Burnham School Whanau Hui Feedback

Burnham School Whanau Hui Feedback

Thursday 27^th May 2010, Burnham Camp Whare, 5pm-8pm

Question One: What do we do well?

• This Hui- initiative
• Welcoming inclusive atmosphere
• There is Open Communication
• Parent inclusion
• Proactive Approach
• Principal uses Te Reo
• Children doing their Mihis
• Noho Marae Yr 5 Camp
• Kapa Haka Yr 5- kids felt happy pleased and informed.  There is a sense of belonging, pride and children enjoy singing in Te Reo.
• There is support from the Army and from Burnham Kindergarten
• Foundation in Reo, some Tikanga, Children are educated in the Culture, understanding Powhiri.
• Study Leave for Teachers
• The School promotes community spirit.
• Long term commitment from supporters, and an ongoing commitment to doing things well.
• There is support for children’s emotional and educational needs.
• Learning is fun for the children.
• Life- long friendships among the children and adults.

Question Two: Do you believe we are meeting the needs of our Maori students? Why?/Why not?

1.    Parents:

Difference in parents awareness of their children’s needs.

              What are the needs of your child/ren in terms of things in Maori?

              -grounding in whakapapa, self awareness, belonging.

2.    Teachers:

Teachers approaching parents to identify needs.

Children’s input:

• Yes
• We learn Maori in fun ways
• We have had heaps of Maori culture experiences
• Learning Maori actions
• Stories of Maori Legends
• Because the teachers teach in Maori, there are numbers in Maori placed in classrooms.

Question Three & Four: What do we need to do to improve how we cater for Maori students? Ideas for the future of our school...

Suggestions:

• Maori education in school as part of the curriculum (main stream).  As provided by NEG’s.
• Is it meeting family needs?
• Kapa Haka is only for seniors, is it possible to create something similar for Juniors?
• Kapa Haka groups to perform and compete.
• Taiaha/Poi
• Strong Links to Marae/Kuia
• Have a Kaumatu Day, every term
• To include Kuia from camp to be involved.  Tap their knowledge in Te Ao Maori and their experiences.
• Treaty/Languages courses and workshops
• Celebrating Maori Language Week and Matariki
• More Mihi’s
• Stronger bond between Kindergarten and School.  In transition process What can parents do?
• More Crafts
• Maori Language classes, 10 mins a day.
• Two Hui’s a year
• Reporting Process can be strengthened
• Educating the children about The Treaty.
• Parents getting involved, giving children homework to take home to mum and dad.

• Continuity, kids with tutors, school with tutors, Burnham Camp with the School and parents with children and School.
• Teachers from Linton/Waiouru/Burnham to Hui together to assist continuity and transitions.
• Buy in from the “top” down (Ministry of Education)
• Parents, staff, BOT and Community (immersed learning)
• From the “bottom” up have a sense of belonging in preparing for next step-up.
• Seamless transition for children through relationships from pre-school to Hight School.
• The Big Brother Concept-Tuakana teina in and out of School.
• Is there information in the School Library in regards to the History of Burnham School? If not can there be resources available?
• Are there Maori Art shown around the room, hallways.
• Keep developing teachers and staff for future.
• Use of collective schools( other schools, etc)
• Understand School Logo’s, symbols, carvings, etc
• Whare development