Property Update
We have been working hard to upgrade a number of areas on the school grounds - lots that can’t be seen but are really important to ensure we run as efficiently and effectively as possible. In response to the recent vandalism, we have replaced all of our CCTV cameras with more modern technology, which will mean clearer images if something happens. Our cameras can now also tell the difference between expected after hours movement (eg a cat or branch) compared to an unexpected movement and communicate this to an app. We have also upgraded a lot of our outdoor lighting to create a safer space in the evenings for the community when we have events and to ensure we get clear imagery on our cameras at night time.
Our drainage systems have all been completely serviced to ensure we are prepared for more wet weather and we have arborists booked in to tidy the grounds and remove any dead branches and trees.
We have contractors ready to go to carry out the repairs on the decking around Room 15 and we expect that to be done in time for Term 3. The classroom spaces have been cleared to use in the meantime and Room 17 will move back into their space in Term 2. Due to the noise of the planned repairs, Room 15 and 16 will move back after the work has been completed.
We also have all of the electricity completely restored - this was quite a complex job - tracking down the fault and getting it fixed!
What this whole process has taught us is that we have resilient and flexible staff and students - they keep smiling and turning up with their passion for learning - all the while, thinking of others. During this time, we had a student fundraising for those affected by disasters overseas and we had the community come together to raise money for the East Coast. We also felt a huge amount of love and support from caregivers and want to thank whānau for all of the words of encouragement and appreciation that have been given over the last few months. I feel extremely blessed to be part of this tight-knit community.
Teacher Only Day - Term 2 Monday 24th April
One huge area that schools will need to focus on over the next few years is the curriculum refresh. Central to the refresh is ensuring that The New Zealand Curriculum gives effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, is inclusive, clear about the learning that matters, and easy to use from year 1 to year 13. To find out more from the Ministry of Education have a look at this video.
At Titirangi School, this means we are looking at our inquiry themes and trying to ensure there are genuine links to our local area, incorporating the values that make this area of Tāmaki Makaurau special. The Teacher Only Day in Term 2 (Monday 24th April) will be focusing on unpacking the first document in the refresh - The NZ Aotearoa Histories Curriculum and then looking at our school’s inquiry overview (which includes science, social science, the arts, health and technology) and making sure that the contexts are relevant, engaging, local, inclusive and have clear links with Te Ao Māori.
Whānau Picnic
One of our strategic goals is Whānaungatanga - building positive relationships so that everyone feels connected and knows they have a place to stand. Our Whānau Picnic day is an important part of the puzzle - getting to know each other in a fun and relaxed manner. This is an event we want to make sure we have regularly - we want families to feel that the school belongs to them. We also want to encourage caregivers to get to know each other as we know how valuable it is to have people to rely on as our students go through their primary tears. He waka eke noa.
Ngā mihi nui ki a koe.
Andrea
