PLD

Contributing to students' well-being through HPE

02/08/2019 I was offered the opportunity to go on a PLD which was conducted at Auckland University. Initially I wasn't to sure what to expect but I was very happy with the information I received. During the PLD we discussed numerous ways in which we can intertwine Health and Physical Education, I was excited to discuss this as I find it is a area I tend to lack in. Gaining new information and having in depth discussions about this was very interesting and positive for me as I felt as if I left the PLD actually learning something.
Something I found really interesting at the PLD was the large difference between primary and secondary teachers about what they thought PE was about, it is clear that as students come through primary it is all about having fun, learning new skills and coordination however as they get older and reach High school we have a totally different meaning behind PE, we want students to develop things like resilience, leadership and a sense of accomplishment and success. As a PE teacher not only was this interesting but it was also a reminder about the mind frame that students may have coming into PE.
Overall the PLD was very rewarding, it was good to feel as if I left there with more then I expected and feeling as if I learnt something new.

Teacher - Student Relationship

Relationships - Why are they important? Do they make a difference? Student feedback, feed forward.

At the end of term 2 I sat with my Kaitohutohu and asked them to think, pair and share with others about the importance of forming teacher - student relationships and how this can impact their learning at Papakura High School. These students are year 9, first year in high school, trying to understand a new way of learning, with numerous teachers who they have never met before.
I gave them 2 questions to think about and answer and these were the statements they came up with in their pairs (refer to photos).
Based on all the answers provided it is fair to say, teacher - student relationships play a huge part on the learning and motivation of so many of the students at this school, the ability to trust an adult they don't know plays a huge part in the amount of learning they are doing and this is an issue we all need to be aware of.
'So you can learn in class' and 'so kids want to come to school' are only 2 of the answers to the question 'Why is it important for students and teachers to have a positive relationship?', this is important feedback for myself as it not only reflects my 2019 inquiry about the importance of building relationships but also on the importance of ensuring I am taking the time to build meaningful relationships with each of my students in order for them to be successful learners.

' No significant learning can occur without a significant relationship ' - James Comer

Coaching with meaning

Coaching is important, it is fun, it builds character and it displays numerous characters of a leader both good and bad. My year 12's and 13's have been offered the opportunity to coach the Rosehill Satellite students as part of an assessment they are completing and what a blessing in disguise this has been.

The students have gained so much learning from this. Not only have they had to adjust numerous activities to cater to the special group or individuals they have been given, but they have also had to display a large range of attributes that are not often portrayed in our school due to many reasons. The students have displayed compassion, empathy, patience, acceptance and most importantly, joy while coaching these students. Each student is unique, has special requirements and faces their own daily challenges yet they come to our sessions with a positive attitude, a smile that brightens a room and the ability to touch so many students in 1 day.

As a teacher this has also been a huge learning for me as it has allowed me to see a different side of so many of the students I teach, I have been able to witness the growth that comes from such a rewarding experience and the respect I have for each of my students has amplified. I am so happy I took this opportunity for my students and will continue to watch them grow as people and learners. 


I have uploaded a short fun video of one of my students who was singing and dancing as a warm up to her lesson. The smiles on the students speak a million words.

Matariki

Haka Waiata Competition at Papakura High School

Coming up to Matariki our whanau groups at school have been working very hard on the school Waiata and Haka. In week 9 there will be a competition, all whanau groups will perform both these items and will be judged to decide on a winner. I am excited that I will get to be a part of this experience and perform with my whanau. I have also enjoyed watching how our groups come together to be a part of such a significant time of the year specifically for our Maori students. Celebrating Maori success and allowing Maori students to be leaders is a great way to provide positive pathways for our students.
I think this portrays the importance of cultural acceptance in our school and enhances the relationships we have with all students.

I have uploaded the haka to show how much effort these ladies put into it. As a Maori teacher, it is a proud moment to watch students you teach lead with such passion and commitment.

Trust and team building

The importance of building relationships with the students of Papakura High School.

Not only does this create trust between students and teachers, but it allows myself as a teacher to be approachable and respected.

'No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care' - this is one of my most favorite quotes which I hope is a reflection of the way I teach.

Since starting at Papakura High School, I spent numerous days working on building relationships with the students in my classes, to not only make teaching easier, but to make learning more positive within the classroom. One thing I have noticed is that the students of Papakura are more likely to engage and complete work when they respect the person in front of them. Building relationships looks like many things. This photo I was on camp with 30 students, we went kayaking and instead of being in front of the class teaching them, I was beside them learning. It was rewarding to watch students in a different environment and am a strong believer on the importance of creating positive respectful relationships with students.

Create, share and learn

Google Slide - PLD 10/06/19

    A google slide that provides literacy strategies for people to use within their classes. During this PD we spoke about the importance of creating activities and sharing them with each other so that others can also utilize this strategy if possible, or they can make slight adjustments for the benefit of the students. My favorite activity was Frayer activity. Students have to chose a word from a list they must then define it in their own words, provide facts about the word, then use words or images to give examples and non-examples. I though this was great as it allows students to gain a more in depth understanding about specific and important words in classes.
I found this PLD very interesting, as a PE teacher it can be difficult to implement certain literacy strategies when in the gym, however I was introduced to some very basic but educating strategies that I can't wait to utilize. 

Hillary Outdoors

What an experience! 30 kids, 3 staff, 5 days.
Before, during and after I was learning and trying to take in knowledge. Forms, travel expectations, school expectations, new students, health and safety, budgeting, the works! Sunday 12th May we left and returned Friday 17th May.
Negatives - 1 student got injured
Positives - New relationships formed with students I won't get to teach. Knowledge on how trips work. Ability to learn what needs to be changed in order to improve for next year. Watching students challenge themselves, grow and succeed.

Overall the trip was a blessing in disguise. I was able to witness the growth of so many student all while I was growing as well. Expectation vs reality, WOW I expected it to be difficult and challenging but in reality it was easy going and super rewarding. I look forward to improving this trip next year and taking more opportunities when presented with them