Week 10 and 11 - Term 1 - 2025

 Ki te kotahi te kākaho, ka whati; ki te kāpuia, e kore e whati. 

If a reed stands alone, it can be broken; if it is in a group, it cannot. 

When we stand alone we are vulnerable, but together we are unbreakable

Week 10 31 Poutūterangi - 4 Paengawhāwhā Peer Support - Ako time - Mon 31 TOU201 FT to Akaroa - Tues 1 Lockdown practice Wed 2 p4 Swimming - Canterbury Champs - Wed 2 LEF's due - Thurs 3 Athletics - South Island - Fri 4 - Sun 6 Ki-o-rahi Regionals - Fri 4 Year 9 Soc St Taonga Hunt - Fri 4 Flu Vaccinations - Fri 4 - 12.45-1.45 p.m. Staffroom Sheilah Winn Shakespeare - Sun 6	Week 11 7 Paengawhāwhā - 11 Paengawhāwhā Year 9 Soc St Taonga Hunt - Various Yr 9 groups out on different days this week 9ZOO to Antarctic Centre - Mon 7 Junior parent teacher - Tues 8 (after school) Equestrian - Canterbury Show - Wed 9 DVC201 to Turanga Junior Parent Teacher Interviews - Fri 11 - students 'working from home'.
Assembly -  Mon - Year 12 - PAC Wed - Academic	Assembly -  Mon - Year 9 and Year 10 Values awards assembly (Gym) Year 13 - PAC Wed - Sports Awards (End of Term)
Meeting  Mon: Nil Tues: Learning Area Thurs: Nil	Meeting  Mon: Nil Tues: Nil - P/T Interviews Thurs: Nil

Information for Staff

Proposal for updated teaching standards - have your say: https://teachingcouncil.nz/about-us/news-advocacy/consultations/revised-standards

The current 6 teaching standards are up for review, with consultation closing on the 5th May.

The revisions are due to changes in teaching practices that have evolved since the change back in 2016/17, around things such as AI, different pedagogies that have emerged after COVID, inclusivity etc.

There is wording changes, but the significant change can be seen in current standard 5 - which the proposal sees as being split into 3 sections that cover curriculum and pedagogy, Assessment and knowing your learners.

Please use the link above to explore the resources further.

The teachers council note that they are not changing the Professional Growth Cycle Process

The video below outlines the why behind the changes:

Week 9 - Term 1 - 2024

 

He aha te kai ō te rangatira? He Kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero.

What is the food of the leader. It is knowledge. It is communication.

Week 9 24 Poutūterangi - 28 Poutūterangi Summer Tournament Week Cycling: SI Schools MTB - Mon 24 - Tues 25 Rowing Maadi Cup - Mon 24 - Sun 30 Volleyball Nat Champs - Mon 24 - Sat 29 Cricket - regional tournament - Tues 25 - Wed 26 Summer sports ends - Wed 26 BUS301 FT to YES Launch - Wed 26 Basketball 3x3 tournament - Thurs 27 - Sat 29 Waterpolo SI champs - Thurs 27 - Sun 30 12/13 Te Reo Mairangatia Symposium - Fri 28 BUS201 FT to Sth Is Ag Field - Fri 28 Cantrices camp - Fri 28	Week 10 31 Poutūterangi - 4 Paengawhāwhā Peer Support - Ako time - Mon 31 TOU201 FT to Akaroa - Tues 1 Lockdown practice Wed 2 p4 Swimming - Canterbury Champs - Wed 2 TOU201 FT to Akaroa - Thurs 3 LEF's due - Thurs 3 Athletics - South Island - Fri 4 - Sun 6 Ki-o-rahi Regionals - Fri 4 Year 9 Soc St Taonga Hunt - Fri 4 Sheilah Winn Shakespeare - Sun 6
Assembly -  Mon - Year 11 - Gym Wed - Full school - Easter and Polyfest	Assembly -  Mon - Year 12 - PAC Wed - Academic
Meeting  Mon: Nil Tues: Staff Thurs: Nil	Meeting  Mon: Nil Tues: Learning Area Thurs: Nil

