraging the opportunity to teach our tamariki to not be "consumers" of digital technology, but rather to think critically about what is online, how we use it and whether it is correct.  AI is certainly progressing at a rapid pace, but our real need in the world is peace, kindness and care.  If we took action to help others in need if we are able to, we would be in a beautiful place.

Inspirational speakers such as our MC Pio Terei, Arnika Macphail, Dan Te Whenua Walker, Vince Ford, Jemarl Paerata and Dave Letele.

Te Mataiaho has rolled out for our kaiako to use in our classrooms, alongside structured literacy and structured maths.  Our staff are brave and trying so many new things in the classrooms and I am so proud of the progress we are making in all aspects.

At the end of the day, we are committed to our students and providing an environment which is rich in faith, learning and opportunities.  It is a privilege.

Nga mihi nui

Kathryn Carey

Tornadoes, power cuts and more....but the best art unveiling ever!

 Kia Ora Koutou!

What a heading to start off term 1 2023, but this is just what we have been navigating as a kura.  Delays and interuptions due to the weather patterns.  Our poor kura received damage to our walkway roof areas, our garden shed doors were ripped off and our playground shadesail had torn.  Thankfully no-one has been hurt and we keep all whanau in our prayers as they navigate through the damage, slips and power cuts with this weather pattern.

Anyhow, we are back in to the term with loads of fabulous learning going on.

The highlight has to be our whanau breakfast for our local curriculum artwork.

The stories and richness behind this mural makes my heart warm.  A summary as follows:

He waka eke noa - we are all in this together. We began early in the morning and gathered for our art unveiling prior to the sun rise. A massive thanks to our staff, tamariki, whanau, parish, board and community for supporting this project. Sylvie Currin our artist that designed and co-ordinated the stunning student art, Father Larry for karakia and blessing, and Bill Pomare for his mihi and board representation. We are so proud of this mahi. A summary of the art:

Part 1: Bishop Pompallier and his journey to Aotearoa NZ and sharing our Catholic Faith with the first Mass being held at Totara Point.

The four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

The Mass and communion with the bread and wine.

Part 2: Catherine McAuley and the establishment of our Mercy charism school in 1958 with the key elements of sharing a cup of tea, walking in Jesus shoes and showing aroha to all.

Part 3: Aotearoa NZ with Motuti, and koru patterns. Kaitaia with the mountains, fish, ocean and links to plentiful kai. The Southern Cross stars.

Mary sitting proudly with Jesus.

At the top is our Mercy cross with the five main iwi within it.

So many rich elements to this piece of art.

Thank you for this special journey where we gathered such rich historical facts about how we were formed as a Catholic School and parish.

After the blessing our staff pulled together a delicious breakfast for us to finish our celebration together.

Very blessed

Tight rope

Kia ora koutou

We have made it through to the end of term three!!  I am so proud of our staff and students.  Amongst ongoing illness and absenteeism, limited relievers, we have done it!  Our students continue to give me warm fluffies.

The highlight was Tai Media visiting our kura to promote school attendance.  We are sitting as one of the highest levels of attendance with average rates of 90-95% each day.  In this link you can hear what our tamariki say about school.  They simply love it, see the importance of learning and appreciate their interactions with us as a whanau together.  Whakawhanaungatanga in action!  It made me so happy to hear them speak without any prompting, it was simply from their hearts!

Check it out https://fb.watch/fED1OFe5b3.

Within the term we had cross country with many of our tamariki reaching the finals as top ten runners.  Again, a great chance to mix with other schools in Te Hiku.  Congratulations to them all.

Go and see the newsletter for snippets of our seniors sharing their local curriculum learning with their musuem feature too.

We are looking forward to refuelling our tanks this term break.  The heading of my spiel is tight rope.  The kura functions so well and relies on everyone covering each other in times of need.  When the rope is slack, we have resources and energy.  When the rope is tight, everyone is drawn to their maximum.  Yet again it is a village approach that makes such gains.  I thank our staff, students and you our whanau for the ongoing support.

Nga mihi nui

Kathryn Carey

 End of term two 2022

It is the last day of the term.  We have all of our staff at school for the first time in almost three weeks.  We have been hit with illness with staff and students and it has been a "trying" final four weeks to ensure we have an adult in front of every class.  Similar to climbing of a mountain, when you see the peak and struggle to the final crest, to then see another wave of hills in the midst and the peak is in fact further on.  I liken the analogy of climbing a mountain, to my role as Principal.  Hugely challenging yet so rewarding.  The hours of work at home and school to ensure that systems are in place for safety, opportunities are there for staff and students to feel a sense of struggle, accomplishment and reward, and to provide a space for top line education drives me forward.  I am surrounded by a wonderful team that excite me and encourage me to be the best that I can.

