Kia ora koutou katoa

Iona Holsted, Secretary of Education

This is a powerful whakataukī and a challenging one. Thank you for the work you have done in the past year against a backdrop of three years of disrupted learning, coupled with many communities being under considerable pressure.  

Many of you have been involved in initiatives to get children and young people present, participating and progressing in their learning. Tai Tokerau schools and kura came together to launch Let’s Get to School Tai Tokerau, a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of regular attendance. A focus on strengthening connections with whānau and the wider community is having a positive impact on attendance at schools such as Waltham School and Addington Te Kura Taumatua in Ōtautahi Christchurch. And many of you are involved in removing barriers to ākonga engagement through the provision of breakfast programmes; participation in Ikura | Manaakitia te whare tangata (free period products); Ka Ora, Ka Ako | Healthy School Lunches; Duffy Books in Schools, and provision of (or support to get) digital devices.

This year has also presented opportunities to reflect on what we’ve all learned as we’ve navigated the pandemic, and what we might do differently going forward. To support this learning, Erika Ross and Steve Lindsey interviewed school leaders across the country to capture their experiences of leading their communities through Covid-19. Many talked about exploring new ways to engage their students and families, giving students more agency, making wellbeing a priority, and recognising the importance of collegial support.

I was pleased to hear a number of the interviewees describing strengthened relationships with their local
Te Mahau team. Growing these relationships and improving the support that we provide to you through Te Mahau will continue to be our priority for 2023.

Thank you again for your mahi this year. Please take the time over the summer to rest, reconnect, and do the things that refresh and recharge you. 

Ngā mihi nui

Iona Holsted,
Secretary for Education