Nigel Latta At Waihi College

Nigel Latta

Last night Waihi College had the priviledge of hosting well know New Zealand Nigel Latter for a presentation solely for teachers.  Thanks to the NZEI who where to funder of Nigel's talk.  

I find it hard not to like Nigel Latta - he has quick wit and a cheeky nature.  Teachers in attendance were highly entertained.  But more importantly I believe that Nigel has a good head for the realities of dealing with young adolescents.  His psychologist background and vast experiences with 'troubled' youth means that he looks for ways ahead.  

There were some key messages that have stuck with me since his talk.  They were...

1. Behaviour is Communication.  That is that the way students behave (and misbehave) is a form of communication.  This I thought was very valid for me as a teacher.  I can see that students that are struggling, bored or not engaged are the students most likely to struggle with their behaviour.  
2. Punishment does not equal punitive.  Nigel had a clear message that students need to understand the natural consequences of their actions.  But that teachers/administrators need to be human about their approaches.  
3. That the most important thing with relationships with teachers is to be personable and fair.  

It was an excellent evening out.  Nigel pushed an up and coming TV series on science (which looks excellent).  

Another small thing worth mentioning is his use of 'Keynote' programme instead of PowerPoint - it was excellent (I think that there may be some self directed PD on this product ahead for me).  

This post is related to RTC# 5. show leadership that contributes to effective teaching and learning

 and RTC #8. demonstrate in practice their knowledge and understanding of how ākonga learn

Celia Lashlie RIP

Celia Lashie

This is a post to remember a passionate New Zealand with a sound sense of fairness and pragmatism.  Celia passed away on Monday after a battle with pancreatic cancer.   

I had the fortune of meeting Celia a decade or so ago.  I was a teacher at an all boys high school when she produced her book "Hell Be OK: Growing Gorgeous Boys into Good Men".  She underwent a year of promotion and that included a night in Hamilton.  

I can remember being very impressed with both her style and substance.  It wasn't until recently with the publicity of her passing that I have found that Celia was the first female prison guard in a all male prison.  I think that is a strong indication of her determination.  And I think that seeing the result (prison) of neglect in the raising of kiwi boys was a key motivation for her.  


The key thing that I remember of Celia's presentation was that she described how in NZ we wrap our boys up in cotton wool.  That is that risk is removed from adolescence (no climbing trees or bullrush etc).  And that the first time that a lot of young kiwi boys get to risk things solo is behind the wheel of a car.   This resonated extremely strongly with me as I was lucky to survive a crash into a river when I was 19.  She was describing much of what my childhood had been like. 

I've checked our staff section of the library and seen that we have no copy of her books.  I've ordered one.  


This post was just simple to remember one of the good ones.  

New Entrant Parents Want

Enrollment Interviews

One of the most enjoyable parts of my role last year was meeting the year six students and families as they came to the College for their enrollment interviews.  It is amazing how positive and excited the students (and parents) are about starting their time here at Waihi College.  

I have a series of questions that I work through with the families about what makes them tick.  One of the best questions is to ask the parents what it is that they really want for their child over the next seven years.  

Here are a collection of their responses.  The key thing that really stands out for me is how precious their children are to them and how high their hopes are for quality meaningful education.   






This post relates to RTC #1. establish and maintain effective professional relationships focused on the learning and well-being of ākonga.  And RTC #7. promote a collaborative, inclusive and supportive learning environment

NCEA Information Evening

NCEA 101 For Parents

Last night we had a successful evening for parents of students in year 11 - 13.  It was the first NCEA information evening in a while and there was a good turn out.

Here is a copy of the PowerPoint information that we went through with the parents.




There were plenty of questions about the ins and outs of the system.  However the primary message of the night was for parents to be actively involved in the academic progress of their children.  There was an overwhelming interest in knowing how their children are going.

Thanks to Brendan, Leon, Jo for all presenting.  And a special mention for Amy Fry who had her first outing in her role as 'Academic Leader' here at Waihi College.

This post is related to RTC #1. establish and maintain effective professional relationships focused on the learning and well-being of ākonga.