Ara Institute of Canterbury - Kick-off series PD - Launch presentations

 

Ara – kick off series – term 3 professional development – Teaching and Learning framework and the Framework for Maori achievement

Today, begins the Kick-off series of term 3 professional development for all Ara of Institute of Canterbury colleagues. The series runs most Wednesday and Friday afternoons from today until the end of September.

The original plan was to launch the series with some kai (afternoon tea) and a chance for colleagues to catch up after last term’s disruptions. However, NZ’s return to Level 3 for Auckland and Level 2 for the rest of the country from noon today, due to the emergence of community covid-19 cases, has meant the entire event (without the social event and afternoon tea) was shifted online to zoom.

The main purpose of today’s session is to launch both the Ara Teaching and Learning Framework and the Framework for Maori Achievement.

Hemi Hoskins, of Department of Humanities begins the proceedings with welcome in Maori. His take home message, a framework is important but it is the people who make it become active.

Then Tony Gray, Chief Executive, welcomes all participants including non-Ara participants. He shares Ara’s Strategic Vision as it links to both our Teaching and Learning framework and the framework for Maori Achievement.

Keynote follows from Melanie Taite-Pitama, Ara Board Deputy Chair and the principal of the Tuahiwi School just North of Christchurch. Used her biography to explain how she came to what she does now and her interest and current leadership in Maori education participation and outcomes. She advocated for the need to engage Maori through their language and culture. Personalisation of learning is important to ensure learners bring their experiences and have those celebrated at school. Advocated for the importance of honouring the treaty – participation, partnership and protection. Encouraged the integration of Maori epistemology and language into all disciplines. Detailed the re-design a school for Maori students. Not just to tweak but to build a new system, by Maori for Maori. Shared decolonisation skills for non-Maori kiwis. Then the principles of partnership between Maori and non-Maori, not just as stakeholders but as actual partners. Shared a video on the future of work to illustrate the challenges are for all of us, not just Maori. Education not working now for Maori and there is a need to change how it is enacted so all are able to contribute into the future. There is a need to recognise the many skills Maori bring – innovation, entrepreneurship, strong relationship skills. Challenged all to not just allow things to remain the same, to contribute towards ensuring all learners are able to meet their potential.

Heperi Harris introduces Maryann Geddes, Ara Board Member and NZIST Council Member who provides an overview of the wider picture. Reiterated the message from Melanie. Summarised the requirement by the Minister Education, Chris Hipkins, tasking the NZIST to honour the Treaty and ensure equity for Maori in VET. It is not only Maori who have to play a role but everyone has to put into action, frameworks and strategies to integrate biculturalism.

The presentation of the Framework for Māori Achievement is then made by Te Marino Lenihan, Kaiārahi. Participation, protection and partnership leads to prospertity. Introduced the Framework and how Ara needs to work towards actively incorporating the ideals of the Framework into all their processes. Need for all to work on CQ (cultural IQ) and to engage with the principles enshrined in the Framework. Detailed the other workshops - embedding cultural content successfully, Maui te Tauira- mentoring programme and Hutia te Punga: lifting the anchor on Friday and next week. Finished with the playing of a waiatia (song) composed by students from Te Puna Wanaka (Ara Maori language). 

A good session. Many thought provoking concepts and an inspiring call for action. 

Link to youtube video of the presentation.