This week has been celebrating Tumuaki like myself in NZ.  There is a real push to bring attention to the role that Principal's are doing in our schools.  The hours are huge.  The stress can be overwhelming.  But I thrive on the challenge that my role provides and I love it!

When I look back over my 8 years of leading our school as Principal I feel a real sense of accomplishment.  The students faces, smiles, pride, joy, struggles and trials are all part of our day-to-day life.  Trying to ensure whanau feel a welcome part of our journey, strategically planning with the board and our key stakeholders while attempting to keep a balance in the work load for my staff is part of the juggle.  I appreciate being in a Catholic school, embraced by the prayers of our parish.  The partnership is an important part of who we are.

I am looking forward to the term break to rest and replenish.  I usually work right through, but I am exhausted.  The added pressure that covid has put on myself, my staff, our students, whanau and community is huge.  I know we will be OK, but right now rest is required.

I wish our entire community a fabulous term break.  I pray that we come back full of health, excitement and energy to continue with the great learning at PCS.  Thank you to those that continously provide support, awhi and care.  It is much appreciated.

God bless

Kathryn

 Term Two, 2022

It is already week three of the term and I have the privilege of being part of a learning group of Principals around NZ doing a book study of "Limitless mind" by Jo Boaler.  The first chapter unpacks the idea of having a fixed mindset and brain pathways.  My favourite term in the first chapter is "LIMITLESS POTENTIAL".  I love this!  Every student we have in our kura is one that has limitless potential.  We are all on a growth journey as part of our existence in life.  I am so excited to be part of this group to "fire up" our thinking to cause great positive change for our students.

Kathryn Carey

Term One, 2022

 As we are nearing the end of the term it has been timely to reflect on how we are going at Pompallier Catholic School.  Term one has been full of challenges as we navigate through health and safety requirements of covid.  Constant changes to formalities and limiting adult interaction with our students.  To say it has been challenging is an understatement!

We have worn masks in our senior school the entire 11 weeks which has seen relatively low illness rates transfering between our students, which was our goal.  The last six weeks has seen us juggling staff isolation requirements, trying to keep everything ticking along for our learners!

I am so proud of our team.  We have had our Catholic Schools Office Review that was done remotely.  Check out our video to show the whanaungatanga at PCS.

This review consisted of sharing our planning, learning and documentation remotely.  Interviews were undertaken with staff, board, students, whanau and parish.  The passion from our community, awhi, aroha and whanaungatanga seeped from every area.

We have worked hard to promote the local curriculum learning so that our tamariki are able to recognise who we are, we we came from and be proud to be Catholic.

Since the review, as a school team we have worked together to support our tamariki and each other.  That is really what being Catholic is all about.

We soon head to the term break.  As a Principal, I cannot wait.  I am exhausted!  My team are exhausted.  However, we are looking forward to moving ahead to get into the deep learning that our tamariki thrive on at PCS.

God bless

Kathryn

Beginning of the School Year 2022

 Kia Ora!

Well we are now in week 3 of term 1, 2022.  Our new "normal" is students and teachers wearing face masks in year 4 to 8.  Teachers wear masks with other adults who are only coming on site if it is essential due to "red" settings that we are working in with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education.  My role as Principal is now attending to numerous updates and emails.  We have established safety systems throughout the school and the paperwork is hugely demanding.

I am so proud of our staff and students.  They work together to make it work for all of us.  As the covid cases are reaching near 1000 per day, it is now in the Far North and we brace ourselves.  We keep praying for the safety of all.  For peace.  For unity.  We pray for those on the front lines who are working hard to keep our hospitals and services open.  We pray for the essential workers that are cleaning, restocking, delivering and working hard in these times.

The learning that is happening in week 3 already is exciting in our kura.  Our focus of the 4 C's (communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking) is flowing throughout the classrooms.  Our tamariki are learning about our school charism of Mercy.  This is what we base our learning on, as a Catholic School we are proud to be there for others.  We are learning about manners being important, respect and helping those less fortunate.  Our new students are learning a variety of ways to pray.

Next week we have our Catholic Review and we are excited to share our kura with the Auckland Catholic Diocese.  It is a chance to review, celebrate and set new goals moving forward.  

Our roll is the highest it has been and our students are welcoming those who are new to our kura with aroha and manaakitanga.  This is what being a Principal is all about!  Diversity, challenge and aroha.  Looking forward to a year brimming with all of those things.

Below is a photo of our whakatau....we could only have essential guests...it is so different for all of us, but we made it work.  So great to welcome Whaea Cherie and our new tamariki to our kura.

Nga mihi nui

Kathryn Carey

Principal

Pompallier Catholic School visuals

 I am so excited to share our visual connection.

Piper Harrison our talented student created this after gathering knowledge, inspiration, guidance and future focus from

- Staff, board members, students, whanau, parish and community.

Our Mercy Cross is the centre of the image, representing our school charism of Mercy.

