Conference+for+Teachers

Teachers at our school are beginning to upskill themselves ready for 21st Century Learning in New Zealand. Putauaki Full Primary School has entered a new phase of its learning by becoming a Lead School for the Kawerau (or Peak-ICT) Cluster of schools. These schools are Kawerau Central, Kawerau North and Kawerau South. Kawerau Intermediate was initially a part of this cluster, but at the end of term 1, 'resigned' from this group. As part of this cluster, our schools have agreed to take on Intergrated Planning and Inquiry Learning, eLearning, upskilling computer skills and looking at the various ways technology can be incorporated into learning (children making digital stories using photos and recording themselves narrating or podcasting for example), the different learning styles (Habits of Mind, Bloom's Taxonomy, SOLO taxonomy - refer to Peak-ICT for more information), blogging and wikispaces, e-Portfolios, are just to name a few. We are learning together, reflecting and evaluating our learning together. We are sharing our ideas so as to benefit all children at all these schools. Our role is to 'Lead' the other schools into this direction. Whaea Jeanette is the Lead Teacher and facilitator and has to spread herself amongst all these schools to teach and support. As part of Whaea Jeanette's role, she also has to prepare indepth reports of the cluster's progress and recommendations she has. She has to outline the over-all goals and steps, as well as conduct surveys with all teachers involved on how we are progressing as separate units. **WOW!** We have received funding to help equip some classes in all pods with extra technology to help aide with all this learning as well as to spend on upskilling teachers by sending teachers to different courses.
 * What is our role is the Lead School? **

Our first major project was a Conference (organised by Whaea Jeanette) held at Putauaki School in term 2, for all the teachers, support staff and Principals at each of these schools - also a great opportunity to meet up with colleagues that we don't usually see!

Some of our Putauaki teachers were lucky enough to present items to these teachers which included IWB activities, parts of the Curriculum Framework and other cool activities we have been trying out with scanners, microphones and other technology. We were also very lucky to have the expertise of other educators from around the North Island and 'People-in-the-Know' that are experts in their fields of knowledge, to also present at this conference.

For any enquiries regarding everything that is going on at school and for extra help to understand this information, do not hesitate in seeking Miss Lafaelle or any of the staff. They will be happy 'fill you in'.

Have a look at the YouTube clips below on what other people view as the 21st Century Learner. Please enjoy! media type="custom" key="3753469"

media type="custom" key="3753511"

media type="custom" key="3753585"