Information for Staff

1. Curriculum Change Timeline - if you have not yet seen this then check out the Graphic HERE

2. As we continue to have Literacy and Numeracy as a focus, a reminder to check ot the NCEA Education website for resources that could be relevant for planning: https://ncea.education.govt.nz/literacy-and-numeracy-resources

3. In light of the StEADA meetings this week where the HoLAs have discussed what is happening in each Learning Area, and data has been interrogated and helped set goals, you may be interested in the following provocation that has come out from the MOE.

How data can transform teaching and learning:

In education, data is any information that helps teachers understand student learning, progress, and needs. Data goes beyond just test scores - it includes a wide range of qualitative and quantitative sources that inform teaching and decision making. Behind every piece of data sits a student with unique needs, strengths, and challenges. The real value of engaging with data is not simply assessing performance - it's about using that data to improve our teaching practices, personalise learning experiences, and create better outcomes.

Interrogating data is about using information, including numbers, to understand our students better, respond to their needs, and continuously improve our teaching practices. By making data analysis a core part of our teaching strategies, we don't just improve our teaching - we create classrooms where learning is inclusive, responsive and driven by evidence - where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

"In the best schools, data is not a weapon - it's a flashlight" - Douglas B. Reeves, Accountability for Learning (2004)

Week 8 - Term 1 - 2025

 Ko ngā pae tawhiti, whaia kia tata

Ko ngā pae tata, whakamaua kia tina

Seek out distant horizons, and cherish those you attain

It emphasizes the importance of both striving for ambitious goals and valuing what you've already achieved. 

Week 8 17 Poutūterangi - 21 Poutūterangi UC Māori Trip p3 - Tues 18 GEO201 FT to Arthurs Pass - Wed 19 - Thurs 20 Equestrian - CSS - Wed 19 Fiafia night @ CBHS - 5.30pm Wed 19 Late Start PLD p1 - Thurs 20  LEF's and EC's due - Thurs 20 Rowing Maadi Cup - Fri 21 - Sun 30	Week 9 24 Poutūterangi - 28 Poutūterangi Summer Tournament Week Cycling: SI Schools MTB - Mon 24 - Tues 25 Rowing Maadi Cup - Mon 24 - Sun 30 Volleyball Nat Champs - Mon 24 - Sat 29 Cricket - regional tournament - Tues 25 - Wed 26 Summer sports ends - Wed 26 BUS301 FT to YES Launch - Wed 26 Basketball 3x3 tournament - Thurs 27 - Sat 29 Waterpolo SI champs - Thurs 27 - Sun 30
Assembly -  Mon - Year 10 (PAC) Year 13 (GYM) Wed - Full School (Prefect)	Assembly -  Mon - Year 11 - Gym Wed - Full school - Easter and Polyfest
Meeting  Mon: Learning and Teaching Tues: Learning Area Thurs: Late start	Meeting  Mon: Nil Tues: Staff Thurs: Nil

Information for Staff

1. Just a reminder that if you have not yet signed up for your late start PLG - please do so ASAP - using the following link: https://forms.gle/C4dVya5RURcAeqkm7

Can this please be done by the end of today as those who are leading the groups will be in contact regarding details of where the group will meet and any information needed for participants can go out prior to Thursday morning.

2. This is an interesting article about how to gauge whether students have really understood the content, using a hinge question. It highlights the fact that teachers may assume students have understood, but that a hinge question may reveal they actually haven't.

https://learningspy.co.uk/featured/its-always-better-to-know/

3. This video was apparently made with Kling, which is considered one of the best video AI for realistic, smooth movements - It will be interesting to see where the technology is taking us and what this might mean in a year!