Our values are depicted within.

The Maori design covers the iwi that are represented in our kura.

Care for God's creation is our focus as a kura.

Term 2 and 3 combined 2021

 Kia Ora Koutou

Wow, I didn't realise that time had passed so quickly that I was due to write my term 3 blog already, so I have combined both of the terms.

So many wonderful things are happening at PCS.  We have a focus on the four C's (creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication) with all of the learning.  Our staff are working hard to create opportunities for all of these things across the curriculum.

Term 3 saw us leaping back into lockdown.   As I write this we are in to our third week.  The online learning being provided by our teachers is so exciting to see.  Our learners are able to continue engaging and experiencing learning across the curriculum, but on a digital platform.  

My aspiration for our kura is that every student will have access to a digital device, with internet, without having to share with a sibling or adult to engage with the learning. I am working hard to access support to make this happen for our kura.

Prior to lockdown we had huge whanau and parish involvement in our kura.  With Matariki, 3 way conferences, kapa haka and then Catholic Schools Day.  We are wanting to continue nurturing whanaungatanga at PCS and engagement from whanau, supporting with your own gifts and talents is very  much valued.

As we all continue to pray for lockdown to be finished and Covid-19 to be under control I am humbled by our wonderful community.  Food packs were delivered to whanau by our staff and school community.  The aroha and care is something that continues to motivate me and inspire me.  Thank you, what a blessing to our school and parish community.

God bless

Kathryn Carey

Term 1, 2021

 Kia Ora!

It is so nice to be at PCS again in fulltime mode.  Boy, did I miss the tamariki and staff interactions last year.  I feel so very blessed to be able to complete my Master of Education with a Leadership endorsement in 2020 and am ready to hit the ground running!

We have a fabulous team at PCS.  All of our staff are committed professionals who are passionate in their roles.  We welcome two new teachers to our whanau - Grace Cadigan and Peyton Moro-Kirton.  These ladies have both arrived from Christchurch and it was pretty special to graduate on the same day as Grace!  Peyton actually comes from Canada, and her partner has a role at Kaitaia College so it is a bonus to have them both here.

I am excited about the year ahead.   Care for God's Creation continues as our theme.  We are focusing on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) throughout our school.  Our students are working on the 4C's of collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking.  These attributes are essential for future skills.

Come in and say "Hi" if you are able to.

Look forward to seeing you in the playground area.

Nga mihi nui

Kathryn Carey

Principal

Term 4, 2020

 As we approach the end of 2020 there is so much to reflect on.

I have had one of the best years of my career - it is such a blessing to be immersed in academic learning.  I have now gained my Masters in Education with an endorsement in leadership.  I have been able to apply the literature in my role as a Principal and I am very grateful for this opportunity.  I also thank the Board of Trustees of Pompallier Catholic School for supporting study awards at our school.  I am the third teacher who has applied and it adds so much to our professionalism.

The students have continued to inspire me, and our staff who are dedicated to providing the best possible learning for all.

Next steps at Pompallier Catholic School will be to maintain and grow our local curriculum.  We are focussed on "mirrors" and "windows" where the students can see themselves in the learning provided and where they can look up and out to the future ahead.

We will continue to aspire for excellence, where each student is valued for their uniqueness and has success in our school environment.  We aim to provide a range of authentic learning opportunities where our students thrive to become the best that they can be.  

Have a safe and happy summer break and a very blessed Christmas.

Kathryn Carey

Term 3, 2020

 As term 3 draws to an end there is so much to celebrate.  Being in Level 1 for COVID-19 is certainly a celebration!  The staff at PCS have done a fabulous job of ensuring the learning has been maintained.  The whanau survey has added some great feedback to our school goals.  Online learning and the relationship between school and home has been strengthened.  We have really enjoyed reading your comments about things that you have found helpful and things that you would like to see maintained.  We have put in place some plans for building on the online learning platform to ensure students are able to access their learning to share with you.

We have been working on our local curriculum and using the information shared from teachers, students, parents, caregivers, whanau, board of trustees, parish and the community.  We are working on our graduate profile and learning dispositions.  All of this information will be part of our future planning.  Watch this space for an opportunity to give us some feedback on all of this information when we have pulled it together.

I am heading to the last stretch of my study.  I have thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in literature, working alongside a range of colleagues throughout NZ.  This semester my papers are focused on teacher leadership, inclusive education and assessment practices.  I was thrilled to get two A's and a B, with my first set of 5000 word essays!  I hope to be able to continue with this momentum!  Wish me luck!

