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. 

Retiring Teacher - Herald Article

Retiring Head of Science - St Paul's Auckland

NZ Herald - Brian Stevenson

It is always with interest that I observe teachers who are retiring, especially if they've been part of the teaching professional for a long time.  Today's New Zealand Herald highlights the retirement of one Science Teacher from Auckland Brian Stevenson.  

Brian is a rare kind of teacher these days in that he's only ever taught at one school - 36 years at St Paul's.  To me that is a very long time in one place and something that is very rare.  

Brian sounds like a very passionate kind of a teacher - he'd come to the profession later on in his life and like me finds the role very intrinsically rewarding;

"The most rewarding, I think, is probably when they become young adults in their last two years. And boys you've seen who have occasionally had quite a bit of fun at your expense as a junior suddenly become human."

It was interesting with our recent round of interviews with our 2015 student leaders - the comments about how they've matured in their time here at Waihi College from their junior years.    This is something that as a newbie here at the college I'm looking forward too - that longitudinal experience in the school.  

Finally Brian offers some advice to those about to enter the profession?

"You've got to be used to the idea that teenagers are not the same as adults, so you are not always going to get logical behaviour."

This is reminiscent to me of some wise words I had as a younger teacher.  You can anticipate that teenagers will do some dumb random things then you won't take them personally when they happen.  

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

Merry Christmas

Thanks For 2014 
Well this post makes the end of the 2014 academic year here at Waihi College.  This year has been a terrific learning experience for me as my first year in the role of Learning Leader here at the school.  I have tremendously enjoyed the experience.

I'd like to express my gratitude to the senior leadership team here at the College.  To Alistair for his open approachable leadership and encouragement in my work.  To Heather and Brendan for their support and encouragement over these three terms.

Here is the global years plan (as at mid December 2014) for next year.


I hope you all have a fantastic break, a festive Christmas with loved ones and we all return 2015 renewed and enthused for a great year ahead.

Cheers Justin.

Long Term Planning

Nice Example of Teaching the Student
This is a nice story from the US - a teacher with a real passion for teaching.

Just For Fun

Modern Learning Environments Part Two

Break Out Space With Computers - Papamoa

School Visits
Over the last two weeks I have had the privilege of travelling to visit some recently constructed school blocks.  All of the modern Ministry of Education classroom blocks are in the format of large open spaces (there are no isolated classrooms being constructed anywhere).  
There are two key reasons for this.   The first is the practical/financial factor that there are fewer corridors and other such wasted spaces.  The second is the trend towards a more collaborative learning environment.   

Removable Walls - Papamoa

The first school we visited was Papamoa College.  This is a new school (currently in their fourth year).  They are a very similar school to us here at Waihi College.  Year 7-13, middle decile, with a similar demographic of Maori/Pakeha.  Papamoa College was created in response to the population growth in the Tauranga/Mount area.  Their common spaces are for year levels - all the science, maths, English and social studies taught in same space.  Four teachers all teaching year 9's and 10's in their 'house' groups.  

Open Plan Teaching Space - Papamoa

It is hard not to be impressed with the facilities at Papamoa.  They have a great physical environment located next to the Gordon Spratt reserve they have access to wide expanse of fields.  The school buildings are well appointed modern design angled for the sun.  The day we visited was a howling windy day - but inside you wouldn't have noticed. 

Papamoa College is also very similar to Waihi College in that they've adopted learning by inquiry and relevant context as their primary pedagogical driver.  They see the modern learning environment as a means of enhancing that style of learning.  

Learning Commons - Papamoa

Large Moving Doors - Te Kuiti

Our second school was Te Kuiti down in the King Country.  This is a smaller school only year's 9-13.  They have constructed a large space for three English teachers.  It was effectively three large classrooms and two 'breakout' spaces (each of which is probably big enough for a small class).  


There was a large communal staff work space/resource room and two internally accessed unisex toilets.  Two of the classrooms were plumbed for a water supply.  

Staff Workroom From Class - Te Kuiti

North Facing Deck - Te Kuiti

Te Kuiti's building was more traditionally styled and fitted in well with the current older buildings.  Papamoa College was definitely a modern style building.  Both were well fitted with modern technology in mind.  



The question for us here at Waihi College is what would work best for us here with our students?  We have the funding here for our new buildings (which will be two block each housing four classes) and work should begin late 2015.  It was great to take along Shannon and Fiona representing staff to gather their thoughts on the project.  

Thanks to both Te Kuiti High School and Papamoa College for the opportunity to come and see the schools.  Both of which were very impressive and spaces the students and staff can be proud of.  

This post relates to RTC # 7. "Promote a collaborative, inclusive and supportive learning environment."

