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

Creativity and Activity

One of the wonderful things I've been reflecting on recently is how the arts (e.g. dance, drama, music, visual art) stimulates learners in different ways. The engagement and delight created by the Dancing Like The Stars programme is an excellent example of how learning through the arts can engage students in different ways. It is also a reminder to us as educators to use the arts as a means to activate what we may view as the more 'traditional' learning areas at school.

Our soccer and hockey zones sports is postponed until next week and so we hope the weather allows us to get the children involved in this great event next Tuesday. Every child in our senior school will participate so as to provide the opportunity for every child to learn through being an active part of the team. On that note I'd like to acknowledge the hard work of our wonderful PTA team who put on a superb disco last Friday - thank you for your support it is appreciated. There are many ways in which we as a school activate learning through the arts and through being physical, and I invite you to come and have look yourself.

Dancing Like The Stars

Last night Room 7 performed at the James Hay Theatre as part of the 2010 performance of the Dancing Like The Stars programme. This programme is put together by the Dance and Physical Theatre Trust and we had support from the Selwyn Community Board for part of the fundraising required to bring this event to Burnham School.

We had a large turnout of parents and families to support us on the night and here are some photos for you to enjoy:


This event is a first for any school in the Selwyn District and we are extremely proud of our tamariki for their dance. The students, supported by Gemma Odering and Pam Golding, have also undertaken fundraising to meet the costs of the programme. We are extremely grateful for this help and to the Selwyn Community Board and hope to be able to make this event an annual part of our learning.