Tārai Kura, September 2023 Pānui 20
By Diana Wilkes •
Tēnā koe and welcome to the September Tārai Kura pānui. The theme this month is around cultural sustainability. Our feature article by Kim Rogers (Ringa Whao, Tārai Kura) and Hayley Read (Tumuaki, Whangārei Intermediate School), explores the significance of including Māori cultural narratives in school environments and educational programmes, and the way in which Whangārei Intermediate School is embracing this kaupapa.
We also share the first of three articles that feature some amazing tips from active principal advisors about how schools are moving towards giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The article is shaped around five questions and the panelist responses – which are based on their interactions with, and support of, beginning principals across the motu. This week we share Part 1: ‘Engagement with whānau Māori and mana whenua’. Look out for Part 2: Being a school in Aotearoa, in the October pānui.
In her article, Dr Judy Bruce (Ringa Whao, Tārai Kura) provides highlights from three recent research projects in Aotearoa that have been exploring the ways in which school spaces support the implementation of culturally responsive pedagogies (CRP) within innovative learning environments (ILEs).
As we all begin to explore Te Mātaiaho | the refreshed New Zealand curriculum, understanding the additional affordances it offers us can be a real win-win! So we take a brief look at how the Readiness Tool can bring clarity to developing and/or improving cultural sustainability in schools as leaders implement Te Mātaiaho.
Lastly, if you are interested in learning more about cultural sustainability you may find this month’s Change Kete excerpt useful.
If you are new to Tārai Kura, you may like to check out our website https://www.taraikura.nz/ for other stories related to cultural sustainability, as well as topics related to future focused innovation and design in schools.
Many thanks to all the contributors of this pānui issue.
Ngā mihi
Tārai Kura Ringa Whao