Modern Learning Environments

Waihi College's New Block
You may be aware but we have just been granted by the MOE a little over $2 million to upgrade our classrooms here at Waihi College.  The intent is to replace the prefab buildings that make up P1 through to P10.  These will be replaced over two stages and replaced by two modern learning blocks.  
Modern learning environments are not actually that modern - the idea has come a long way from when we had the infamous 'Nelson Blocks' of the 70's.  

Here is a link to a post that I did when I visited Mission Heights Junior High in September with some photos of what they've created up there.  


Here are three videos on what the changing environment can do.  Although this is about an existing classroom not a new block it is a good watch.  

The first video is the set up of the situation.  Predominantly it made me realise that although P10 is an older prefabricated building in need of demolition - this guy had it harder (36 students in one classroom - ouch).  However when I watched I could see what looked very similar to the rectangle spaces we have here in New Zealand.  

The second video is about the transformation.  This is the one that made me think about my own space - especially made me think of when I started teaching and everything was in single desk rows.

The third video is the finished product.  The space was definitely an improvement and you can see that it is far more functional.  

So now as a member of staff you may not know if you're one of those who will be teaching in the new block when it is built.  But this is a good opportunity for you to consider the space you teach in currently.  Reflect upon the way that that space adds to the learning that is taking place.  Are there simple things that can be done to improve your learning space.  For example in that above videos the classroom was originally full of furnishings that had been accumulated over time - the space was cluttered and dysfunctional.  Clearing out space is a way to change that.  

This post relates to RTC # 7. promote a collaborative, inclusive and supportive learning environment

Teachers Collective Views Quality Lessons at Waihi College

Quality Delivery of Lessons
It was great to see the consistency of ideas across our collective staff.  This was evidenced by the common themes on the posters we created in our morning pd this term on the 22nd October (see this link to that pd).

The idea of a shared understanding of quality practice is a vital part of a modern learning environment.  

Here is a summary document of all our groups brainstorming...




Most groups identified key themes that;
Bring quality feedback (and feed forward) to the learning experience.  That is to enable the student to clearly understand where they are at and where they can get to in their development across all curriculum areas.  
Similarly all groups identified the ingredient of classroom management.  That students need that safe structured environment to learn.  Some groups drilled down in to how to create these environments.  None of the groups were looking at overtly strict (well none identified that).  Rather there was clear indications of ways of achieving this.

I'm hoping that these ideas are ones that we can collectively build upon over the coming professional development sessions and that this activity will stimulate a greater interest in the ways that teachers are approaching these ideas.  

This post is related to RTC#1. establish and maintain effective professional relationships focused on the learning and well-being of ākonga & RTC#  4. demonstrate commitment to ongoing professional learning and development of personal professional practice

Interview With BOT Trustee

Interview with Mark Skinner

This week I had an opportunity to spend some time with Mark Skinner from the Board of Trustees.  Mark is the father of two students here at Waihi College; Liam (year 9) and Tasmin (year 7).  Mark is an accountant and is a partner/consultant at Waihi Accounting & Taxation Services.

History With Waihi College
Mark is a product of Waihi College himself and attended form form one to seven (as it they were known back then).  He must have been a great student as he boasted that he never got a detention in his time here.  That is a claim which may be disputed by Brent, Norm, or Jill as they were on staff when Mark was a student here.  Also Mark started with Carlene on the same day as year 7's in the same homeroom D2 - in fact it was the same room that she teaches from.  

Mark in the back row.  

Mark remembers his start here at Waihi College as "a bit daunting back then you just turned up on the same day."   

Time On BOT
This is Mark's second year (first term) prior to his election he was involved as a parent as part of sport and action work.  He describes his reason for standing as "I'm hands on and want to be involved in my students education."  






Reflections On His Own Teachers
Marks main memory was that teachers connected with the kids really well.  "They showed an interest.  I had lots of great teachers.  I enjoyed them when they were different I remember fifth form poetry we did Wilfred Owen (It is honorable to die for one country) I used this for school cert - I didn't think that I'd answer poetry section."  He also recalls the climate and culture here at the college; "The school had a good feel everyone got on well.  Teachers were involved in the community which was a big plus."


What Great Teaching Looks Like
For Mark he believes great teaching is about getting the best out of our students (done through connection with them).  "Challenge the students to do their best.   I think that not being solely academic focused is good social and sporting sides are just as important for our students going into the real world."


This post relates to RTC#1. "Establish and maintain effective professional relationships focused on the learning and well-being of ākonga i) engage in ethical, respectful, positive and collaborative professional relationships with:  ākonga, teaching colleagues, support staff and other professionals, whānau and other carers of ākonga" 

This post is the first in a series of posts that I will do focused on some non teaching key stakeholders and what Waihi College and quality teaching means to them.