All posts by Ian Morrison

Principal's Blog, School News

Principal’s memo – Teacher only days an explanation

14/11/24

The new government has placed a special emphasis on increasing levels of attendance of students at school and linked to this has been some discussion of the amount of time lost when schools close for instruction. Every school is required to be open for instruction for a minimum number of half days a year.

To clarify this topic I thought I would explain how, why and when the school might close.

  1. The Ministry of Education may grant Teacher only Days which are to be used by teachers for a specific reason. For example planning for the introduction of a new curriculum or initiative.

In these cases the school year remains the same.

  1. The school might decide to close for its own Professional Development or important administrative tasks. 

In these cases the school extends the school year so that instruction time is not lost.

  1. The Employment Relations Act allows members of the union (for Secondary Teachers this is the PPTA or Post Primary Teachers’ Association) to hold two PUM (Paid Union Meetings) a year. There are certain regulations that apply, which include trying to keep the school open for instruction during the meeting time which can be very difficult and may have Health and Safety concerns hence in the past the school might have closed for half a day. 

The PPTA and Ministry of Education are holding discussions in order to confirm what is the most effective operational way of navigating these situations in the future. This is why the closing of the school this week for a PUM meeting was cancelled.

As a school we will continue to comply with the regulations which relate to the closing of schools and ensure both the Board is fully informed, that child care arrangements for whānau are minimised and that the impact on our students’ learning is not compromised.

School News

Enrolments 2025

Please note that owing to roll pressure, the school will only be able to enrol students who legally reside in the school zone for the 2025 school year.

This means it will not be able to enrol any students who reside outside the school zone.

While we appreciate this may cause some whānau difficulties, the Board has to consider the recent increase in the school roll and the related operational and educational challenges this may cause.

This includes siblings of current students.

School News

Government announcements regarding literacy and numeracy achievement targets:

Kia ora koutou

There has been much in the media recently about national numeracy and literacy achievement levels.

While we believe in a holistic approach to measuring student success, MHJC has always placed a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy and has well established processes to ensure we maintain high standards, progress and achievement. 

These include:

  • specialist classroom teaching from Year 7; 
  • regular testing using e-asTTle to measure progress and achievement; 
  • clear homework expectations using Reading Plus and Maths Buddy and
  • identification and support for students who have gaps in their learning through the DEEP programme..

I wish to reassure the community that our collective efforts have resulted in achievement data that is not far away from the targets set by the government – that 80% of all Year 8 students will achieve at or above curriculum level by December 2030.

Year 8 end of year data for 2023 was as follows:

Mathematics: 72%

Reading: 74%

Our mid year data also shows we are well on course to reach our targets as well as those set by the government.

Thank you for your support at home supporting our expectations regarding homework completion which is crucial for our students’ success.

Nga mihi

Ian Morrison

Tumuaki/Principal

eUpdates, ICT Blog, Principal's Blog

Principal’s memo re: Artificial Intelligence

The promotion and use of digital technologies in the classroom, including Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has aroused a high level of concern in the media with fears that its use could compromise the academic integrity of schools’ learning and assessment programmes. Since the start of the year we have been developing a strategy to address this new phenomenon and sought advice from various sources including the Ministry of Education, NZQA and our policy advisors at Schooldocs. As a result we would like to share with you our response to AI.

At MHJC AI, like other digital tools, will be embraced to support and enhance teaching and learning . As akonga/students engage with these technologies, they are expected and encouraged to demonstrate academic integrity by submitting original work and so uphold the school’s values – pono (integrity), ako (learning to learn) and wānanga (life long learner). 

Akonga will learn about the opportunities and challenges associated with using AI technology. The recent advancements and use of AI to enhance student learning will be covered through the fulfillment of ePassport requirements, completing in-class activities, and/or as whānau-based learning which supports the Great Learner Profile. 

Kaiako/teachers will be upskilled on the use of AI in the classroom. Their use of AI can further support students’ development of critical thinking and research skills. A focus will be placed on promoting more authentic and relevant learning and assessment opportunities while also providing additional scaffolding, templates and prompts to support learners in all subject areas.

Students are also being informed about the school’s position on AI and the advice comes with a warning which is consistent with current assessment procedures:

If a student is suspected and/or caught submitting AI generated work as their own, they may be asked to reproduce the work either by hand or verbally or submit a similar assessment. Students may also be given a Working Towards for their assessment. 

We thank you in advance for your support of our efforts to ensure that our akonga remain responsible and safe users of digital technology and continue to become empowered through their learning (whakamana).

School News

Message from Director of Education re: Minor Health Conditions Service for Māori and Pacific people, children aged under 14 years, and community service card holders

Kia ora

Schools have been asked by Health New Zealand to pass this health information to our communities:

This winter, between Monday 12 June and Saturday 30 September, participating community pharmacies in Auckland will provide a Minor Health Conditions Service for Māori and Pacific people, children aged under 14 years, and community service card holders.

The service allows pharmacists to have a clinical consultation and provide advice as well as medication if needed for a select set of minor health conditions at no cost to the patient.

It also includes whānau members of a child with similar symptoms. For example, if the pharmacist determines your child needs treatment for scabies and they have older brothers or sisters, or you yourself also have symptoms, they may provide advice and medication for all of you.

The following health conditions are included in the Minor Health Conditions Service:

  • Acute diarrhoea
  • Dehydration
  • Eye inflammation and infections
  • Scabies
  • Headlice
  • Pain and fever
  • Eczema/Dermatitis
  • Minor skin infections

If your condition needs further support, the pharmacist can tell you the best place to go to get further help.

Let’s spread the word to our friends and whānau about this new service! It’s also important to remember that you can always speak to your local pharmacist for free health advice, even if you are not eligible for this service.  

Participating pharmacies can be found by going to HealthPoint and searching “Minor Health Conditions”.

You can also find a list here: Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand – Go well this winter

Ngā mihi nui

School News

Fire in Mangere 31/5/23

Just an update that the smoke from the fire has caused us to stop any outside activity until we can reassess air quality at morning tea (10.30) today.

Updates will be given as the situation progresses – please check emails and facebook for other messages.

School News

Update to weather event 8pm Tuesday 9 May

Kia ora 

I trust our community has not been too badly affected by the heavy rain today.

At this time (8pm) the site is safe for teaching and learning tomorrow (Wednesday 10 May).

Please check our social media posts and website for any notifications overnight should the weather worsen.

If you have any problem getting your child/ren to school owing to road closures please notify the Whānau Assistant.

Nga mihi