Week 7 - Term 1 - 2025

 

Week 7 10 Poutūterangi - 14 Poutūterangi GEO101 FT to Aoraki - Mon 10 - Wed 12 Crashbash Year 12 (Assembly) - Mon 10 Swimming sports Tues 11 12 - 2pm Peer support p3 - Wed 12 Prefects v Monitors Dodgeball @ CGHS - Wed 12 GAT201 Health and Safety Course - Wed 12 Pūhoro wānanga - Thurs 13 Volleyball Canterbury Champs - Fri 14 - Sun 16 New Teacher to CGHS Learning Walk - Fri 14	Week 8 17 Poutūterangi - 21 Poutūterangi UC Māori Trip p3 - Tues 18 GEO201 FT to Arthurs Pass - Wed 19 - Thurs 20 Equestrian - CSS - Wed 19 Fiafia night @ CBHS - 5.30pm Wed 19 Late Start PLD p1 - Thurs 20 (see below for details) LEF's and EC's due - Thurs 20 Rowing Maadi Cup - Fri 21 - Sun 30
Assembly -  Mon - Year 9 (GYM) Year 12 - Crash Bash (PAC) Wed - Full School (Unity Week)	Assembly -  Mon - Year 10 (PAC) Year 13 (GYM) Wed - Full School (Prefect)
Meeting  Mon: TWH Tues: Staff (ERO updates) Thurs: Nil	Meeting  Mon: Learning and Teaching Tues: Learning Area Thurs: Late start

Information for Staff

1. The first meeting for our professional learning groups (PLG's) is coming up on the 20th March. Many of the groups are the same as last year, plus a few additions. You are able to move to a different group if you want to try something different, or stay in the same. If you would like further information about what the options are, I have added in the relevant group leaders code.

Please use the following link to select your PLG for 2025: https://forms.gle/UYKtxe9Gm7vDcb5o8

a. Literacy across the junior school (TSV): Our focus for the Literacy PLG this year will be writing. Our Writing CAA results sit 15% below our Reading CAA results. We will be working to close this gap in 2025. Our group will look at: 

• Data and how we can make an impact
• Student samples of work
• New resources for students 
• Communication to parents and whānau 

It would be great to have a representative from each learning area. Our ākonga are writing in every space across the school so we have the opportunity to make a genuine difference to student achievement. 

b. Numeracy across the school (WCB): Boost your numeracy confidence! This late start PD offers flexible support for those creating numeracy resources OR  upskilling your own numeracy that's relevant to your learning area. Wherever you are on this journey, bring your questions and junior topics that you want to incorporate more numeracy, and I'll provide support tailored to you. 

c. Culturally Responsive Practice (ARH): Together, we'll explore how to create inclusive and equitable learning environments that honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi, celebrate diverse student identities, and empower all learners to achieve their full potential.

d. Restorative/ Relational Practice (LEG): The relational culture and restorative practice group will focus on tips and tricks to use in classrooms and around the school to assist teachers in becoming more relational in their practice. There will be opportunities for participants to ask questions and gain feedback on how to approach real situations they’re facing. This group is ideal for Kaiako who are new to CGHS but also those who want to strengthen their skills in this area. 

e. Staff Wellbeing/ House Spirit/ Culture (PWL): An opportunity for staff to engage in activities designed to support personal and professional wellbeing and help come up with ideas to grow our school’s positive culture and sense of community. This is a chance to recharge, reflect, and connect with colleagues in a meaningful way. 

f. AI in Education (BLS): We will be looking at our school policy on AI, unpacking the diverse AI tools, share best practices for classroom integration of AI, and  evaluate their potential to enhance teaching and learning as well as increase our workflow efficiencies. This is also a chance to find common ground in how AI is linked to assessment.

g. Science of Learning (ARL): This professional learning group focuses on the science of learning and how evidence-based strategies can support teaching and learning. We will explore key concepts from cognitive science, psychology, and neuroscience.

Through discussion and practical application, we will examine how these principles can be used in the classroom. This group is an opportunity to engage with research and consider its implications for teaching practice.

Week 6 - Term 1 - 2025

 Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, he toa takitini

My strength is not as an individual, but as a collective.