Have a wonderful term break with your whanau!  God bless

Kathryn Carey

Term 2, 2020

As we head into the term break there is much to be grateful for.  I am really proud of the team at PCS who have navigated their way through the COVID-19 period.  The staff, students, whanau, parish and community have united in their prayers, strength and support.  Our staff and students have shown their resilience in this challenging time.  Learning has continued in an online capacity with the teachers connecting with their students through google hangouts, emails and blogs. Relationships with whanau were strengthened and understanding of your child's learning has increased as you have been able to see the online platforms in action.  The parish have been taking part in the school community with Father Larry messaging, sharing in online celebrations and learning.  The staff collaborated to put together a COVID-19 adapted mid year learning report for students and whanau based on the past 7 weeks of online learning.  There is much to celebrate as the students have now set new goals to head towards in the second part of the year.

We are continuing to work on our local curriculum as a school, and have been gathering insights from you our key stakeholders to build our knowledge.  It has been an exciting journey to see our student graduate profile evolve and we look forward to sharing this with you when it is completed.  Information has come through students, staff, board, iwi, parish, Ministry and the Catholic Schools Office.
Key insights gathered so far around our Catholic faith, Academic, Dispositions and Future Focus.
- We value our Catholic faith
- Proud to be a Mercy school
- Leadership of students
- Kaitiaki
- Whanaungatanga
- Future global citizens who are creative, collaborative, critical thinkers and communicators
- Strive for excellence
- Resilient

Remember this is evolving, so if you have more insights to share, please come in and give us your ideas.

Have a wonderful and safe term break.  We look forward to seeing you all in term 3.
God bless
Kathryn

Term One 2020

Welcome to our students, whanau, parish, community and friends of the school.  We have a brand new team in place at PCS and are really looking forward to the year ahead.  I have a different view on the school as I move into a "helicopter" role.  I am the very lucky recipient of a NZ Teacher Study Award for 2020 and will be studying for a Masters in Education with a Leadership Endorsement.  I am excited to build on my kete of knowledge to help support my role as Principal.  I leave Joanne Ryken as Acting Principal and welcome Dannielle Cook as our Acting Deputy Principal.  We have a wonderful team of current staff and new staff too.  Come in and meet our team.  I look forward to supporting them all for the year in the background.  We have such a capable team and I know that you too, will support them.
There is lots to look forward to as we continue with our RISE theme for 2020 - respect, inspire, service and excellence.  Under the umbrella of Caring for God's Creation our students will be immersed in helping us to continue planning and implementing our local curriculum.  We are in our 3rd year as a Manaiakalani school, and you will see digital learning throughout the school, keeping a balance with all curriculum areas.
Term 1 is a fabulous term of Religious Education as we celebrate St Joseph's Day, Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, the Annunciation and of course Easter.  I know you will join me in welcoming our new parish priest Father Larry Rustia.  He has taught us so much already.
God bless
Kathryn

Term 4, 2019

Sitting at the Manaiakalani Wananga in October to work with other schools, teachers and Principals from this nationwide programme.
Congratulations to Joanne Ryken who presented as part of the Manaiakalani Innovative Teacher (MIT) programme

A great opportunity for us to listen to these teachers share their inquiry projects all linked to student achievement.

This term we look at the device roll out.  A wonderful opportunity for our whanau to purchase a device for their child/ren.  Students are able to access a huge range of learning anytime, anywhere, anyhow.  Being part of Manaiakalani enables us to access the best device at the best price!

The summer learning journey is another opportunity for our students to continue their learning over summer.  This is a chance to access learning.  The students must have blogged and taken part in our cyber safety programme - cybersmart.  The students take part in nationwide learning which is marked by University students.  The summer slump of learning is avoided as part of this wonderful project!

We are certainly very blessed to have these great opportunities for our schools and students!

Term 3, 2019

We have had loads of visitors into PCS this term and it is so exciting to be able to hear the feedback of what they are seeing from our learners.

Recently we hosted the Principal's from Tamaki and some Manaiakalani staff too.  The highlights that I shared with staff included:

Today we welcomed Principals from Tamaki in Auckland to our space. Our seniors were fabulous ambassadors for our school. The whakatau included some impressive waiata too! Highlights they mentioned:

- quality teaching and learning 

- depth of learning and vocabulary in the play based learning

- quality of learning in STEM and the student blogs

- contracts covering a range of curriculum areas

- mahi tahi covering co-operation, communication, collaboration and creativity 

- all students were engaged and could talk about their learning 

- tuakana teina in action

So proud of our school staff and students!!! 

What a great chance to celebrate with the staff and build on our learning with our focus on critical thinking school wide.

We have also been using some data gathered from our Kahui Ako based on student agency.  Again, a chance to celebrate with our learners feeling safe and valued.  They use feedback from the teacher's to improve their work and enjoy working with their peers.

Next steps for us will be to continue to work on planning of next steps by our students.  If they have a strong understanding of where they need to go, it really impacts on their achievement.

It is so good to have "outside eyes" to come in and give us some valuable feedback to build on what we gather as a school.

Ka mau to wehi PCS!!!