It was a great opportunity to network with colleagues from all over NZ, the Canterbury crew were well represented also.
The conference was opened with a powhiri and a few words from Prime Minister John Key. Denise Torrey our NZPF president also spoke and had some strong messages about our system in NZ.
For me, the conference emphasised the world class system we have here and NZ and how we need to ensure that we keep this. Noted speakers from both USA and England had some very strong warnings regarding the direction the education system had taken in their parts of the world.
Professor Angus McFarlane https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angus_Hikairo_Macfarlane who provides valuable insight into our Maori students was enlightening. His work on the educultural wheel has supported schools all around the world.
Educultural wheel
I look forward to using this to support our context.
Some great comments I took from the few days :
How do you motivate people? you meet there fundamental needs- Pete Cammock, director of the leadership lab.
Sometimes we overlook the simple things, we need to ensure that these are done right first.
How do you promote collaboration in a competitive system? Meg Maguire
As leaders, we must focus on the right things...not the latest! Alma Harris
 |
| As close as I could get to John Key! |
 |
Overall it was a fantastic few days. We even created a nationwide Professional learning group with 3 other Principals' from around NZ, our first virtual meeting will be next term! Twitter was also a very valuable tool during the conference and its value in education has really impressed me, instant access to readings, thoughts and tips from educators all around the globe to support anywhere, anytime learning is vital!
I look forward to taking the new knowledge learnt back to Gilberthorpe school!
Great article. It utterly suits for these who are take an interest in news about education of New Zealand
ReplyDelete