Week 6 3 Poutūterangi - 7 Poutūterangi BIO201 FT to Temple Basin (All week) Lincoln Uni Visit (Lunch) - Mon 3 LEF's Due - 8.30am - Thurs 6 Rowing - SISS - Thurs 6 - Sun 9 Athletics Sports - Thurs 6 DVC101 FT to Ko Tāne Waka	Week 7 10 Poutūterangi - 14 Poutūterangi GEO101 FT to Aoraki - Mon 10 - Wed 12 Crashbash Year 12 (Assembly) - Mon 10 Swimming sports Tues 11 12 - 2pm Peer support p3 - Wed 12 Prefects v Monitors Dodgeball @ CGHS - Wed 12 GAT201 Health and Safety Course - Wed 12 Pūhoro wānanga - Thurs 13 Volleyball Canterbury Champs - Fri 14 - Sun 16 New Teacher to CGHS Learning Walk - Fri 14
Assembly -  Mon - Year 13 (PAC) Wed - Full School (Aroha)	Assembly -  Mon - Year 9 (GYM) Year 12 - Crash Bash (PAC) Wed - Full School (Unity Week)
Meeting  Mon: Junior HOD's Tues: Learning Area Thurs: New staff - Assessment	Meeting  Mon: Nil Tues: Staff Thurs: Nil

Information for Staff

1. Our new staff will be completing their learning walk on Friday 14th March. Please make them feel welcome as they move around the school. Their brief is to look at what a CGHS 'learning culture' looks like. We do have an open door policy, but if there is a test on during this time (morning of the 14th) please let us know. More information will be shared closer to the time.

2. Interesting paper on 'Reimagining assessment': It includes examples of changes happening throughout the world.

3. A reminder, if you have not already checked out Khanmigo - the AI tool linked to Khan academy, there are a number of tools to explore. For example if you are a user of blooket, it will quickly generate a set of questions that you can accept or reject to create a quiz.

Week 5 - Term 1 - 2025

 Tē tōia, tē haumatia 

Nothing can be achieved without a plan, workforce and a way of doing things This whakatauki speaks to the importance of having a ‘plan of attack’. 

It could be used to guide conversation or lead a discussion in the planning of an event or community initiative.

Week 5 24 Hui-tanguru - 28 Hui-tanguru Ako Conferences - Mon 24 Year 9 'The CGHS Way' - Mon 24 Year 9 Camps continue - Wed 26 - Fri 28 Non Uniform Day - Thurs 27 Volleyball SI Champs - Fri 28 - Sun 2 International Students Hanmer FT - Fri 28	Week 6 3 Poutūterangi - 7 Poutūterangi BIO201 FT to Temple Basin (All week) Lincoln Uni Visit (Lunch) - Mon 3 Rowing - SISS - Thurs 6 - Sun 9 Athletics Sports - Thurs 6 DVC101 FT to Ko Tāne Waka
Assembly -  Mon - Nil - Ako Conferences Wed - Full School - Leadership Badges (Sports and Cultural)	Assembly -  Mon - Year 13 (PAC) Wed - Full School (Aroha)
Meeting  Mon: TWH Markbook set up in 104 for HoLA's/HoDs who need support Tues: Staff Thurs: Nil	Meeting  Mon: Junior HOD's Tues: Learning Area Thurs: New staff - Assessment

Information for Staff

1. Thank you for all of your feedback as we start to determine the new criteria and terminology for our upcoming LEF's.

The timeline for the year will be out next week, and staff meeting on Tuesday will begin with looking at LEF's indicators and the use of recognitions on Kamar. The discussion has been around 'expectations' - which aligns not only with Learning expectations but our overall 'high expectations' push.

If someone is to 'exceed expectations' in your Learning Area, think about what would this would look like from a learning perspective. We will get your thoughts so the final format can be communicated to whānau and our ākonga.

2. On a separate note Here is a good article about building AI literacy for teachers, which includes a link to a free course on AI basics for teachers.